Carefree Truth

Issue #420, August 31, 2015

 

 

 

Mayor Les Peterson began the meeting about locations for gateways by saying, "Let us reason together and figure out what's best to do here." 

 

 

 

Gary Neiss said his introductory remarks would frame the discussion and the provide the rational basis for these gateways.  The decision to place gateways "was not done in a vacuum"; there was quite a bit of public involvement throughout the process, starting with the Master Plan created by Michael Baker International, the consulting firm hired to make recommendations for the revitalization of downtown Carefree.  The architects of the Baker Study spoke with citizens, businesses, landlords, and consumers in the market area.  They concluded that the inward facing town center needs a better sense of entry, utilizing primary and secondary gateways.  The Town piggybacked on the bike lanes project to get advice from those engineers, who were also compiling documents, on visibility to focal points, overhead and underground utilities, and land grades.  They helped to define opportunities and limitations associated with each entry point into town.

 

 

 

Carefree built on the Baker Study's appearance concept of gateways, assisted by local architect August Reno.  The size of the columns on the primary gateways effects the locations relative to visibility, utilities, and the grade of the land.  A complex set of objective information was assembled, and a matrix was created to assist the Council in choosing the best locations for primary and secondary gateways.  Green represents opportunities, yellow is neutral, and red shows potential disadvantages and/or increased cost. 

Each location is feasible, but it is a function of the cost to benefit ratio.  Once a decision has been made on the locations, the Town can begin to get quotes, and will have a better idea of the actual costs.  

 

 

 

Councilwoman Melissa Price had several announcements to share, of which most Council members were unaware.  She was happy to announce a very generous offer from Manship Builders, which has been in Carefree since 1995.  Owner Jim Manship is glad to be able to give back for others to enjoy.  Manship will perform the masonry and stonework for each column as shown on the rendering for up to 4 locations.  This includes labor, materials, and equipment.  Mr. Manship also offered his services as project manager at no cost to the Town.  Manship Builders is excited to do their part to enhance downtown Carefree.  Ms. Price said they thanked her for her hard work.  Additional Carefree businesses August Reno, architect; Let There Be Light; and Bertram Signs are providing their services at deeply discounted costs.  She spoke of the "building energy" in town, with people on the streets and in the Gardens, calling it "inspiring".  There was applause for Jim Manship and August Reno, who were in attendance.

 

 

 

Mayor Peterson said the Baker Study generated "Carefree Village Master Plan" denoted the importance of defining key entry points, conveying a sense of identity, and providing information to visitors unfamiliar with the area.  The Mayor believed that all the Council members agree gateways are important communication vehicles, but he felt gateways are not, in and of themselves, the primary means to build traffic or vitality.  While gateways direct people and set the stage, they are not "it".  Visitors are attracted by the Pumpkin Festival, the Christmas Festival, weekend concerts and assorted festivals, etc. 

 

 

 

A major project, utilizing Steven Betts, is underway to work with retailers/developers to strengthen the downtown area, but at this point it is unknown where future development might occur.  Possible options include a boutique hotel on Ed Lewis' north parcel, as well as the re-purposing of existing buildings.  This would have an impact on future gateway locations.  

 

 

 

Even with the donations from generous partners, pricing gateways must include enhancements such as traffic circles, turn lanes, and landscaping.  The Mayor said efficiency is key when spending funds, and the Town must insure that money remains for the necessary enhancements.  He felt that one primary gateway should be constructed on each arterial street (Tom Darlington Drive and Cave Creek Road), directing visitors to the areas you want them to see first.  The Baker Study suggested these areas should include adequate parking, sidewalks, and signage, and that primary gateways be complimented by vertical landmark features located within traffic circles to attract attention from greater distances and denote change.  These nodes provide opportunities for enhancements that can further draw visitors into the town center.  Focal points must be visible from the arterial streets at the primary gateways.  Consideration should also be given to gateway entries that provide connectivity to off-site amenities.  Carefree Drive leads to the Carefree Resort and Conference Center. 

 

 

 

Because where gateways lead can often establish a first impression, they should lead visitors to existing retail and attractions, with future gateways built in tandem with future development.  Mayor Peterson favors a phased approach, as the various projects are on their own timetables over which the Town has no control.  He pointed out the huge downside risk to placing primary gateways where something fails to develop.  Street construction for enhancements is very expensive, and the greater the distance from the gateway to the retail/attraction, the greater the cost for internal enhancements.   The Town could spend several hundred thousand dollars for something that is not needed.  The Mayor wants to support existing businesses, rather than guess at the location of future development. 

 

 

 

Below is the Summary/Comparison from which Mayor Peterson drew his suggestions for 2 primary gateway locations, one at Tom Darlington Drive and Wampum Way, the other at Cave Creek Road and Carefree Drive.  Both locations were the only ones that met all the criteria.  He proposed secondary gateways at the other intersections below, and said future primary gateways, if needed, should be considered based on development as it occurs.   

 

 

 

Councilman Mike Farrar congratulated the Mayor for doing an excellent job of critically examining this issue, giving consideration to cost vs. benefit.  Mr. Farrar added that Steven Betts recommended waiting for future development to occur before building more than 2 primary gateways.  Mr. Betts felt it created incentives for developers if they were given a choice of gateway locations.  Mr. Farrar referred to this as part of the private/public partnership the Town is trying to establish.  He completely agreed with Mayor Peterson's recommendations, and felt the criteria sheet would be useful going forward.

 

 

 

Ms. Price said she knew Mr. Betts advised waiting, but noted that he also said it is ultimately the Council's decision.  She felt interest may be generated because of the projects being implemented.  She agreed that excellent evaluation criteria was used to produce the matrix.  Ms. Price also noted that gateways off of Cave Creek Road would be more costly because overhead electrical lines must be buried.  APS told Councilman Glenn Miller it would cost $208,000. 

 

 

 

To be continued later today in part 2.  The video will be included at the end of part 2. 

 

 

 

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 have them contact me.  Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list. Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree.  Please support our merchants.  

Visit our Carefree Desert Garden website at http://www.carefree-desert-gardens.com/Carefree_Desert_Gardens/Welcome.html