CAREFREE TRUTH
Carefree Truth #313
Carefree Truth
Issue #313, March 31, 2014
Mayor David Schwan reported that Vice Mayor Les Peterson, Michael Krahe, members of Town staff, and he had generated a guide to proceed with plans for the economic development of the downtown commercial core, shown on the 1st slide in the video. Part 1 involves working with Ed Lewis on the Easy Street Project, a building with mixed commercial and residential aspects, possibly including a satellite of the Phoenix and/or Heard Museums. The second part focuses on Town initiatives such as marketing and communications, equitable sewer rates, an events/festivals calendar, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) bike lane/framework study, and attracting businesses. The third part is the formation of a "Village Committee", composed of commercial property owners, merchants, residents, and members of Town Council and Town staff, which would hold agendized public meetings.
Vice Mayor Peterson continued the report. Areas that could be improved were discussed at a meeting in January attended by merchants, commercial property owners the Mayor, Vice Mayor, Gary Neiss, and Michael Krahe. Some ideas will be implemented in the immediate future, while others will be considered by the Committee. A Vision and Branding Statement will be drafted that is specific to the downtown commercial area, utilizing the Urban Land Institute's (ULI) suggested term "village".
Should the art museums decide not to locate here, alternative options will be explored. Entranceways and signage creating a sense of place are areas of improvement recommended by the ULI. Weekend activities and festivals bring approximately 90,000-100,000 people into Carefree during the Season, yielding a significant economic impact. Ideas for events that would attract both locals and tourists on weekday evenings and during the "shoulder season", such as a Wednesday night concert series in the Garden, are being investigated. A potential unified "look" for the downtown is being discussed. The MAG bike lanes and safety related issues will be kept in mind when looking at any potential physical innovations. Improved communications are being sought between residents, merchants, landlords, the Town, and tourists.
The Easy Street Project is on its own timetable which the Town does not control, but it was decided to budget for expert advice in the coming fiscal year, so Carefree could move ahead with that which can be done in the very near future. While input is being actively solicited, ultimately the Town will take the lead.
Vice Mayor Peterson said up to $400,000, and it may be less but that is an unknown at this juncture, should be adequate to hire top notch experts. Councilwoman Melissa Price said she didn't remember a figure that high being discussed. Councilman Glenn Miller pointed out that $200,000 of that is earmarked for MAG bike lanes. Gary Neiss confirmed that, stating it is Carefree's share of the construction cost of bike lanes throughout the entire length of the Town's arterial roads, and is part of the 2.9 million dollar MAG grant given jointly to Carefree and Cave Creek. It will be used towards grading, drainage, the addition of asphalt, and re-striping. The design and engineering segment has already been paid.
Councilman John Crane clarified that because construction of the bike lanes might be implemented during the 2014/15 fiscal year, it had to be included in that budget in order for the money to be available. Mr. Neiss agreed, saying the project will begin on the cusp of the 2014/15 and the 2015/16 fiscal years, so must be budgeted. MAG hires the contractors and controls the timing.
The Vice Mayor reminded the Council and audience that "residents are investing in their surrounds". 2.2 million dollars have been budgeted for road maintenance and improvements during the past fiscal year and the present one, and these improvements should last a long time.
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
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