Group hopes to have voters weigh in on Axon

Nov. 24—Though Scottsdale City Council approved a rezoning to allow Axon's "corporate campus," the Taser-maker may not be in the clear just yet.

A group led by a former councilman is attempting a Southbridge II-like referendum with a petition to "stop Axon" and "stop what appears to be the largest apartment complex proposal in city with history with nearly 1,900 units."

In early 2020, a Janet Wilson-led protest submitted more than 17,000 signatures to put the Southbridge II development — approved by Council in December 2019 — on the ballot for Scottsdale voters to decide.

Rather than facing that step, Council reversed course and repealed approval for the Old Town apartment complex.

Now, according to the Protect Our Scottsdale website, "We have approximately 30 days to collect the necessary signatures to stop this project for two years and put it to a city-wide vote in 2026."

Protect Our Scottsdale must submit around 15,000 signatures to freeze Axon's plan until a city-wide vote.

Bob Littlefield — a former councilman and husband of Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield, who voted against Axon's rezoning — is the committee's chair.

The Progress asked City Clerk Ben Lane for the number of signatures needed for a referendum; he did not answer by this edition's deadline.

Asked for a comment on Protect Our Scottsdale's effort, Axon founder Rick Smith said, "Axon's new headquarters is a huge positive for the city, the Valley and the state.

"It would be unfortunate if a special interest group costs the city of Scottsdale more than $11 million a year in new tax revenues and thousands of career tech jobs."

Hours after his City Council win, Smith continued his message: "Axon's new global Headquarters will be a win for the community and the economy."

Ashley Ragan is the committee's treasurer, according to a committee statement of organization filed with the city Nov. 20 — hours after Council approved Axon's plan by a 5-2 vote.

Information: protectourscottsdale.com.