Paradise Valley refines Doubletree Road roundabout design amid persistent safety concerns
PARADISE VALLEY, ARIZONA — September 17, 2018

Paradise Valley refines Doubletree Road roundabout design amid persistent safety concerns

Paradise Valley held second public meeting on controversial Doubletree Road roundabout project with significant community opposition focused on safety concerns, fatalities on the road, and impact on pedestrians/cyclists, with final council vote scheduled for November 15.


Paradise Valley Community Vents Safety Fears Over Doubletree Road Roundabout in Second Public Meeting; Final Vote Looms November 15

Jeremy McConnell, Paradise Valley's Community Development Director and Capital Projects Manager, presented the latest design iteration for the Doubletree Road roundabout project on September 17, 2018, emphasizing how the town had addressed public comments from the first meeting. Yet despite those design modifications—including a south-side sidewalk, delayed construction start, and a monument sign—fifteen residents testified that the project fundamentally fails to address the arterial road's dangerous speeding culture and existing fatality history. The town council did not vote on the project; final approval is scheduled for November 15.

Project Scope and Design Changes

The roundabout project spans Doubletree Road from Grand River to Scottsdale Road. McConnell outlined the general plan directive that called for a standard urban minor arterial cross-section including a three-foot-wide sidewalk, bike lanes in both directions, and landscaping. The design team incorporated multiple revisions based on public input:

McConnell stated: "We had originally proposed to go on the construction starting in October so we took a look at that and we're now proposing to start the project after the holidays." He added that the design team had worked with a traffic engineer to confirm that the roundabout design was appropriate given the road's speed and function.

Public Comment: 15 Speakers, Heavily Opposed

Fifteen residents addressed the council and design team during public comment. The vast majority raised grave concerns about safety, traffic behavior, and the project's alignment with the town's values. Key themes:

  1. Previous fatalities and speeding: Multiple speakers noted that Doubletree Road has been the site of fatal accidents and chronic speeding despite a 30 mph speed limit. One resident observed that drivers regularly exceed 55–60 mph and pass school buses on the west side of the road.

  2. Danger to pedestrians and cyclists: Residents voiced concern that a roundabout would increase conflict between vehicles and vulnerable road users, particularly school children walking or biking. One speaker stated that the sidewalk was requested "not for work and we work with pursuit more making it easier on traffic and continuity," but questioned whether beautification would actually occur.

  3. Tree replacement inadequacy: Multiple residents compared the project's tree plan unfavorably to recent beautification work in nearby Madrid, arguing that the town's design does not match the visual standards achieved there. One resident noted that trees planted when the canal was built "are not eating they're falling down the branches" and have never been replaced, suggesting the town has a poor track record on maintenance.

  4. Drainage and water accumulation: Several speakers raised concerns about existing water pooling and drainage problems in the area, worrying that construction could exacerbate flooding. One resident stated: "I see the pollution on the road that's great East Side of Doubletree he was on fifty six sometimes seven miles you won't see that on the left side Billy do you see 70 miles 60 miles behind West article," indicating perception of severe runoff issues.

  5. Roundabout effectiveness questioned: A resident with experience in other jurisdictions expressed skepticism about roundabout safety in practice, noting that roundabouts "equipped to drowns out and it's like bumper cars and people jumping off nobody knows who the let's go around and pay you the saying when you have children." The speaker suggested photo radar enforcement might be a more effective tool.

  6. Project prioritization: One vocal resident challenged the town's decision to prioritize the Doubletree roundabout when other infrastructure needs—such as drainage fixes—had been deferred for decades. She urged the council to "postpone by dressing or six weeks" to allow time for re-evaluation of project priorities and potential design alternatives.

  7. Process concerns: At least one resident criticized the design-development process, suggesting that the town had already committed to the roundabout concept and was not genuinely open to fundamental redesign. She stated: "if you have a way to complete the design I'm suggesting okay I don't like this if you don't like to find say that as well but the people who really want to talk to are the council members that were going to be to vote for this or not."

Council Member Commentary and Context

One council member (identified in the brief as "Mark Sam," though not clearly named in the transcript) acknowledged that he "did not vote for the funding of this study" but noted the project was now part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). He offered measured support for the design team's work, stating: "He's basically pulp is what he is come back with the design if you don't have to with the design he feels good so if you have a way to complete the design I'm suggesting okay."

The council member also provided historical context, noting that the earlier funding vote was "five to four" (5-4), indicating that passage was close and some council members harbored reservations from the outset.

Opposition

Number of speakers: 15, with the overwhelming majority opposing or expressing serious reservations about the project.

Main concerns:

  1. Roundabout will not address chronic speeding; may increase driver distraction and thus compound pedestrian/cyclist danger.
  2. Previous fatal accidents on Doubletree Road suggest the project tackles a symptom rather than the root cause (speed enforcement).
  3. Tree replacement plan is inadequate compared to other town projects (Madrid was cited multiple times as a superior model).
  4. Existing drainage and water-pooling problems in the corridor may be worsened by construction and should be addressed first.
  5. School children and families living in the neighborhood already perceive Doubletree Road as dangerous; the roundabout may increase perceived and actual risk.
  6. Project prioritization is misaligned; drainage, water, and safety should come before beautification.
  7. The design-development process did not genuinely accommodate requests for fundamental redesign or project postponement; the decision appears locked in despite public concern.

Most compelling arguments: Residents who had direct experience with the road's hazards—particularly those with young children, those who walk or cycle daily, and those familiar with both sides of the road—spoke with conviction about the danger. One resident emphasized the contradiction between the town's safety concerns and its decision to add a feature (roundabout) that might increase driver distraction. The comparison to Madrid's superior tree and beautification outcomes suggested that Paradise Valley's budget or commitment to follow-through was in question. The repeated mention of prior fatalities and the 30 mph speed limit that drivers routinely violate created a narrative that the roundabout is a cosmetic fix to a serious safety problem.

Organized groups: No formal organization or coalition was identified in the transcript. However, residents clearly coordinated on key messages (speeding, fatalities, tree quality, drainage) and several offered multi-point testimony, suggesting discussion beforehand.

Support

Number of speakers: Limited. One resident offered qualified support, noting that while she does not live on Doubletree Road and is not directly impacted, she understands the concerns raised by neighbors. She expressed sympathy for project partners and did not strongly advocate for the roundabout's approval.

The town staff (Jeremy McConnell and the design team) presented the project and its refinements but did not deliver advocacy statements. They answered questions and invited further comments at the display tables after the meeting.

Main supportive arguments: None were delivered directly in support of the roundabout at this meeting. Staff emphasized that they had listened to the first public meeting and made design changes accordingly, which was presented as evidence of responsiveness rather than as an argument for the project's merit.

Project Details

Vote Breakdown

Outcome & Next Steps

No final decision on project approval or denial was made at the September 17 meeting. Jeremy McConnell indicated that staff will finalize the design, contract documents, and construction schedule, with the expectation that the matter will return to the council for a final vote on November 15, 2018. The design team will remain available at the meeting for questions and feedback on the display plans.

One resident explicitly requested that the council postpone the vote by six weeks to allow time for re-evaluation; this request was not addressed by staff or council at the meeting. The project, as currently designed, is expected to move forward to the November 15 vote unless the council receives additional direction or new information prompts a delay.

Controversies & Context

The Doubletree Road roundabout project sits at the intersection of three town priorities: safety, beautification, and traffic management. Yet residents perceive a fundamental mismatch between the project's design and the road's actual problems.

The speeding and fatality history: Multiple residents referenced prior fatal accidents on Doubletree Road and observed chronic speeding (55–60+ mph) despite a 30 mph limit. They questioned whether a roundabout—which may actually increase driver distraction—is the right tool for a road plagued by excessive speed. One resident pointed to photo radar as a more effective deterrent and noted that Paradise Valley's use of photo radar had made her "a better driver." The implication was that the town should prioritize enforcement over infrastructure, or at least consider enforcement in tandem with the roundabout.

Tree and beautification concerns: The comparison to Madrid's recent beautification projects highlighted perceptions that Paradise Valley lacks either the budget or the commitment to execute landscaping at a comparable standard. One resident noted that trees planted decades earlier, when the canal was installed, have never been maintained or replaced, suggesting the town's follow-through on long-term beautification is poor. This casts doubt on promises that the roundabout project will result in durable, attractive greenery.

Drainage and infrastructure backlog: Several residents raised concerns about water pooling and drainage deficiencies in the Doubletree corridor. The implication was that the town should address these foundational problems before spending money on a roundabout. One resident framed it as a choice between fixing root causes (drainage, speed enforcement) and applying cosmetic fixes (beautification, roundabout).

Process and lock-in: At least one resident voiced frustration that the design-development process felt predetermined. Even though staff had incorporated some public feedback, the fundamental concept (a roundabout) was not up for reconsideration. She stated that the council members were "the people who really want to talk to" because they could still decide whether to proceed, but implied that the staff and design team were committed to the roundabout regardless of public sentiment.

Council division: The 5-4 funding vote from an earlier meeting indicated that the council itself was divided on whether to invest in the design study, much less the final project. This foreshadowed the possibility of another close vote in November.

Duration

Key Quotes

"We had originally proposed to go on the construction starting in October so we took a look at that and we're now proposing to start the project after the holidays." — Jeremy McConnell, Community Development Director and Capital Projects Manager

"I love problem it's normal I really do I like the way they function I think I've usually around and a lot of things I like and if they speed things up this is the last thing I do eat up you have more traffic coming through there's no doubt before going down in the one before come across still with me when it's easier to see the autocomplete don't bother so only that I really like I think there's a mistake here this the second thing is beautification and I'll tell you I live in RIT I'm looking for a sign expecting that but I look at Madrid so you're happy and what they've done with trees they're magnets they've put them on a regular basis you can walk down a sidewalk anywhere in Madrid you're in shape it's almost hot there that is here and so much a great is this like this effective treat on your side I would much rather spend the money on more trees on either side of the double tree and have beautiful trees and then save the money to actually been paint." — Resident, comparing Madrid's tree beautification to proposed Doubletree treatment

"I am a homeless but I will write two men loving local council people that is what there were three things that I wanted to support the tipping point it is all about first of all having photo radar on deviltry and made me clean far better driver if this was a month on and on this is a five-year chip I'm cleaning I used to get one regular bike people." — Resident, advocating for photo radar enforcement as a more effective safety tool

The September 17 meeting made clear that Paradise Valley residents and town staff are operating from different problem definitions: the town sees Doubletree Road as needing traffic calming and beautification via a roundabout, while many residents see it as needing speed enforcement and drainage fixes, with the roundabout as either irrelevant or counterproductive to those goals. The November 15 council vote will determine whether the project moves forward despite this mismatch in priorities.

View source transcript ▼

Source: Doubletree Ranch Road Public Meeting #2 — September 17, 2018. Auto-generated YouTube transcript; may contain transcription errors.

[Applause] [Music] [Applause] crying we can't hear you okay I'll talk louder gonna struggle for me but I'm Jeremy McConnell Paradise Valley and actually the Community Development Director but about a week ago I was capital project managers in town and so I'm most important project so I'm here tonight the presentation on a double tree and grow this is our second public key and once back in people so tonight we're going to go through the design the project of the elements in the project of the public comments that we've received and how we were able to address on the line and outline and schedule forward the movie of mine towards the end of the presentation with public comment will actually you speak that some of your comments in three minutes is a lot of people here tonight in July get everyone opportunity to speak our design team is here after the presentation and I could have food comments but I'm not going to go back over to the table you can take a look at the plan interactive question and comment about the coding of your property there's water in buckets you didn't get one so on there just quickly by the entrance please sign in so we have the contact information we push forward with the project penetrating into hoping to move forward and then finally restrooms we went out this door from the back to the rights and interests I'll start with the project limits I think when people look at least in the room that had chance to go online for the material or tend to lack need are familiar with the project limits but essentially the project went over to Grand River from the intersection of double three Indian important to Calvinism and Scottsdale Road so everything here you know the lachman's there's a couple of things that lead towards the design in terms of the elements that are included into the science project and one of them is the general plan for this section of road its unending minor material and our general plan talks about minor and here you'll look at motocross sections look like what elements included process process but that was going to be seeker traveling so our general plan on our pure cross-section column for off the sidewalk three foot wide by cleaning new direction of travel in a new direction that'll actually double three Ranch Road paid them what their part-time essentially just rot you can paint that cross section and extended up with Scott Stover so there's a picture of all of our finer materials that had recently been constructed this cross-section Mockingbird Lane Northern Line hockey Burt has the same type of treatment Mockingbird Lane between the second six treatment drive [Music] which is periodontal therapy I'm showing the [Music] the current public comments from our packing and that helps command without knowing all comments and comments some of which we were able to incorporate into the design project some of which we are heart inappropriate so for example with our very first public get the clothes and sidewalk on the south side and the script stretch that is a problem that is appropriately hearing so we're able we have requests to add a record for road six new metrics for the other key length the walls and lack of right away on this outside of the editor section behind that product wouldn't still purchase private land Rock bad request a trek Terminator the existing southbound Hiller Gordon westbound of the tree Richard with the introduction of right away to accommodate a separate render me drink the overall width of the room or to let me get back on occasion property owners took six inches only with the pikemen direction we were able to take beat out the median in order to basically change the project schedule when packing school year we had originally proposed to go on the construction starting in October so we took a look at that and we're now proposing to start the project after the holidays one will sing fun projects kids will bring destruction we were free of hopscotch over them it's got good over over select menu feature right now there is a fountain if you monument sign off to the right we were able to incorporate that into the design hitting the median [Music] issues recently and our previous meeting additional information received a goal has been written there in three month back and look at the model engineering we're able to confirm that and dress that design also access that we have an updated design tonight probably Jesus all right the table and have a chance to go back over there with the alignments based on the following criteria the traffic calming effectively me access to properties I need the drive recommendations good to be here there in the lactation or provide access above property owners and advocates and making sure that we realign we still have movement pull off prior to the intersecting streets larger complex so what we're cutting up these bingo honchell from previous night we had the plan which was look we should people hold them difference in the width so this is the cross section the road those cross sections north I'm going to swim climb off and with antinea we had a six foot cycling club with drowning welcome I'm Steven Internet and simmer on the other side good night so in order to pull those curves into effect these improper users we change the bike on next week [Music] right now your [Music] if they did brought your schedule in the mission originally a proposed construction throughout the fall and spring we're still working on when we decide we'll be finalizing that action so so far we've been authorized by the staff task completed construction contract consideration and right now we're targeting so put it that true they're looking for that questions or comments to what I'm asking that we live in constantly this per person we are recording the backs of time and we've got the starting to burn myself down throw them from comment we have to agree to do that which piglets enough in the back to make sure that and uncomment that will be around afterwards that well of discussion so it is a question for comic effect probably Faison so the project is people didn't complete the process then the second aspect of that is to track call me that's why we had the override so I [Music] so Wow well [Music] naturally doesn't look better in the eyes of the food guys in seminaries I think Jeremy cut it out we got this desperately mostly I [Music] I think he's down between her shoe I couldn't I didn't Easter that I can get 63 makes you come over 60 minutes 90 minutes have you mr.

box if you go this way how many people will say you know what if I can avoid I in they're going to be appearing on going - good good we're off to 12 thanks to get input right dynamically [Music] I [Music] [Applause] I think I [Music] and I think not that I buy that I so I guy delivery they're very Oh [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] I'm still grounded although higher uncounseled we got to feel like I did not vote for the funding of this study but I would seek it well he's in the CIP which things are simply capital food so if you're upset Jeremy just got this promotion he's a great guy don't shoot him I think we're he's doing a great job and he's basically pulp is what he is come back with the design if you don't have to with the design he feels good so if you have a way to complete the design I'm suggesting okay I don't like this if you don't like to find say that as well but the people who really want to talk to are the council members that were going to be to vote for this or not and I think we personally part of each guys happy so you know that's going to go on there and if you all unhappy or if you have some happy some are speak for council members can come to meeting on November 15 the best when it is that mark Sam is probably the most popular guy in the room and you know he voted for this their best to look at it but I think that he pretty much just everybody who died his mommy like dated one minute because if you're rich the boat was just too fun Bucky I think five to four for for finding five anyway it's basically this kind of money to look at it and part of the sketchy so it's not a nothing to work but I think the book can good changes whole of other argument to make for a long time but the people the shooter okay that's all if I take you through the great job way [Music] [Applause] I just like to ask why we are not [Music] [Applause] okay I believe I have to come first I love problem it's normal I really do I like the way they function I think I've usually around and a lot of things I like and if they speed things up this is the last thing I do eat up you have more traffic coming through there's no doubt before going down in the one before come across still with me when it's easier to see the autocomplete don't bother so only that I really like I think there's a mistake here this the second thing is beautification and I'll tell you I live in RIT I'm looking for a sign expecting that but I look at Madrid so you're happy and what they've done with trees they're magnets they've put them on a regular basis you can walk down a sidewalk anywhere in Madrid you're in shape it's almost hot there that is here and so much a great is this like this effective treat on your side I would much rather spend the money on more trees on either side of the double tree and have beautiful trees and then save the money to actually been paint because if you notice on the east side of improv or north the Double Tree if we're the old canal the mountain height and there's all those trees were planted fit but I walk that every day I walk I'm by your house so I don't you know double shoot that dog and okay the trees are not eating they're falling down the branches the phone or they died whatever plant died good never replace so what was planted when the pipe is put up and she less than half look back let's go back sliding much relevance see somebody they replaced them [Music] they didn't compliment me anyway and they're neither kind of thing there's one kid that's apparently the work that he think the burden [Music] but what is the actual of it okay that's what a bunch of aperture guess budget [Music] this might arterial has a speed limit of 30 seems really unusual alternator - like an unnaturally and their commute that it's not that what drives out we're also utilizing [Music] going 3553 perhaps photo male are coming for there's a much better option what you you send you a drastic drink specific for now why don't we meet about next so religions exactly considered to drive the lane department order to gain traffic long-term larger than that bill important thing we put that articulation rodents return [Music] so why are we like to find a happy incorporates gutter pain as well right during construction streak reveal space baby drive so ruby necklace a necklace back instruction I would think that be relatively negative and I guess anything more than the 2.0 [Applause] so if that's what we're talking about putting up communication I think anyway everything else everybody said and agree but I think we should be thankful [Music] it's okay I want to upset the Queen find dog with him once luckily didn't I my wife and I we talk on homes everything only in my car so we don't feel the dangerous Street it's really dangerous and we think what we can really help is football I said you know my contention and also this molten quality between 3000 and sculpt there the resident folks eyes mrs.

Burton after thanks thanks it's simple from the east and west side fewer homes and again in the postponed face to speak [Music] I [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] morning folks and right next to yeah and then I think my last wing is what actually this Eid has enough projects that we feel little bit construction work Monday so we having this prioritize is different and so is there anybody [Music] reason success that makes family worried because now I bring my family with no one having to make a man we're not waiting at the courtroom now I'm going to be put back from catching hope across there that come on teach me that I can get into the middle and early and my thighs and my dog and wait there before [Music] I know all of the vents that triangle they're scared they don't want to get to school that was carefully has these hundred kids that go to those families live in our neighborhood they do teleprompter is they wanted the sidewalk not for work and we work with pursuit more making it easier on traffic and continuity and then to compare the difference between the it is multiplied oh and if recorded there are no budget there are no facts to say that we can have it look as picturesque as they do there they have to are trees they can have more vegetation because they don't have to worry about the past side of chocolate needing to cut it so it's a misrepresentation of who you're going to look like we have the problem of speed we've already had fatalities and now we're going to encourage that on several trees people are going to back in there so they're seven years I [Music] it's really great so I am home [Applause] [Music] everything that's proposed private property so if you have an anchor I'm Raj world I have a good life link that ate three kinds of thinking you said the town has approved this account who is the town if not how did they get to the town Mart all I think it should maybe listen so the town I see the pollution on the road that's great East Side of Doubletree he was on fifty six sometimes seven miles you won't see that on the left side Billy do you see 70 miles 60 miles behind West article and I've never seen it on these days so I stood out there next to it might have been my script but then when I'm driving people passed me all the time on these side they match the school buses on the west side I don't see anybody have anything to prevent that real slow [Music] they understand where the citizens got more number or break but I would strongly recommend is that it getting on the list we have you probably build 30 or 40 years out business along but these are on this list I mean I won't in support of this project I wouldn't support the for reasons that have had been an attempt tonight pretty much I wouldn't spend the money now he defined loved the project and I think it looks prettier than was there but I wouldn't use something that was said anybody that much but what you need to do there put that council members November 15 because we disagree matter be anything Germans and we're doing the project and staff and finish all of this up and I'm November 15 commanders but I have defined it's going to be some version of this and then you're going to have telling council members we will get it today that's a beautiful this time hunter important and if you have a roomful of people saying that's terrible that I can walking my kids my dog got heavier it will be impossible people to get for this department people well I'm just suggesting that we have a meeting priority to take a book and I'm 1/8 of hearing I can't call up Bill Buchanan's in there and the command manager and the speed of this project and what's going on right now we have to completely P we start this we're not in years council members that but we have like for something I've written about plan thing I'm not so I mean professionals like hear me say here's the project great what we're doing written exam and the best weekend of that to change this design and has to be up or down so that code is just no food but care to me doing this happened it comes back to that boat says good but I don't pull the agenda any Maneri go guess what we can have done the process the process doesn't work that way and wanted to redo it I think they're happy concrete again the project over for now because it sounds like a project of my point I get it so this show [Music] [Applause] [Music] which is all part of the phone list so in that process Larry how we go so the point is very I think having the council looking so it's not per se not everybody same thing so i we do some street we cross the street I I'm here to support like fine developer to declutter not finance America that's all she was important especially time to think I'm here to support a fellow resident that it's very critical for team members to listen and also you there whatever style Olmstead suppressed and then it has the property for a long time and I'm talking with detective eidt various projects and I have to do this a lot of time and so it's nothing new and Greeks out taking on the pit but what I'm trying to get at is I agree with everyone here what you're saying I'm not impacted by the roundabout but I fully understand where you're coming from and I normally do like I'm about the taxes I don't like it where it's going to be nice to traffic and cause for concern and I know exactly what it is drive down that area and a lot of people come in to Papa so you know now you've given me like gold and you know that makes a little bit I think that's going to cause a problem by other than furnace and I think in resistance look at this the money spent on this project have that feed work on payments in intensity because I'm on the lot which there is full of water when you ever drive in that area after doing the next day you will get that full of water so I don't know you know part of the mutation sentence and for somehow that did manage to be in that area some people back here that say well we think the patient will bring it back to the low point where it was and long so forth well it's been my backwards Peters so I rather see from the Baptist I have food into that area I see it also in other areas so I'm like back in to that first rather than this project the other thing is about this tightness I'm an advocate I support but I also read up on the ponies on how to ride bike people on the different trees and II don't really follow the bike because I suppose really have both the Clark farming and the bike lane so they kind of take that advantage and said oh we're a group of bikes good we're going to spread it all out right now when I go down on the website of symmetry I can't avoid them coming back sit there into law school it's all the recruit right now the devices do not go into the bicycle link they say how high they can so mean by clicking the median are now going to have all the way that someone has said well you only ain't thinking the head of the thing by Moses but is activating more for me yes I have a loud voice so I think everyone here made it fun I am a homeless but I will write two men loving local council people that is what there were three things that I wanted to support the tipping point it is all about first of all having photo radar on deviltry and made me clean far better driver if this was a month on and on this is a five-year chip I'm cleaning I used to get one regular bike people - oh yeah I would like sleep on what you get so there you go and I think that that is one of the reasons there are people that will avoid Paradise Valley people as they know that we have total inner behind fault or that even though the three miles an hour maybe not but I am a better driver because it and I pay better attention and around the back of the get-go we tell you like the worst idea oh I've seen roundabouts even in their countries where they're equipped to drowns out and it's like bumper cars and people jumping off nobody knows who the let's go around and pay you the saying when you have children and I salute all of these things I think it's always going to compound the James danger factor for pedestrians because people are focusing on the roundabout Breslin focusing who helps might be preference Peter forever and I became aware that I have a question in Vegas for mana bar your wires we have any pencil just to [Music] you and so there's so many every month and you collect that we did make it so that would end your bug music but how did your posters see the same time and place we're doing those things to ever have a realistic expectation on that one aspirin great cell service no problem you know hopefully we'll get better [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] what is to postpone by dressing or six weeks after we mayor and be and can come and be here