Carefree neighbors,
As our town continues revitalization efforts, we should consider striking a balance between fostering growth and preserving the unique charm that defines our community. Our town’s character serves as a magnet for visitors and residents alike, and it falls on us, including businesses, to safeguard that charm.
Have you walked through town center? Have you noticed businesses that have successfully blended commercial success with maintaining our community’s charm? Please visit Spanish Village. Don & Lisa have continued to build on the legacy of the Black Mountain Coffee Shop by offering a place, like “Cheers,” ‘where everybody knows your name.’ The Keeler and Venturini’s have done the same with Keeler’s and Pizzicata.
Walk down the street to Athen’s on Easy Street, where the Athenson’s created an experience for guests. Venue’s is another example of a business that owner Catherine pours her heart and soul into, that represents our town and keeps patrons coming back.
We are also plagued by buildings that remain half-empty, outdated, and uninviting, which leaves people with a bad experience and erodes our town’s image. Let’s elevate Carefree into a premier destination for shoppers by encouraging local owners that place our community’s charm high on their list.
I recently walked through Los Portales & left horrified for the tenants: Lights that don’t work, no heating or a/c, water leaks from the roof (from recent rain) which are a hazard for shoppers walking through, generally poor maintenance. What about restrooms—or lack thereof?
We can debate aesthetics of the Hampton Inn, but: the hotel brings people, shoppers, tourists! We can argue the brand of the Hampton, but what about the brand of Los Portales? Would you come back to Carefree if we had more retail commercial space like Los Portales?
Question for town council candidates: If the owners of poorly maintained buildings like Los Portales offered you financial support for your campaigns, would you simply “look the other way and take the money?”
Vince D’Aliesio
Councilmember, Carefree
