"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 #1080, March 7, 2024

 An important matter was discussed during the Carefree Town Council meeting last Tuesday. As you may be aware, the Town of Carefree is currently working with Baker International to update the Carefree General Plan. 



During the Public Hearing on the General Plan portion of the meeting, a small group of residents made numerous demands in an attempt to influence the wording of the revisions to the General Plan.




In response to this situation, a Petition was drafted (shown below) entitled “Reaction to the Proposed Revisions Petition…”. If you agree with the content of this Petition, please click on the link in the Petition, type in “I agree”, and forward it to Gary Neiss, the Carefree Town Administrator.




Time is of the essence as the next Council Meeting is coming up this Tuesday evening, April 9th. 




Thank you.
 


“Reaction to Proposed Revisions Petition” Demanded in the Carefree General Plan


A small group of residents in Carefree are demanding changes in the proposed Carefree General Plan, claiming that their demands should be met because they represent 80% of the Town's population. Simply stated, there is no basis to support their claim regarding representation. In addition, the changes they are demanding could have severe negative implications for the Town's Government, finances, and property owners.




The changes demanded include eliminating the possibility of any revenue for the Town from two of the few remaining properties in Carefree with commercial development characteristics, prohibiting residential use of commercial buildings in Downtown Carefree, despite being a permitted use under existing zoning and having utilized this second story residential use for years, and obligating the Town to provide financial support of an “open space” park on a 48-acre property owned by the Arizona State Land Department. 




These changes would very likely lead to a reduction in the Town's capital reserves and undermine the Town's ability to provide services to residents in the future. Moreover, they could generate legal liabilities for the Town from the affected property owners due to the diminished value of their property. 




In light of these concerns, it is important to eliminate the proposed changes identified above from the Carefree General Plan and maintain the existing responsibilities of the Carefree Town Council and Planning and Zoning Commission. Additionally, it is important to prioritize the Town's expenditures and avoid investing its limited financial resources in an "open space" park.




If you agree, please indicate your agreement by FORWARDING this email with the words “ I agree” with the “Reaction to Proposed Revisions Petition” to: Gary Neiss, Carefree Town Administrator, at gary@carefree.org




Lyn Hitchon




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