Carefree Truth

Issue #221, February 20, 2013

 

 

 

The third question was posed by Karen Smith-Lovejoy, who was there on behalf of the citizenry. "On a scale of 1-10, how critical is it to you that we fill those storefronts, that we work on economic development, on a scale from 1-10?" Part 2 of her question was, ""With all the talk of us being conservative, rightly so, on our reserves, and how important that is, are you as a candidate willing to spend money on economic development to fill those storefronts and bring new businesses into town? So, how do you rate it from 1-10, 10 being the highest, and are you willing to propose that we spend money on that?"

 

 

 

Les Peterson gave it a 9, saying it is a critical issue. Due to Carefree's low density and small population, large chain stores are not interested. We need to identify the sorts of retailers suited to the area and aggressively pursue them. If incentives are provided, the cost to benefit ratio, even if it is long term, must be considered. More restaurants, staple goods for residents, and high end shops for visitors is the mix he suggested.

 

 

 

Councilman Michael Farrar gave it a 9, agreeing it is critical. He said that he is a commercial Real Estate broker, and can't find a national franchise to come to Carefree, which lacks the demographics and is seasonal. Until credit eases, it's difficult for small retailers and start-ups to expand. Promoting a business friendly environment, public works projects, and festivals are good tools. It's easier to convince a potential tenant to locate somewhere if the parking lots are full.

 

 

 

Mayor David Schwan gave it a 10. He said that the most important element we lack is critical mass. We need more restaurants and more businesses. A major impediment to that goal is that while there are good landlords, many are refusing to work with tenants, openly stating that they won't rent their space out for less than they were getting in 2005; they would rather let the stores sit empty. He suggested presenting tenants and trying to work together, but the Town can only talk to potential tenants about locating here. They can't control those business decisions. Moderator Tim Reilly asked about the Ed Lewis condo/retail project which was approved when Ed Morgan was Mayor. Mayor Schwan said the Town has talked to Mr. Lewis, who said 3 things must happen before he starts. He requires new financing, an improved economy, and he needs to remarket the project. The Mayor pointed out that it is fortunate the project was not started before the crash and left unfinished.

 

 

 

Councilman John Crane gave it a 10. Economic viability depends on storefronts being filled. Improvements to the downtown core attract people. He stated that merchants must be included in the discussions, as they know their customers and what draws them, but we must also create amenities that will draw our citizens. They all need to be part of the process.

 

 

 

Councilman Mary Saltzman gave it a 9, but added that he grades on a curve, with not burning down the town being a 10, providing a moment of levity in a serious evening. He noted that Real Estate fundamentals are involved. If rents are too high for the revenue that can be generated, the storefront will be empty. He asked what can be done to improve the "value of the dirt" so revenues will be higher, and said the Town is already doing that by spending "smart money" on public improvements. Branding and identity are vital; people have to be coming up to Carefree because it is Carefree. Festivals bring a lot of people town, giving exposure to the businesses here. Once they see our what our town has to offer, some are likely to return. "It's all about branding and identity, and waiting for the market to come back."

 

 

 

Vice Mayor Melissa Price gave it a 10. She said that ten years ago when she came here, Carefree was a ghost town. She feels the best way to proceed is to partner with businesses and with donors. She reminded anyone who wants to make donations to think about the Town, and added that the donations are tax deductible. The Vice Mayor would definitely spend money to make the downtown vibrant and to fill the storefronts.

 

 

 

Councilman Glenn Miller gave it a 10, with the proviso that it is based on what the Town can spend. He felt that what has been spent is "good money", and that spending must continue to be based on revenues and expenses. He feels the condo/retail project is important. It would bring people here, people would be living in the downtown core, and more nightlife would be generated.

 

 

 

Michael Krahe gave it a 100 on a scale of 10. He said Carefree must continue on the current path, and that what has been done is wonderful. Together we can find solutions that work for all of us. A marketing plan doesn't work if people come but don't return. "We have to put the hammer down on two pedals, in my opinion, marketing and business development." He wants to create an actionable and specific plan. "I have done it before, and I want to do it for my town." He pointed out that he lives here and has a business here. "I've got skin in the game. I want to see this town thrive, not suffer and dwindle." Enhance the process we have now, and decide what business mix we want. Once this is determined, it is easier to implement. He also suggested that there may be people in Carefree who know CEOs of companies that would be desirable additions to that mix. He added that sometimes it's all about who you know.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21ViNXG3b_w

 

 

 

Tomorrow, I will be sending out Letters from Readers, as that is getting quite full, and there are some events included that are happening this weekend. Question #4, and the closing statements will be following in the next two issues, so stay tuned.

 

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

Visit our website at www.carefreetruth.com

If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list please contact me, and feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list. See what businesses and services Carefree has to offer at http://www.carefree-az-businesses experiencethedifference.com. Please support our merchants. Visit our Carefree Desert Gardens website at http://www.carefree-desert-gardens.com/Carefree_Desert_Gardens/Welcome.html