The Town Council has given its support to a proposal by the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association (FHDSA) to develop a proposal for an Astroscience Discovery Center in the community.

The council voted 6-0 at its Nov. 20 regular session to allow the group to pursue development on town property adjacent to the Centennial Circle at the Cutillo Civic Center.

The objective is to develop the center entirely with private funding. In a letter to the council dated Nov. 11, FHDSA Co-Chairs Joe and Nancy Bill said the council approval related to the site will allow design work to continue, since knowing the general location is integral to the planning process.

“We are excited about the project,” Nancy Bill told The Times. “We have had the vision for quite a while, and we have brought together a great team of stakeholders and have the opportunity to work with a highly reputable architecture firm, and it started taking shape.”

The architects are Winslow + Partners. They are working with stakeholders to prepare the preliminary design, layout and rendering. Primary components for the facility are expected to be an observatory, tiered seating auditorium/lecture hall, small planetarium and exhibit area.

Joe Bill addressed the location they are looking at.

“We looked at other town properties including the parks,” Bill said. “We need parking available, it needs to be dark enough. No site is perfect, and a lot of consideration went into this.

“The Centennial Circle offers the most benefits. The advantages include easy access, available parking, no bright lights that would adversely affect the observatory and synergies with the Library, Community Center, Museum and Community Garden.”

They also highlighted opportunities for students and adults alike that will include partnerships with universities, area high schools, astronomy camps, advanced placement classes, lessons for astrophotography, star parties and tours.

The FHDSA is working with ASU to prepare a feasibility study on the project. Bill said this relationship has just begun. The study is important to keeping the project going with information related to sustainability and operating costs.

He also said the feasibility study will be important for development of the fundraising for the privately funded project.

The council will review the project at various points as it moves forward.