"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
Vince,
Thank you for all you have contributed and accomplished to make Carefree better for all of the residents.
I thought that your letter which Lyn sent out was outstanding. It was an excellent way to end your term on the Town Council with your head held high and communicate your many contributions to Carefree. It was the action of a true Statesman.
Let’s stay in touch.
Les Peterson
Hi Lyn,
Martha and I are going to miss Vince on the Town Council and simply cannot believe he was voted out. He is honest, smart, forthright, and has tons of wonderful positive energy which Carefree needs. He was always out and about and ready to talk to anyone, anywhere.
We also think the development of The Carefree Quarter is a good idea and beneficial for the town.
Thanks, and we are proud Carefree residents as well. We'll miss you Vince, but will most certainly see you around.
Kevin and Martha Glenn
Bob Jenkins
Thank you so much.
Barbara Hatch
Great Job Herb.!
It was very interesting reading about Taps being played and the words.
(I had no idea)
Your still shot of the little Irish looking red haired girl was a great shot...
Mike Charveaux
Barbara Hatch
Great Job Herb.!
It was very interesting reading about Taps being played and the words.
(I had no idea)
Your still shot of the little Irish looking red haired girl was a great shot...
Mike Charveaux
Carefree Town Council Approves Northeast Corner Development Agreement
In 2018, in close collaboration with nearby residents, the Town of Carefree rezoned the northeast corner of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Roads from residential to commercial use to accommodate a planned neighborhood retail center. Since then, two developers evaluated the property. Both found the high cost of engineering and managing the wash, which bisects the middle of the site, to be a significant obstacle to development.
Recently, the property owner partnered with Diversified Partners, a highly successful developer with extensive experience in the Phoenix market, to move the project forward. While Diversified Partners also identified the wash as a barrier, they proposed a solution - a public-private partnership through a performance-based agreement with the Town. This agreement would allow the developer to receive a 49% portion of the sales tax revenue generated by the retail center for a period of 5 years. The Town would capture 51% of the generated sales tax revenue over those 5 years and then 100% of the revenue going forward. These funds would help offset the costs of relocating the wash while maximizing the site’s sales tax potential. The Town would garner revenue to support essential and expanding costs associated with public safety services and street maintenance.
The Town held two public Council meetings and one public workshop with the Economic Development Advisory Board to review and discuss the terms of the agreement. Videos of these meetings and the draft agreement were made available for residents to view and provide feedback. On the evening of Tuesday, November 12th, the Town Council reviewed and approved the agreement, 7 - 0. Leading up to the vote, the three newly elected, but yet to be seated Councilmembers were given access to the developer and Town Staff to better understand the agreement and have their questions answered. At the Town Council meeting they all expressed support for the agreement.
Recently, the property owner partnered with Diversified Partners, a highly successful developer with extensive experience in the Phoenix market, to move the project forward. While Diversified Partners also identified the wash as a barrier, they proposed a solution - a public-private partnership through a performance-based agreement with the Town. This agreement would allow the developer to receive a 49% portion of the sales tax revenue generated by the retail center for a period of 5 years. The Town would capture 51% of the generated sales tax revenue over those 5 years and then 100% of the revenue going forward. These funds would help offset the costs of relocating the wash while maximizing the site’s sales tax potential. The Town would garner revenue to support essential and expanding costs associated with public safety services and street maintenance.
The Town held two public Council meetings and one public workshop with the Economic Development Advisory Board to review and discuss the terms of the agreement. Videos of these meetings and the draft agreement were made available for residents to view and provide feedback. On the evening of Tuesday, November 12th, the Town Council reviewed and approved the agreement, 7 - 0. Leading up to the vote, the three newly elected, but yet to be seated Councilmembers were given access to the developer and Town Staff to better understand the agreement and have their questions answered. At the Town Council meeting they all expressed support for the agreement.
Next Steps...
The next step in the process will be the review of the site plan and design by the Development Review Board (DRB). This process will include a public meeting to review the site plan and design. Once the developer has completed the application requirements, this DRB review will be scheduled and published.
Thank you for your continued engagement and interest in this important development project.
Carefree Lights Up!
Experience the magic of the holiday season as Carefree Lights Up!
Saturday, November 30 at 5 p.m.
Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion
(101 Easy St, Carefree, AZ 85377)
Join us on November 30th at 5 p.m. for a charming small-town celebration to light the 20-foot Christmas tree next to the Veterans Memorial in the Carefree Desert Gardens.
The festivities begin with the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Bell Ringers filling the air with cheerful chimes followed by carolers from Our Lady of Joy Church choir group, Joyful Sounds, singing classic holiday songs perfect for everyone to join in. Mayor John Crane will share some words and holiday wishes before leading the tree lighting countdown. Carefree’s tree and illuminated gardens have long been a beloved part of the town's Christmas tradition, embodying the heart-warming spirit of the community during this magical time of year. After the tree lighting, head to the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion to continue the festivities.
As you walk over enjoy a string performance by the Jubilate Conservatory of Music, and warm up with hot chocolate and coffee bar, complete with all the fixings for the perfect warm treat. The holiday concert will begin around 6:00 p.m., featuring a lineup of local talent, including 10-15 student singers organized by Kevin Glenn, the Desert Cactus Kickers dance troupe, and the POP (Performing Outreach Project) dance group brought in by Kenda Newbury. With lively dance numbers and beautifully performed holiday tunes, it will feel like stepping into a small-town holiday movie.
Add the event to your calendar with the button below.
The festivities begin with the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church Bell Ringers filling the air with cheerful chimes followed by carolers from Our Lady of Joy Church choir group, Joyful Sounds, singing classic holiday songs perfect for everyone to join in. Mayor John Crane will share some words and holiday wishes before leading the tree lighting countdown. Carefree’s tree and illuminated gardens have long been a beloved part of the town's Christmas tradition, embodying the heart-warming spirit of the community during this magical time of year. After the tree lighting, head to the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion to continue the festivities.
As you walk over enjoy a string performance by the Jubilate Conservatory of Music, and warm up with hot chocolate and coffee bar, complete with all the fixings for the perfect warm treat. The holiday concert will begin around 6:00 p.m., featuring a lineup of local talent, including 10-15 student singers organized by Kevin Glenn, the Desert Cactus Kickers dance troupe, and the POP (Performing Outreach Project) dance group brought in by Kenda Newbury. With lively dance numbers and beautifully performed holiday tunes, it will feel like stepping into a small-town holiday movie.
Add the event to your calendar with the button below.
