This past Thursday night, June 16, the Mayor and three councilmen voted to approve both the Park Place Density Resolution and Development Plan. Three councilpersons voted no.

This, in spite of the following:

-Planning and Zoning did not recommend approval of the key Density Resolution, which will result in 54 foot high, four-story buildings in downtown.

-The 2009 Swaback Plan, approved by Fountain Hills residents’ vote, calls for only two stories (and a village square with a prominent park).

-The 2010 Long Term Strategic Plan stated, “be stewards of this unique enclave, dedicated to preserving the visual aesthetic and protect selected view sheds from development and manmade obstructions.

-Park Place will severely block the views of the Fountain and Four Peaks from Civic Plaza and Centennial Circle(and many other views in Fountain Hills).

Fear of loss was used throughout the Council discussion as a reason for approving Park Place. We heard, “it will be 20 to 40 years before another developer is willing to invest in downtown.”

Adding 400 low/middle income apartments to downtown will certainly not come close to accomplishing the goals of the 2010 LTSP. It will have zero effect on attracting the year-round tourism we need.

Ready, fire, aim. We must put the horse before the cart and continue to include all the different groups in town working together on our future.

The Strategic Plan is quite clear: “Genuinely solicit and consider public and stakeholder feedback as part of the decision-making process.”

I believe it is time for all the citizens of Fountain Hills to have a true vote here, as in a referendum.