According to the Town of Carefree 2030 Master Plan, “Open space preservation contributes to the social, economic and environmental well-being of the Town. It contributes to a healthy lifestyle and creates opportunities for improving the sense of community identity, where people can gather and unite in common events and experiences. In addition, open space provides recreational opportunities for individuals and families with different interests. It benefits local businesses and helps strengthen the local economic base. Furthermore, open space protects the natural flora and fauna of the Upper Sonoran Desert, thereby preserving one of the foremost characteristics of the Town.”
I could not agree more!!
Some of the goals set out in the 2030 Master Plan are to: “provide appropriate services, open space, parks, trails, bikeways and recreation opportunities as needed for its citizens”, to preserve the biodiversity of the Upper Sonoran Desert environment in the development of the land”, and “to promote land use patterns that conserve resources such as water, energy and clean air.”
One of the last remaining big parcels of undeveloped Sonoran Desert land is the 40+ acre parcel located on the southeast corner of Cave Creek Road and Mule Train, across from the airport. According to the Master Plan document: “In 2000, an Open Space Study Group identified the 40-acre parcel as one of the higher priorities for purchase by the Town to preserve it for open space, and the Town subsequently applied for a Heritage Fund grant to purchase this land.”
For whatever reason, the Town did not purchase the parcel after all. Now this land is now up for auction, and word on the street is that two developers from Chicago are interested in bidding on the land.
It is up to us to quickly do what we can to preserve this land before it’s too late. Once developed, it is lost forever. I’m willing to roll up my sleeves and work towards saving this treasure of Carefree. Who will help?
Wendy Mattes
Carefree Resident
