••
ECRWSS Carrier Route PreSorted Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 371 Cave Creek, AZ
Op-Ed: Celebrity medical advice worthless PAGE
Ducey funds JA programs
9
TheFoothillsFocus.com
INSIDE
This Week
Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition
FEATURES ........ 17
FEATURES ........ 18 Ghosthunters invite public to investigate Pioneer museum
FEATURES ........ 18 Local author pens edgy thrillers, releases new book
OPINION ......................9 BUSINESS ................. 16 FEATURES ................ 17 YOUTH ...................... 20 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 22 2
20
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Commission OKs subdivision exceptions BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer
‘Art Moves Us’ supports Parkinson’s disease
Zone
PAGE
Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree
T
he Cave Creek planning commission voted 5 to 1 to approve five exceptions to the subdivision ordinance for a housing development in the Hidden Valley area, despite adamant opposition from residents, on Sept. 16. “These people have an entitlement to develop the property,” said Bob Voris, commission chairman. “They have private property rights and are well within their rights to request what they’re doing here. So, there’s going to be exceptions. In my opinion, every exception offers a positive to the property. The general plan vision will be honored by protecting dramatic
views, trails and open spaces.” The five approved exceptions are regarding private streets, flag lots, street dimensions, cul-de-sac dimensions and public access. One exception regarding grading and draining was tabled by the council for further legal counsel. The commission then approved the preliminary plat for further review by the town council. That meeting has not yet been scheduled. The commission was met with opposition from several town members, many of whom showed up in person to voice their concerns. The first public comment came from Anna Marsolo, who lives about four blocks from the development. She drafted a formal letter of opposition to the commission and collected more than 150 sig-
natures from residents in agreement. Her concerns were about fire safety, privatization, protecting the land, and the illegitimacy of the reasons for the requests. Marsolo asked Planning Director Luke Kautzman if residents supported the exceptions, to which Kautzman said there had not been any submitted. Other public comments addressed similar concerns, with many saying the exceptions would go against the town plan and general aesthetic and would lead to increased traffic flow, pollution and crime. Essentially, the residents view these exceptions as the start of a slippery slope that could lead to development on Black Moun-
preferred developer. Key members of the development team include Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., Fann Contracting Inc., Kiewit Engineering Group Inc., DBI Services LLC, Consor Engineers LLC dba Apex Design, T.Y. Lin International, Lee Engineering, Terracon Consultants Inc., Wheat Design Group Inc., Y2K Engineering and Pinyon Environmental Inc. This project will improve 23 miles of I-17, including 15 miles of roadway widening, two bridge replacements, one bridge deck replacement, 10 bridge widenings, and the installation of an 8-mile flex lane system — a new feature
for Arizona’s highway system. Flex lanes are proven technology to help reduce congestion on I-17 during peak travel times and allow for traffic movement during emergency situations. ADOT sought proposals from qualified developer teams interested in reconstructing the 23-mile section of this key commerce corridor. Three finalists were selected earlier this year to advance through the selection process. All three finalists were encouraged to use innovation and develop alternative concepts to deliv-
see PLANNING page 4
Apparent developer selected for I-17 project
BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
F
ollowing a comprehensive procurement process, the Arizona Department of Transportation is negotiating with the apparent preferred developer to design, construct, operate and maintain improvements to Interstate 17 between Anthem Way and Sunset Point. The stretch of highway sees more than 1 million travelers every year. After an extensive review process, Kiewit-Fann Joint Venture has been selected as the
Milgard® offers beautiful, comfortable, energy efficient vinyl windows and doors for your home Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your existing one, your choices are wide open when it comes to selecting beautifully designed Milgard windows and patio doors. Strong, beautiful, long lasting and durable. Milgard windows and patio doors are designed with stunning architectural style and superior performance. Plus, you’ll feel secure in your investment with an industry leading, Full Lifetime Warranty that includes parts and labor. Stop by our Showroom today! 4454. E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018 Call 602.508.0800 or vist liwindow.com for more information.
see I-17 page 5
