I read, with some interest, in last week’s Times, that the Council candidates talked about adding a business park at a forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The prospect of dedicating a portion of the “Elman” property was mentioned.

I would suggest that this property is not at all suited for such use. First and foremost, it is not located convenient to either Shea Boulevard or the Beeline highway and would require that all traffic generated by business located there would have to travel the entire length of the town for access. I would suggest that a much better plan would be to develop a subdivision, near the Middle School, dedicated to attracting young families. The proximity to McDowell Mountain Park would be an additional asset to such a development.

We have a designated business park behind the Target Center now which is underutilized due in part to objections from nearby residents. This situation needs to be resolved, once and for all, considering the existing residents and the needs of the town.

There also is that area east of Saguaro, between Desert Vista and Colony Drive, which could be converted into a business park, replacing many of the older and dysfunctional commercial space presently there. It might require some assistance in relocating the businesses there into other vacant commercial property in town, but I believe it could be done. This area might open opportunities to share a project with the Fort McDowell community as well. Either of these two areas could accommodate a 20,000 square foot building (100’x200’ = 20,000 Sq. Ft).

We need to get over the name calling and related vitriol and start acting like adults; thinking about the demonstrated needs of the community and get it done!