More sidewalks in downtown Fountain Hills is an expensive cart before the horse

I attended the public forum on a design for the first phase of streetscape improvements outlined in the town’s Downtown Strategy document. While I agree with some of the comments posted in the follow-up article, the question I raised at the meeting is a basic one regarding the return on the investment and was not addressed.

In my opinion, spending $10M-$12M on “sidewalks” is a big ask and is one that should be included as a final phase of an overall plan to attract and retain new business and bring in consumers to our business district. Not to get distracted, but some funding in the CIP could be used to have public restrooms on/near Avenue of The Fountains for the many fairs and events on this street.