"Thomas Jefferson said a democracy is dependent on an informed citizenry. I don't care whether it sounds corny or not. It's the truth." -Jim Lehrer
Carefree Truth
Issue #814, February 24, 2020
Issue #814, February 24, 2020
The Carefree Hampton Inn by Hilton and The View Carefree townhomes are now under construction in downtown Carefree. Planning Director Stacey Bridge-Denzak noted that this is a very exciting time for Carefree and for the downtown. These two significant projects will change the shape of the Town Center. The construction phase of these projects, that are within a stone's throw of each other, is proceeding simultaneously. They are working together in a very efficient and sustainable manner.
The hotel and the townhomes have requested a temporary closure of Easy Street between Carefree Drive and Nonchalant Avenue until September 1, 2020. Cross access and general construction traffic between the sites is creating safety concerns. The core of this request addresses safety for Carefree's residents and visitors, both pedestrian and vehicular. Driven by curiosity to see the progress, many pedestrians are walking on this part of the street, and they are walking on the street because there are no sidewalks. When the projects are completed, they will include new sidewalks.
The intent is to provide for safe and logical progression through town with minimal confusion and frustration. The proposed closure can be seen on the slide between the 2 red lines.
This would not affect parking or access to the Post Office. Adequate signage will be posted showing reasonably convenient alternate ways to access the Town Center.
Vice Mayor John Crane agreed that the closure was an excellent idea for safety, but asked if it would be possible to open the street from February 27th-March 1st during the Thunderbird Artists show. Thunderbird art shows bring a lot of visitors, some of whom are not familiar with Carefree. It would make their experience easier and a lot more pleasant.
Jim Shelly, the owner of the townhomes site, and Terry Whelan, the construction project manager, said their concern is completely about safety.
Vice Mayor John Crane agreed that the closure was an excellent idea for safety, but asked if it would be possible to open the street from February 27th-March 1st during the Thunderbird Artists show. Thunderbird art shows bring a lot of visitors, some of whom are not familiar with Carefree. It would make their experience easier and a lot more pleasant.
Jim Shelly, the owner of the townhomes site, and Terry Whelan, the construction project manager, said their concern is completely about safety.
Jim Shelly and Terry Whelan
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
The workers on the sites wear hard hats, boots, and vests so they can be seen easily. Semi trucks are being unloaded using fork lifts, and construction trucks are going back and forth between the sites. They want to be proactive to ensure the safest sites possible. On behalf of the townhomes and the Hampton Inn, Mr. Shelly expressed appreciation to the Town for considering their request for the temporary street closure. He said there would be a construction fence with gates at the location of the red lines on the slide. He didn't see a problem with opening those gates during the art show. They would make sure the street was cleaned and free from staging materials during that time. Ms. Whelan agreed. Mayor Les Peterson said that would be appreciated.
Councilman Mike Krahe asked if vehicles would just be there to drop off materials, or if the closed street would be used as a construction parking lot. Mr. Shelly replied that workers' vehicles would be parked there during working hours but the heavy equipment would be parked on the sites.
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio requested that there be signs with reflectors so they could be seen at night. Mr. Shelly said they would work with the Town staff to create appropriate signage that would be visible at night. They didn't want anyone running into their construction fence either.
The Council unanimously approved the temporary street closure. All strongly agreed that it is a safety issue.
https://vimeo.com/389878956
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
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Photo by Herbert Hitchon
The workers on the sites wear hard hats, boots, and vests so they can be seen easily. Semi trucks are being unloaded using fork lifts, and construction trucks are going back and forth between the sites. They want to be proactive to ensure the safest sites possible. On behalf of the townhomes and the Hampton Inn, Mr. Shelly expressed appreciation to the Town for considering their request for the temporary street closure. He said there would be a construction fence with gates at the location of the red lines on the slide. He didn't see a problem with opening those gates during the art show. They would make sure the street was cleaned and free from staging materials during that time. Ms. Whelan agreed. Mayor Les Peterson said that would be appreciated.
Councilman Mike Krahe asked if vehicles would just be there to drop off materials, or if the closed street would be used as a construction parking lot. Mr. Shelly replied that workers' vehicles would be parked there during working hours but the heavy equipment would be parked on the sites.
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio requested that there be signs with reflectors so they could be seen at night. Mr. Shelly said they would work with the Town staff to create appropriate signage that would be visible at night. They didn't want anyone running into their construction fence either.
The Council unanimously approved the temporary street closure. All strongly agreed that it is a safety issue.
https://vimeo.com/389878956
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.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.