Carefree Truth
Issue #764, July 15, 2019
The View, Carefree townhouses would be located on the S.W. corner of Easy Street and Carefree Drive. The preliminary plat, which is the layout of the subdivision, was approved at the June Council meeting. At the July Council meeting, the final plat, which includes the engineering and infrastructure supporting the lots, was presented.
Gary Neiss said the plans conform to the preliminary plat. Rules for vacation homes and their management have been established outside of the CC&Rs to address concerns expressed at the June Council meeting. The estimated cost for the site work had been submitted, and the Subdivision Improvement Agreement includes the performance bond required for site work. Building permits are now being sought.
The vacation rental units are grouped together and would be managed by a 3rd party management company that specializes in townhouse vacation rentals. They will provide a concierge service and will regulate the unit uses to ensure the rules are obeyed. Mr. Neiss pointed out that units with rotating guests are more advantageous to the merchants than a "lock and leave" type use.
Councilman Gene Orrico was pleased to see that sprinklers were required, Rural/Metro had signed off on the fire hydrants, the performance bond was 110%, and the penalties for CC&R violations on the vacation home rentals were great. He saw no drawbacks to the project.
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio asked when, pending approval that night, they would start selling the units. Jim Shelley, the developer, replied that they plan to start the infrastructure the 4th quarter of this year or the 1st quarter of next year, depending on how soon they receive the final staff approval. They are addressing staff comments on the plans and will be resubmitting the plans within 30 days so they can begin pulling permits. They are hoping to open lot reservations this fall.
Issue #764, July 15, 2019
The View, Carefree townhouses would be located on the S.W. corner of Easy Street and Carefree Drive. The preliminary plat, which is the layout of the subdivision, was approved at the June Council meeting. At the July Council meeting, the final plat, which includes the engineering and infrastructure supporting the lots, was presented.
Gary Neiss said the plans conform to the preliminary plat. Rules for vacation homes and their management have been established outside of the CC&Rs to address concerns expressed at the June Council meeting. The estimated cost for the site work had been submitted, and the Subdivision Improvement Agreement includes the performance bond required for site work. Building permits are now being sought.
The vacation rental units are grouped together and would be managed by a 3rd party management company that specializes in townhouse vacation rentals. They will provide a concierge service and will regulate the unit uses to ensure the rules are obeyed. Mr. Neiss pointed out that units with rotating guests are more advantageous to the merchants than a "lock and leave" type use.
Councilman Gene Orrico was pleased to see that sprinklers were required, Rural/Metro had signed off on the fire hydrants, the performance bond was 110%, and the penalties for CC&R violations on the vacation home rentals were great. He saw no drawbacks to the project.
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio asked when, pending approval that night, they would start selling the units. Jim Shelley, the developer, replied that they plan to start the infrastructure the 4th quarter of this year or the 1st quarter of next year, depending on how soon they receive the final staff approval. They are addressing staff comments on the plans and will be resubmitting the plans within 30 days so they can begin pulling permits. They are hoping to open lot reservations this fall.
Jim Shelley
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
Vice Mayor John Crane asked Mr. Shelley to speak about the company that would be handling the short term rentals, and what value they bring to the table. Mr. Shelley explained that The Platinum Experience is a locally owned company that specializes in managing short term rentals. They operate throughout Arizona. The View, Carefree used input and experience from the Town and The Platinum Experience to create the rules and regulations.
The Platinum Experience has in place software to monitor the noise level called Noiseware, which monitors the decibel level inside and outside of the units. If it gets disruptive, Noiseware contacts the guest. If ignored, Noiseware contacts the Platinum Experience 24/7 phone line. The Platinum Experience then reaches out to the guest via phone, text, and email. Most guests are cooperative but if they choose to ignore the warnings, they can be fined or evicted. Short term renters are not covered by the Landlord/Tenant Act. Management companies have the same amount of control as do hotel managers, and can send security to evict unruly tenants. Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer commented that she was glad to see noise control in place. That was the biggest concern.
Vice Mayor Crane noted that any house, apartment, or condominium can go into a short term rental. The State prohibits the Town from controlling it. The management company acts as a facilitator and ups the game for everyone. He also pointed out that the CC&Rs prohibit units not included in the short term vacation rental pool from being leased for less than 30 days.
Vice Mayor Crane asked how the project would be marketed. Mr. Shelley felt it would somewhat market itself. It is an emerging market that is in the news, providing a great way for homeowners to increase their revenue and offering a great environment for family vacationers. He introduced the listing agent John Birsner, with Ventana Fine Properties. Mr. Birsner said they would be opening a new sales office in Spanish Village. He had met Ray Villafane and seen his sand creation, and was thrilled to be part of the historic center. The sales office will have a gallery feel and be interactive.
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
Vice Mayor John Crane asked Mr. Shelley to speak about the company that would be handling the short term rentals, and what value they bring to the table. Mr. Shelley explained that The Platinum Experience is a locally owned company that specializes in managing short term rentals. They operate throughout Arizona. The View, Carefree used input and experience from the Town and The Platinum Experience to create the rules and regulations.
The Platinum Experience has in place software to monitor the noise level called Noiseware, which monitors the decibel level inside and outside of the units. If it gets disruptive, Noiseware contacts the guest. If ignored, Noiseware contacts the Platinum Experience 24/7 phone line. The Platinum Experience then reaches out to the guest via phone, text, and email. Most guests are cooperative but if they choose to ignore the warnings, they can be fined or evicted. Short term renters are not covered by the Landlord/Tenant Act. Management companies have the same amount of control as do hotel managers, and can send security to evict unruly tenants. Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer commented that she was glad to see noise control in place. That was the biggest concern.
Vice Mayor Crane noted that any house, apartment, or condominium can go into a short term rental. The State prohibits the Town from controlling it. The management company acts as a facilitator and ups the game for everyone. He also pointed out that the CC&Rs prohibit units not included in the short term vacation rental pool from being leased for less than 30 days.
Vice Mayor Crane asked how the project would be marketed. Mr. Shelley felt it would somewhat market itself. It is an emerging market that is in the news, providing a great way for homeowners to increase their revenue and offering a great environment for family vacationers. He introduced the listing agent John Birsner, with Ventana Fine Properties. Mr. Birsner said they would be opening a new sales office in Spanish Village. He had met Ray Villafane and seen his sand creation, and was thrilled to be part of the historic center. The sales office will have a gallery feel and be interactive.
John Birsner
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
Councilman Stephen Hatcher asked if Mr. Birsner would be willing to work with Carefree's marketing director Beth Renfro, keeping her in the loop. Mr. Birsner said he was willing to do so.
Vice Mayor Crane suggested The View, Carefree use a single trash collection company rather than individual homeowners contracting with various companies, which could result in trash trucks on the streets every day. Mr. Shelley assured him that the HOA would contract with a single company.
The Council unanimously approved the final plat.
https://vimeo.com/346198732
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.
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
Councilman Stephen Hatcher asked if Mr. Birsner would be willing to work with Carefree's marketing director Beth Renfro, keeping her in the loop. Mr. Birsner said he was willing to do so.
Vice Mayor Crane suggested The View, Carefree use a single trash collection company rather than individual homeowners contracting with various companies, which could result in trash trucks on the streets every day. Mr. Shelley assured him that the HOA would contract with a single company.
The Council unanimously approved the final plat.
https://vimeo.com/346198732
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.