Carefree residents resoundingly voted for three non-incumbent council members. We elected candidates that will bring fresh perspective and new ideas to contribute bringing Carefree back to a world class destination.
Diane Roth, one of the duly elected council members spoke at the November 12, 2024 council meeting. As a new member Diane is already working to support fiscally responsible projects and tenants that contribute to our tax base. She supports our common goal of not adding to the burden of a property tax by working to maximize our long term sales tax revenue. Diane is articulate, wants “true resident input”, and will not tolerate residents being bullied or silenced. Diane brings years of retail experience and insight. She understands retail numbers and reviewed square footage costs for retail tenants published by Maricopa County statistics.
Carefree had messaging problems with project decisions made by prior council and staff. Examples include the Hampton Inn described many times as a “boutique hotel”, and the multi-generational debt of a “buried” water tank that comes out of the ground 8 feet. Those decisions continue to be debated years later. No matter the messaging problems, our community remains realistic, focused and engaged regarding our long term fiscal health.
Diversified Partners, is the new NE corner developer. Their site plan build for the NE corner in my view resembles a “STRIP MALL CENTER”. Naming the NE corner development “Carefree Quarter” would be a shame as names reflect messaging. Most residents that live around our area do not know the NE corner intersection of Carefree Hwy and Cave Creek road is actually located in the town of Carefree. According to the website of Diversified Partners, their typical tenants are NOT charming speciality shops, high end, or market-exclusive like our downtown area. Their representative could not divulge the tenants it attracts only that they have letters of intent for the project. The NE corner build will not have tenants like the popular outdoor shopping center “Scottsdale Quarter”, a world class retail operation platform and experience. There may be a more appropriate name, like the “Shops at Black Mountain” for this NE corner.
Carefree residents look to our council members to work with Diversified. Carefree’s long term fiscal health depends upon clear, honest, better messaging, straightforward conversations and transparent builds.
Maureen Benedetto, Carefree resident
