Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Paradise Valley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues in development
Five Star Development Bankruptcy Plan Vote
Resident and former council member Paul Dembow criticized leadership over the bankrupt project, calling for a clear plan to protect the town's interests.
Miralina Resort Special Use Permit
The resort market inside the Kimpton Miralina wants a state license to sell beer and wine in sealed packages for off-site consumption. The Council endorsed it with no opposition.
Hillside development review and enforcement
A solar application exposed a gap: the town can't force a roof recoat unless the work touches 50% of the roof, leaving non-compliant reflective roofs in place indefinitely. The chair wants the Planning Commission to fix the code, and a work session is set for May 21.
Phoenix Country Day School sports field and court expansion
The school wants to renovate its baseball field, build a new Wellness Center, and add two digital information signs at its Stanford Drive campus. The council approved the Statement of Direction unanimously — the Planning Commission weighs in by April, and the council makes the final call in May.
DoubleTree Resort expansion and stipulation cleanup
A September 9 neighborhood meeting required by the resort's SUP drew about 15 residents, with complaints about parking on Jackrabbit Road, box trucks unloading, and confusing driveway exits. Staff forwarded the signage concerns to the town engineer.
SmokeTree Resort construction and water supply
The long-planned SmokeTree Resort rebuild on Lincoln Drive is about a year behind but moving again: demolition is done, and the developer aims to finish construction by May 2028 and open in summer 2028. Delays traced to the water provider and a utility cabinet that must be screened or moved.
Five Star development inspection services
The stalled Ritz-Carlton/Five Star project is in bankruptcy, but the town extended inspection contracts so services are ready if construction resumes — while tracking about $31,000 in unpaid reimbursements and discussing when it would halt inspections over delinquency.
Pool remodel and view deck at 6043 N. 42nd Street
A covered patio with a view deck above a remodeled pool, with lighting and stone-reflectivity concerns addressed through stipulations. The deck sits where pool equipment was and meets setbacks.
New residence at 5625 E. Indian Bend Road with stormwater rerouting
An 11,742-square-foot home approved with conditions on dwarf olive plants and roof reflectivity. Extensive drainage infrastructure reroutes stormwater away from a downstream neighbor who has historically suffered runoff problems.
Board and commission appointments
The council filled seats on eight town boards, mostly unanimously — but the mayor's Mountain Preserve Trust picks split the council 5-2 after late interest from a former emeritus member surfaced. Twelve candidates interviewed for a limited number of spots.
Large estate development on Mummy Mountain hillside
A huge new home is planned on Mummy Mountain, just under the 25% floor-area cap. The committee gave concept-stage advice on lighting and lighter accent bands; neighbors will see it again at formal review.
Palm tree removal triggered by major remodel classification
Owners of a Desert Crest Drive home were surprised that their 984-square-foot addition counts as a 'major remodel,' forcing removal of all non-native plants including palms that have stood for 40-50 years. The committee built in a staff-and-chair review as a path to possibly save some trees.