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<\/p>\nScottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky wants to know if it\u2019s time to create a task force to protect Old Town\u2019s interests at city hall. <\/p>\n
Borowsky has called a special meeting of the city council for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, to discuss the issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe city council is considering the formation of a Downtown Task Force to evaluate and refine the Downtown Character Area Plan and current marketing efforts,\u201d Borowsky wrote in an undated letter addressed to the Old Town business community. \u201cIf you are passionate about shaping the future of downtown Scottsdale, I encourage you to attend the summit, and email the city council if you have a desire to serve on the task force.\u201d<\/p>\n
She has invited three speakers to give presentations at the meeting, including: <\/p>\n
\u2022 Joan Fudala, Scottsdale historian and author, on the history of Old Town Scottsdale;
\u2022 Mike Lee, of MLD Worldwide, on visioning how to preserve and enhance Old Town\u2019s tourism; and <\/p>\n
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\u2022 Chris Mielke, owner of Sonipark LLC, on innovative parking solutions.<\/p>\n
Council will then discuss the creation of a 15-person task force made up of property owners, hoteliers and tourism professionals from key districts such as Historic Old Town, Fifth Avenue, the Entertainment District and the Arts District. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis summit is about keeping Old Town special,\u201d Borowsky said in press release disseminated Dec. 31. \u201cWe want to ensure Old Town remains a premier destination for visitors while supporting the businesses and cultural assets that make our city unique.\u201d<\/p>\n
The meeting may have mixed results though. City councilman Barry Graham said he is skeptical of the issue, while councilwoman Maryann McAllen is more receptive to the idea.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think everyone is concerned because (the council) just voted down the contract with the James Agency, which was supposed to publicize Old Town … I think that\u2019s where this came from,\u201d McAllen said. <\/p>\n
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J. Graber
News Editor | Scottsdale<\/p>\n