DESERT
FOOTHILLS – Cave Creek and Carefree each grew in
population by double‑digit percentage
margins between 2000 and 2005, according to estimates
from the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
During
that five‑year span, Cave Creek grew by about
24 percent and Carefree by 20 percent,
the department reports.
Both
semi‑rural communities, known for their small‑town
charm and laid‑back lifestyles, are fighting
to preserve their quality of life as the population
grows and developers push into the area.
“It’s
an incredible amount of growth,” said Cave Creek
Mayor Vincent Francia.
Francia
noted that Cave Creek several years ago purchased
the 2,500‑acre Spur Cross Ranch property north
of town in order to protect the community from high‑density
development.
Developers
wanted to build 1,200 homes, two resorts and a golf
course on the land, he explained. By purchasing
the property, the town made a statement–Cave Creek
is a community that favors desert preservation,
Francia said.
Cave
Creek now has plans to annex an 11‑square‑mile
area to the west of town.
“The
intent in annexing the land is to protect our western
border – all others are secured but that,” Francia
said.
If
Phoenix were to annex this land, it could bring
100,000 residents to the area, according to the
mayor. Cave Creek hopes to control development of
the land, adding 6,500 residents over the next two
decades when the town reaches build‑out.
Like
Cave Creek, Carefree keeps a close check on development.
“What
makes Carefree desirable is its zoning and our efforts
to defend against developers who try to change this,”
said Carefree Mayor Ed Morgan.
The
town is currently in a legal battle with developer
Michael Peloquin and his Phoenix‑based G.
P. Properties over a special use permit for property
zoned residential. The developer plans to build
a resort hotel at the northwest corner of Tom Darlington
Drive and Carefree Highway (see related story on
A1).
Carefree’s
zoning places a limit on multiple‑family dwellings,
Morgan pointed out. The town recently changed the
zoning designation of one parcel from multi‑family
to single family.
In
addition, Carefree has confined commercial development
to areas historically zoned commercial.
Carefree
Councilman David Schwan noted the community’s founders
envisioned maintaining the town’s semi‑rural
character and wanted to preserve the ambience of
the Sonoran Desert.
Morgan
said Carefree is expected to grow to 6,500 residents
and will reach its capacity to add new construction
within the next 10‑12 years.
Reach
the reporter at kathleen@thedesertadvocate.com.
