"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 #886, January 25, 2021
Issue #886, January 25, 2021
Mayor Les Peterson reported that a Technical Advisory Committee is being formed to develop an economic development function within Carefree. 98% of Carefree is residential, 2% is commercial. Revenue from commercial pays for required services such as road maintenance, police and fire protection, etc.
The Economic Development Director, Steve Prokopek, noted that an extensive presentation was given on the 24 month business plan at the December Council meeting. It is important to seek guidance from technical experts who also have stakeholder interest within the community. The Town has put together a really good group. It has been kept somewhat small in order to be able to meet in person during Covid-19. They will provide guidance on strategic initiatives as they relate to the 24 month business plan. They will look at master planning in the Town Center and advise on real estate matters. There is a potential to move the Town Hall offices in order to develop that site in a way that makes sense for the town in the long run.
The committee will assist with identifying potential revenue sources. Carefree has been focused on commercial retail, but there is a host of options to explore, as well as financing mechanisms that could be available, such as improvement districts and other types of financial districts. They will help further define Carefree and how to handle marketing fees. It is an extremely diverse group.
The committee is comprised of the following members:
-Bruce Raskin, the owner of Historic Spanish Village, has extensive knowledge of real estate development and financing, and a demonstrated ability to attract tenants.
-Michelle Rutkowski is a Carefree resident and a principal with MOR Studio. She has extensive experience in architecture and project management for large scale commercial projects throughout the Valley. She has lots of positive ideas. Her husband is a civil engineer, which will also be helpful.
-David Jarand is a Carefree resident and a principal and broker with Avison & Young. He has a lot of retail experience on both the brokerage and development sides.
-Brian Kokour is a principal at Kokour Companies. He has represented the Carefree Marketplace for approximately 14 years. He is at the forefront of working with tenants and marketing Carefree. He understands this community. He is involved in many projects throughout the Valley, and has connections with developers who could bring in desirable businesses.
The committee plans to kick off their meetings starting in late January or early February, and will present periodic updates as to progress. Mr. Prokopek is hoping to be able to hold an in-person public meeting with the Council by this summer. This committee requires no appointment by the Council.
https://vimeo.com/497696334
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.
The Economic Development Director, Steve Prokopek, noted that an extensive presentation was given on the 24 month business plan at the December Council meeting. It is important to seek guidance from technical experts who also have stakeholder interest within the community. The Town has put together a really good group. It has been kept somewhat small in order to be able to meet in person during Covid-19. They will provide guidance on strategic initiatives as they relate to the 24 month business plan. They will look at master planning in the Town Center and advise on real estate matters. There is a potential to move the Town Hall offices in order to develop that site in a way that makes sense for the town in the long run.
The committee will assist with identifying potential revenue sources. Carefree has been focused on commercial retail, but there is a host of options to explore, as well as financing mechanisms that could be available, such as improvement districts and other types of financial districts. They will help further define Carefree and how to handle marketing fees. It is an extremely diverse group.
The committee is comprised of the following members:
-Bruce Raskin, the owner of Historic Spanish Village, has extensive knowledge of real estate development and financing, and a demonstrated ability to attract tenants.
-Michelle Rutkowski is a Carefree resident and a principal with MOR Studio. She has extensive experience in architecture and project management for large scale commercial projects throughout the Valley. She has lots of positive ideas. Her husband is a civil engineer, which will also be helpful.
-David Jarand is a Carefree resident and a principal and broker with Avison & Young. He has a lot of retail experience on both the brokerage and development sides.
-Brian Kokour is a principal at Kokour Companies. He has represented the Carefree Marketplace for approximately 14 years. He is at the forefront of working with tenants and marketing Carefree. He understands this community. He is involved in many projects throughout the Valley, and has connections with developers who could bring in desirable businesses.
The committee plans to kick off their meetings starting in late January or early February, and will present periodic updates as to progress. Mr. Prokopek is hoping to be able to hold an in-person public meeting with the Council by this summer. This committee requires no appointment by the Council.
https://vimeo.com/497696334
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.