Developer’s Western vision is rising in Cave Creek

Colin “T.C.” Thorstenson has plans for Cave Creek.

Ever since he moved to the town 10 years ago, visions of Cave Creek as a mecca for Western entertainment have danced in his head.

He has worked in the niche industry much of his life, making a name for himself training and performing with buffaloes for crowds throughout the country.

But over the years, the Wild West entertainer has turned some of his focus to developing two prime pieces of real estate in the heart of the town’s commercial core — with mixed results.

Read more...Developer’s Western vision is rising in Cave Creek

Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

With the groundbreaking for a new Walmart in Cave Creek on the horizon, the Town Council unanimously approved a site plan for a shopping center just north of the big-box retailer's site.

The plan for Black Mountain Plaza, a 100,000-square-foot commercial retail center on the southeastern corner of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road, includes three "junior" anchors, shops and stand-alone buildings. The shopping center would have access points from Carefree Highway, Cave Creek Road and 56th Street.

Landowner Robert Bullington and his family acquired the 14 acres more than 20 years ago. Walmart's Supercenter, set to break ground in November, will occupy 124,000 square feet of space south of the property.

Paul Gilbert, a zoning attorney with Scottsdale-based Beus Gilbert PLLC who represents Bullington, said the landowner would like to see high-quality retail and restaurant tenants at Black Mountain Plaza. The success of the shopping center is integral to Walmart, he said.

"The Walmart parcel will produce a lot of traffic, and we can benefit from that traffic," he said. "People may want to shop at Walmart and then shop or eat at Black Mountain Plaza."

The property was rezoned from commercial core to general commercial earlier this year.

Gilbert said the project could have been developed earlier, but the property didn't have access to water or sewer. With the infrastructure that will come with the new Walmart, Gilbert said, it was time to move forward with the project.

"The Walmart improvements will really help the Bullington parcel," he said.

As the Walmart moves closer to groundbreaking, there have been a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area.

Last month, the council changed the land use of two parcels from desert rural to mixed use. The developments signify new growth in the rural Northeast Valley, which traditionally has been protective of its open spaces.

Planning Director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it. "There will be development in the area eventually," he said. "We're not sure when, but it's better to be prepared when it happens."

Mayor Vincent Francia said that the Bullington property will attract a lot of attention from businesses that thrive alongside similar retailers on the Walmart store is built.

"Walmart is not the answer to the salvation of Cave Creek, but it is a stepping-stone," he said. "The Bullington property is also a stepping-stone."

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Oct. 9, 2010 02:37 PM




Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

With the groundbreaking for a new Walmart in Cave Creek on the horizon, the Town Council unanimously approved a site plan for a shopping center just north of the big-box retailer's site.

The plan for Black Mountain Plaza, a 100,000-square-foot commercial retail center on the southeastern corner of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road, includes three "junior" anchors, shops and stand-alone buildings. The shopping center would have access points from Carefree Highway, Cave Creek Road and 56th Street.

Landowner Robert Bullington and his family acquired the 14 acres more than 20 years ago. Walmart's Supercenter, set to break ground in November, will occupy 124,000 square feet of space south of the property.

Paul Gilbert, a zoning attorney with Scottsdale-based Beus Gilbert PLLC who represents Bullington, said the landowner would like to see high-quality retail and restaurant tenants at Black Mountain Plaza. The success of the shopping center is integral to Walmart, he said.

"The Walmart parcel will produce a lot of traffic, and we can benefit from that traffic," he said. "People may want to shop at Walmart and then shop or eat at Black Mountain Plaza."

The property was rezoned from commercial core to general commercial earlier this year.

Gilbert said the project could have been developed earlier, but the property didn't have access to water or sewer. With the infrastructure that will come with the new Walmart, Gilbert said, it was time to move forward with the project.

"The Walmart improvements will really help the Bullington parcel," he said.

As the Walmart moves closer to groundbreaking, there have been a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area.

Last month, the council changed the land use of two parcels from desert rural to mixed use. The developments signify new growth in the rural Northeast Valley, which traditionally has been protective of its open spaces.

Planning Director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it. "There will be development in the area eventually," he said. "We're not sure when, but it's better to be prepared when it happens."

Mayor Vincent Francia said that the Bullington property will attract a lot of attention from businesses that thrive alongside similar retailers on the Walmart store is built.

"Walmart is not the answer to the salvation of Cave Creek, but it is a stepping-stone," he said. "The Bullington property is also a stepping-stone."

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Oct. 9, 2010 02:37 PM




Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

With the groundbreaking for a new Walmart in Cave Creek on the horizon, the Town Council unanimously approved a site plan for a shopping center just north of the big-box retailer's site.

The plan for Black Mountain Plaza, a 100,000-square-foot commercial retail center on the southeastern corner of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road, includes three "junior" anchors, shops and stand-alone buildings. The shopping center would have access points from Carefree Highway, Cave Creek Road and 56th Street.

Landowner Robert Bullington and his family acquired the 14 acres more than 20 years ago. Walmart's Supercenter, set to break ground in November, will occupy 124,000 square feet of space south of the property.

Paul Gilbert, a zoning attorney with Scottsdale-based Beus Gilbert PLLC who represents Bullington, said the landowner would like to see high-quality retail and restaurant tenants at Black Mountain Plaza. The success of the shopping center is integral to Walmart, he said.

"The Walmart parcel will produce a lot of traffic, and we can benefit from that traffic," he said. "People may want to shop at Walmart and then shop or eat at Black Mountain Plaza."

The property was rezoned from commercial core to general commercial earlier this year.

Gilbert said the project could have been developed earlier, but the property didn't have access to water or sewer. With the infrastructure that will come with the new Walmart, Gilbert said, it was time to move forward with the project.

"The Walmart improvements will really help the Bullington parcel," he said.

As the Walmart moves closer to groundbreaking, there have been a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area.

Last month, the council changed the land use of two parcels from desert rural to mixed use. The developments signify new growth in the rural Northeast Valley, which traditionally has been protective of its open spaces.

Planning Director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it. "There will be development in the area eventually," he said. "We're not sure when, but it's better to be prepared when it happens."

Mayor Vincent Francia said that the Bullington property will attract a lot of attention from businesses that thrive alongside similar retailers on the Walmart store is built.

"Walmart is not the answer to the salvation of Cave Creek, but it is a stepping-stone," he said. "The Bullington property is also a stepping-stone."

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Oct. 9, 2010 02:37 PM




Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

With the groundbreaking for a new Walmart in Cave Creek on the horizon, the Town Council unanimously approved a site plan for a shopping center just north of the big-box retailer's site.

The plan for Black Mountain Plaza, a 100,000-square-foot commercial retail center on the southeastern corner of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road, includes three "junior" anchors, shops and stand-alone buildings. The shopping center would have access points from Carefree Highway, Cave Creek Road and 56th Street.

Landowner Robert Bullington and his family acquired the 14 acres more than 20 years ago. Walmart's Supercenter, set to break ground in November, will occupy 124,000 square feet of space south of the property.

Paul Gilbert, a zoning attorney with Scottsdale-based Beus Gilbert PLLC who represents Bullington, said the landowner would like to see high-quality retail and restaurant tenants at Black Mountain Plaza. The success of the shopping center is integral to Walmart, he said.

"The Walmart parcel will produce a lot of traffic, and we can benefit from that traffic," he said. "People may want to shop at Walmart and then shop or eat at Black Mountain Plaza."

The property was rezoned from commercial core to general commercial earlier this year.

Gilbert said the project could have been developed earlier, but the property didn't have access to water or sewer. With the infrastructure that will come with the new Walmart, Gilbert said, it was time to move forward with the project.

"The Walmart improvements will really help the Bullington parcel," he said.

As the Walmart moves closer to groundbreaking, there have been a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area.

Last month, the council changed the land use of two parcels from desert rural to mixed use. The developments signify new growth in the rural Northeast Valley, which traditionally has been protective of its open spaces.

Planning Director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it. "There will be development in the area eventually," he said. "We're not sure when, but it's better to be prepared when it happens."

Mayor Vincent Francia said that the Bullington property will attract a lot of attention from businesses that thrive alongside similar retailers on the Walmart store is built.

"Walmart is not the answer to the salvation of Cave Creek, but it is a stepping-stone," he said. "The Bullington property is also a stepping-stone."

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Oct. 9, 2010 02:37 PM




Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

With the groundbreaking for a new Walmart in Cave Creek on the horizon, the Town Council unanimously approved a site plan for a shopping center just north of the big-box retailer's site.

The plan for Black Mountain Plaza, a 100,000-square-foot commercial retail center on the southeastern corner of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road, includes three "junior" anchors, shops and stand-alone buildings. The shopping center would have access points from Carefree Highway, Cave Creek Road and 56th Street.

Landowner Robert Bullington and his family acquired the 14 acres more than 20 years ago. Walmart's Supercenter, set to break ground in November, will occupy 124,000 square feet of space south of the property.

Paul Gilbert, a zoning attorney with Scottsdale-based Beus Gilbert PLLC who represents Bullington, said the landowner would like to see high-quality retail and restaurant tenants at Black Mountain Plaza. The success of the shopping center is integral to Walmart, he said.

"The Walmart parcel will produce a lot of traffic, and we can benefit from that traffic," he said. "People may want to shop at Walmart and then shop or eat at Black Mountain Plaza."

The property was rezoned from commercial core to general commercial earlier this year.

Gilbert said the project could have been developed earlier, but the property didn't have access to water or sewer. With the infrastructure that will come with the new Walmart, Gilbert said, it was time to move forward with the project.

"The Walmart improvements will really help the Bullington parcel," he said.

As the Walmart moves closer to groundbreaking, there have been a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area.

Last month, the council changed the land use of two parcels from desert rural to mixed use. The developments signify new growth in the rural Northeast Valley, which traditionally has been protective of its open spaces.

Planning Director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it. "There will be development in the area eventually," he said. "We're not sure when, but it's better to be prepared when it happens."

Mayor Vincent Francia said that the Bullington property will attract a lot of attention from businesses that thrive alongside similar retailers on the Walmart store is built.

"Walmart is not the answer to the salvation of Cave Creek, but it is a stepping-stone," he said. "The Bullington property is also a stepping-stone."

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Oct. 9, 2010 02:37 PM




Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

With the groundbreaking for a new Walmart in Cave Creek on the horizon, the Town Council unanimously approved a site plan for a shopping center just north of the big-box retailer's site.

The plan for Black Mountain Plaza, a 100,000-square-foot commercial retail center on the southeastern corner of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road, includes three "junior" anchors, shops and stand-alone buildings. The shopping center would have access points from Carefree Highway, Cave Creek Road and 56th Street.

Landowner Robert Bullington and his family acquired the 14 acres more than 20 years ago. Walmart's Supercenter, set to break ground in November, will occupy 124,000 square feet of space south of the property.

Paul Gilbert, a zoning attorney with Scottsdale-based Beus Gilbert PLLC who represents Bullington, said the landowner would like to see high-quality retail and restaurant tenants at Black Mountain Plaza. The success of the shopping center is integral to Walmart, he said.

"The Walmart parcel will produce a lot of traffic, and we can benefit from that traffic," he said. "People may want to shop at Walmart and then shop or eat at Black Mountain Plaza."

The property was rezoned from commercial core to general commercial earlier this year.

Gilbert said the project could have been developed earlier, but the property didn't have access to water or sewer. With the infrastructure that will come with the new Walmart, Gilbert said, it was time to move forward with the project.

"The Walmart improvements will really help the Bullington parcel," he said.

As the Walmart moves closer to groundbreaking, there have been a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area.

Last month, the council changed the land use of two parcels from desert rural to mixed use. The developments signify new growth in the rural Northeast Valley, which traditionally has been protective of its open spaces.

Planning Director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it. "There will be development in the area eventually," he said. "We're not sure when, but it's better to be prepared when it happens."

Mayor Vincent Francia said that the Bullington property will attract a lot of attention from businesses that thrive alongside similar retailers on the Walmart store is built.

"Walmart is not the answer to the salvation of Cave Creek, but it is a stepping-stone," he said. "The Bullington property is also a stepping-stone."

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Oct. 9, 2010 02:37 PM




Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

With the groundbreaking for a new Walmart in Cave Creek on the horizon, the Town Council unanimously approved a site plan for a shopping center just north of the big-box retailer's site.

The plan for Black Mountain Plaza, a 100,000-square-foot commercial retail center on the southeastern corner of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road, includes three "junior" anchors, shops and stand-alone buildings. The shopping center would have access points from Carefree Highway, Cave Creek Road and 56th Street.

Landowner Robert Bullington and his family acquired the 14 acres more than 20 years ago. Walmart's Supercenter, set to break ground in November, will occupy 124,000 square feet of space south of the property.

Paul Gilbert, a zoning attorney with Scottsdale-based Beus Gilbert PLLC who represents Bullington, said the landowner would like to see high-quality retail and restaurant tenants at Black Mountain Plaza. The success of the shopping center is integral to Walmart, he said.

"The Walmart parcel will produce a lot of traffic, and we can benefit from that traffic," he said. "People may want to shop at Walmart and then shop or eat at Black Mountain Plaza."

The property was rezoned from commercial core to general commercial earlier this year.

Gilbert said the project could have been developed earlier, but the property didn't have access to water or sewer. With the infrastructure that will come with the new Walmart, Gilbert said, it was time to move forward with the project.

"The Walmart improvements will really help the Bullington parcel," he said.

As the Walmart moves closer to groundbreaking, there have been a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area.

Last month, the council changed the land use of two parcels from desert rural to mixed use. The developments signify new growth in the rural Northeast Valley, which traditionally has been protective of its open spaces.

Planning Director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it. "There will be development in the area eventually," he said. "We're not sure when, but it's better to be prepared when it happens."

Mayor Vincent Francia said that the Bullington property will attract a lot of attention from businesses that thrive alongside similar retailers on the Walmart store is built.

"Walmart is not the answer to the salvation of Cave Creek, but it is a stepping-stone," he said. "The Bullington property is also a stepping-stone."

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Oct. 9, 2010 02:37 PM




Cave Creek approves plan for shopping center near Walmart site

Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek residents packed Town Hall on Monday night to fight an agenda item that could have allowed big-box retailers near the future Walmart site.

They left pleased as the Town Council sided with the residents in a 6-1 vote.

An amendment to the General Plan land-use map would have affected the area north of Carefree Highway and west of Cave Creek Road between 48th and 54th streets.

The amendment, recommended by the Planning Department, would have changed the land designation from desert rural to mixed use, allowing the properties to be considered for rezoning to any combination of commercial or multifamily or single-family residential designations.

Most of the opposition to the change of the 50-acre area came from residents of Estado de Cholla, a subdivision near 48th Street and Carefree Highway.

Residents of the development, which has about 60 homes, said a General Plan amendment from desert rural to mixed use would have brought in more traffic and light pollution, blocked views and decreased property values.

Estado de Cholla resident Paul Teixeira said it would have affected the character of the town. "We have to be sensitive to the surrounding areas and make sure the land use is appropriate to the town," he said.

The agenda item came a couple of months before the Walmart is scheduled to be built on the southeastern corner of Cave Creek Road and Carefree Highway. It is part of a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area of the superstore.

Planning director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it.

"Eventually there will be development in the area," he said. "We don't know when, but it's better to be prepared and be in a position to deal with it."

Councilman James Bruce voted against the amendment because the sense of urgency wasn't high and any number of types of properties could be built there with a mixed-use designation.

"With Walmart, we knew what was going to go there," Bruce said. "With this amendment, we don't know what will go there. Now is not the time for this."

Councilman Steven LaMar said the vote signified the council's and residents' desire to keep Cave Creek unique. The differences between the town and the sprawl of Phoenix must remain, he said.

"There is very little Sonoran Desert left in the area. We are more valuable if we protect it," he said. "The more unique we remain, the more attractive we are."

Next week, the town will begin meeting with neighbors to discuss the area's land use.

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Sept. 22, 2010 08:45 AM



Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek residents packed Town Hall on Monday night to fight an agenda item that could have allowed big-box retailers near the future Walmart site.

They left pleased as the Town Council sided with the residents in a 6-1 vote.

An amendment to the General Plan land-use map would have affected the area north of Carefree Highway and west of Cave Creek Road between 48th and 54th streets.

The amendment, recommended by the Planning Department, would have changed the land designation from desert rural to mixed use, allowing the properties to be considered for rezoning to any combination of commercial or multifamily or single-family residential designations.

Most of the opposition to the change of the 50-acre area came from residents of Estado de Cholla, a subdivision near 48th Street and Carefree Highway.

Residents of the development, which has about 60 homes, said a General Plan amendment from desert rural to mixed use would have brought in more traffic and light pollution, blocked views and decreased property values.

Estado de Cholla resident Paul Teixeira said it would have affected the character of the town. "We have to be sensitive to the surrounding areas and make sure the land use is appropriate to the town," he said.

The agenda item came a couple of months before the Walmart is scheduled to be built on the southeastern corner of Cave Creek Road and Carefree Highway. It is part of a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area of the superstore.

Planning director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it.

"Eventually there will be development in the area," he said. "We don't know when, but it's better to be prepared and be in a position to deal with it."

Councilman James Bruce voted against the amendment because the sense of urgency wasn't high and any number of types of properties could be built there with a mixed-use designation.

"With Walmart, we knew what was going to go there," Bruce said. "With this amendment, we don't know what will go there. Now is not the time for this."

Councilman Steven LaMar said the vote signified the council's and residents' desire to keep Cave Creek unique. The differences between the town and the sprawl of Phoenix must remain, he said.

"There is very little Sonoran Desert left in the area. We are more valuable if we protect it," he said. "The more unique we remain, the more attractive we are."

Next week, the town will begin meeting with neighbors to discuss the area's land use.

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Sept. 22, 2010 08:45 AM



Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek residents packed Town Hall on Monday night to fight an agenda item that could have allowed big-box retailers near the future Walmart site.

They left pleased as the Town Council sided with the residents in a 6-1 vote.

An amendment to the General Plan land-use map would have affected the area north of Carefree Highway and west of Cave Creek Road between 48th and 54th streets.

The amendment, recommended by the Planning Department, would have changed the land designation from desert rural to mixed use, allowing the properties to be considered for rezoning to any combination of commercial or multifamily or single-family residential designations.

Most of the opposition to the change of the 50-acre area came from residents of Estado de Cholla, a subdivision near 48th Street and Carefree Highway.

Residents of the development, which has about 60 homes, said a General Plan amendment from desert rural to mixed use would have brought in more traffic and light pollution, blocked views and decreased property values.

Estado de Cholla resident Paul Teixeira said it would have affected the character of the town. "We have to be sensitive to the surrounding areas and make sure the land use is appropriate to the town," he said.

The agenda item came a couple of months before the Walmart is scheduled to be built on the southeastern corner of Cave Creek Road and Carefree Highway. It is part of a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area of the superstore.

Planning director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it.

"Eventually there will be development in the area," he said. "We don't know when, but it's better to be prepared and be in a position to deal with it."

Councilman James Bruce voted against the amendment because the sense of urgency wasn't high and any number of types of properties could be built there with a mixed-use designation.

"With Walmart, we knew what was going to go there," Bruce said. "With this amendment, we don't know what will go there. Now is not the time for this."

Councilman Steven LaMar said the vote signified the council's and residents' desire to keep Cave Creek unique. The differences between the town and the sprawl of Phoenix must remain, he said.

"There is very little Sonoran Desert left in the area. We are more valuable if we protect it," he said. "The more unique we remain, the more attractive we are."

Next week, the town will begin meeting with neighbors to discuss the area's land use.

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Sept. 22, 2010 08:45 AM



Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek residents packed Town Hall on Monday night to fight an agenda item that could have allowed big-box retailers near the future Walmart site.

They left pleased as the Town Council sided with the residents in a 6-1 vote.

An amendment to the General Plan land-use map would have affected the area north of Carefree Highway and west of Cave Creek Road between 48th and 54th streets.

The amendment, recommended by the Planning Department, would have changed the land designation from desert rural to mixed use, allowing the properties to be considered for rezoning to any combination of commercial or multifamily or single-family residential designations.

Most of the opposition to the change of the 50-acre area came from residents of Estado de Cholla, a subdivision near 48th Street and Carefree Highway.

Residents of the development, which has about 60 homes, said a General Plan amendment from desert rural to mixed use would have brought in more traffic and light pollution, blocked views and decreased property values.

Estado de Cholla resident Paul Teixeira said it would have affected the character of the town. "We have to be sensitive to the surrounding areas and make sure the land use is appropriate to the town," he said.

The agenda item came a couple of months before the Walmart is scheduled to be built on the southeastern corner of Cave Creek Road and Carefree Highway. It is part of a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area of the superstore.

Planning director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it.

"Eventually there will be development in the area," he said. "We don't know when, but it's better to be prepared and be in a position to deal with it."

Councilman James Bruce voted against the amendment because the sense of urgency wasn't high and any number of types of properties could be built there with a mixed-use designation.

"With Walmart, we knew what was going to go there," Bruce said. "With this amendment, we don't know what will go there. Now is not the time for this."

Councilman Steven LaMar said the vote signified the council's and residents' desire to keep Cave Creek unique. The differences between the town and the sprawl of Phoenix must remain, he said.

"There is very little Sonoran Desert left in the area. We are more valuable if we protect it," he said. "The more unique we remain, the more attractive we are."

Next week, the town will begin meeting with neighbors to discuss the area's land use.

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Sept. 22, 2010 08:45 AM



Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek residents packed Town Hall on Monday night to fight an agenda item that could have allowed big-box retailers near the future Walmart site.

They left pleased as the Town Council sided with the residents in a 6-1 vote.

An amendment to the General Plan land-use map would have affected the area north of Carefree Highway and west of Cave Creek Road between 48th and 54th streets.

The amendment, recommended by the Planning Department, would have changed the land designation from desert rural to mixed use, allowing the properties to be considered for rezoning to any combination of commercial or multifamily or single-family residential designations.

Most of the opposition to the change of the 50-acre area came from residents of Estado de Cholla, a subdivision near 48th Street and Carefree Highway.

Residents of the development, which has about 60 homes, said a General Plan amendment from desert rural to mixed use would have brought in more traffic and light pollution, blocked views and decreased property values.

Estado de Cholla resident Paul Teixeira said it would have affected the character of the town. "We have to be sensitive to the surrounding areas and make sure the land use is appropriate to the town," he said.

The agenda item came a couple of months before the Walmart is scheduled to be built on the southeastern corner of Cave Creek Road and Carefree Highway. It is part of a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area of the superstore.

Planning director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it.

"Eventually there will be development in the area," he said. "We don't know when, but it's better to be prepared and be in a position to deal with it."

Councilman James Bruce voted against the amendment because the sense of urgency wasn't high and any number of types of properties could be built there with a mixed-use designation.

"With Walmart, we knew what was going to go there," Bruce said. "With this amendment, we don't know what will go there. Now is not the time for this."

Councilman Steven LaMar said the vote signified the council's and residents' desire to keep Cave Creek unique. The differences between the town and the sprawl of Phoenix must remain, he said.

"There is very little Sonoran Desert left in the area. We are more valuable if we protect it," he said. "The more unique we remain, the more attractive we are."

Next week, the town will begin meeting with neighbors to discuss the area's land use.

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Sept. 22, 2010 08:45 AM



Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek residents packed Town Hall on Monday night to fight an agenda item that could have allowed big-box retailers near the future Walmart site.

They left pleased as the Town Council sided with the residents in a 6-1 vote.

An amendment to the General Plan land-use map would have affected the area north of Carefree Highway and west of Cave Creek Road between 48th and 54th streets.

The amendment, recommended by the Planning Department, would have changed the land designation from desert rural to mixed use, allowing the properties to be considered for rezoning to any combination of commercial or multifamily or single-family residential designations.

Most of the opposition to the change of the 50-acre area came from residents of Estado de Cholla, a subdivision near 48th Street and Carefree Highway.

Residents of the development, which has about 60 homes, said a General Plan amendment from desert rural to mixed use would have brought in more traffic and light pollution, blocked views and decreased property values.

Estado de Cholla resident Paul Teixeira said it would have affected the character of the town. "We have to be sensitive to the surrounding areas and make sure the land use is appropriate to the town," he said.

The agenda item came a couple of months before the Walmart is scheduled to be built on the southeastern corner of Cave Creek Road and Carefree Highway. It is part of a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area of the superstore.

Planning director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it.

"Eventually there will be development in the area," he said. "We don't know when, but it's better to be prepared and be in a position to deal with it."

Councilman James Bruce voted against the amendment because the sense of urgency wasn't high and any number of types of properties could be built there with a mixed-use designation.

"With Walmart, we knew what was going to go there," Bruce said. "With this amendment, we don't know what will go there. Now is not the time for this."

Councilman Steven LaMar said the vote signified the council's and residents' desire to keep Cave Creek unique. The differences between the town and the sprawl of Phoenix must remain, he said.

"There is very little Sonoran Desert left in the area. We are more valuable if we protect it," he said. "The more unique we remain, the more attractive we are."

Next week, the town will begin meeting with neighbors to discuss the area's land use.

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Sept. 22, 2010 08:45 AM



Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage

Cave Creek residents packed Town Hall on Monday night to fight an agenda item that could have allowed big-box retailers near the future Walmart site.

They left pleased as the Town Council sided with the residents in a 6-1 vote.

An amendment to the General Plan land-use map would have affected the area north of Carefree Highway and west of Cave Creek Road between 48th and 54th streets.

The amendment, recommended by the Planning Department, would have changed the land designation from desert rural to mixed use, allowing the properties to be considered for rezoning to any combination of commercial or multifamily or single-family residential designations.

Most of the opposition to the change of the 50-acre area came from residents of Estado de Cholla, a subdivision near 48th Street and Carefree Highway.

Residents of the development, which has about 60 homes, said a General Plan amendment from desert rural to mixed use would have brought in more traffic and light pollution, blocked views and decreased property values.

Estado de Cholla resident Paul Teixeira said it would have affected the character of the town. "We have to be sensitive to the surrounding areas and make sure the land use is appropriate to the town," he said.

The agenda item came a couple of months before the Walmart is scheduled to be built on the southeastern corner of Cave Creek Road and Carefree Highway. It is part of a number of town-generated initiatives to facilitate the development of land in the area of the superstore.

Planning director Ian Cordwell said when Walmart comes to town, development will come with it.

"Eventually there will be development in the area," he said. "We don't know when, but it's better to be prepared and be in a position to deal with it."

Councilman James Bruce voted against the amendment because the sense of urgency wasn't high and any number of types of properties could be built there with a mixed-use designation.

"With Walmart, we knew what was going to go there," Bruce said. "With this amendment, we don't know what will go there. Now is not the time for this."

Councilman Steven LaMar said the vote signified the council's and residents' desire to keep Cave Creek unique. The differences between the town and the sprawl of Phoenix must remain, he said.

"There is very little Sonoran Desert left in the area. We are more valuable if we protect it," he said. "The more unique we remain, the more attractive we are."

Next week, the town will begin meeting with neighbors to discuss the area's land use.

by Philip Haldiman The Arizona Republic Sept. 22, 2010 08:45 AM



Cave Creek council holds off development in key acreage