Carefree Truth

Issue #230, March 27, 2013

 

 

 

Carefree has entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) for the Carefree/Cave Creek Transportation Framework Study.  Gary Neiss explained that this is a boilerplate agreement, and has been reviewed by town attorney Mike Wright, who agrees with its content.  MAG will contribute $225,000, Carefree and Cave Creek will each contribute $5,000, and the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will contribute $25,000. 

 

 

 

Councilman John Crane questioned when the study would be completed.  Mr. Neiss responded that it would begin in late April or early May, and would take approximately 18 months.  He added that this is the first time Carefree has been involved with this type of project with MAG, which has tended in the past to concentrate on the larger cities. 

 

 

 

Councilman Mike Farrar queried Council involvement. Mayor David Schwan explained that Gary Neiss, who is the Carefree Planning Director as well as the Town Administrator, and Ian Cordwell, the Cave Creek Planning Director, are running the project for the two Towns.  Mr. Neiss said that as it progresses, there will be a series of joint CF/CC Council, and CF/CC Planning and Zoning Commission meetings, as well as citizen participation meetings.

 

 

 

Councilman Glenn Miller asked if the visioning was for sidewalks and paths, and if it involved engineering.  Mr. Neiss answered that one aspect includes sidewalks around the Carefree town center arterial streets, and bike lanes extending into Cave Creek, with the potential for bike lanes going into North Scottsdale and North Phoenix, providing a fluid system of connectivity.   No engineering or construction drawings will be included in this preliminary study.

 

 

 

Mr. Neiss told Vice Mayor Melissa Price that the study for bike lanes would cover Tom Darlington Drive, the section of Pima Road in Carefree, Cave Creek Road to Pima, and Cave Creek Road on the west side of Black Mountain to Carefree Highway.  In addition, it will address ways to slow traffic, safe parking for events and festivals, creating a sense of entry, and will provide basic economics for the mutual benefit of the community as a whole. 

 

 

 

It is a multi-faceted plan which will balance the subtle differences and the common threads.  This is a unique study, involving a diverse group of consultants.  Mayor Schwan pointed out that this is an excellent opportunity for the two Towns to work together.  He also lauded the fact that it included outside viewpoints and expertise which would bring fresh ideas to the table.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-Dw0i2P5tg

 

 

Lyn Hitchon   

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

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