Bend it like Becker: Scottsdale resident scores minor victory
But Scottsdale removes 70 tons of brush from property
by Barry Cohen

SCOTTSDALE – A Maricopa County Superior Court judge late last week handed north Scottsdale resident Henry Becker a minor victory in his long‑standing feud with Scottsdale.

Judge Margaret Downie issued a stay of the city’s abatement action to remove numerous outdoor displays from Becker’s undeveloped property along Happy Valley and Pima roads.

The city calls the displays “blight and debris,” but Becker maintains the various objects are commissioned works of art. The displays consist of colorful candy cane‑shaped poles, geometric objects and other items.

A Scottsdale City Court judge on June 28 granted the city permission to remove the displays along with numerous brush piles claimed to be a fire hazard. The city opted to postpone by two weeks removing the outdoor displays in order to give Becker an opportunity to seek legal recourse. The city, however, moved forward with its abate‑ ment action concerning the brush piles.

City‑contracted crews on July 17 removed 70 tons of brush from Becker’s property, said Scottsdale spokesman Mike Phillips. The city has said they will send Becker a bill for the cost to remove the brush piles. Phillips said he did not know the cost to remove the brush piles because the city has yet to be billed for the work.

Judge Downie gave Becker’s attorney and Scottsdale until Aug. 4 to file their respective arguments concerning the removal of the outdoor displays.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com.