Developer removing salt cedar, other invasive species
by Brian DiTullio

Don’t panic eco‑friendly Creekers. The vegetation cleared from The Village at Surrey Hills is non‑native species.

Developer Joel Broder, managing member of NicheResidential, the development company responsible for the new homes, recently told Cave Creek Town Council that work crews are “selectively removing” non‑native vegetation from the wash area.

“It’s probably going to elicit phone calls, so no, we’re not destroying the desert,” said Broder.

Broder said after the meeting, the crews, who have begun their tasks, are targeting the invasive salt cedar tree that has taken over several areas in the Southwest and threatened other native species of plant life due to its ability to take large amounts of water.

“There are several species of non‑native plants that have to come out,” explained Broder, adding several varieties of native fauna would be planted as part of the landscaping for the area.

“Of course we’re going to repopulate the wash with native species,” he said.

Broder also indicated the development would be “going vertical” soon, and that model homes will soon be visible.

“Framing should be starting in the next few weeks,” he said.

The Village at Surrey Hills, located just north of the Carefree Highway on Cave Creek Road and Surrey Drive, is planned as a development of 45 luxury townhomes measuring between 2,358 and 2,732 square feet each, with selling prices beginning at approximately $667,000, according to Broder.

He stated the company has just begun selling the homes.