We need smart, sustainable urban planning in Fountain Hills

Thank you, Nancy Plencner, for sharing your thoughts on the pressing issues facing Fountain Hills. I appreciate your call for strong leadership and decisive action, and I’d like to share my perspective on a few of the key points you raised.

I support increasing development in the core to create a more dense, more walkable area. I believe that well-designed multi-use residential density — with commercial spaces on their ground floors — can transform our community by reducing reliance on car-centric infrastructure and large parking lots, especially near the fountain. This mixed-use approach can foster a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment that benefits residents and local businesses alike.

While I agree that excessive signage can be distracting and detract from the aesthetic appeal of our town, I don’t oppose signage altogether. Instead, I favor a more balanced sign ordinance that controls the quantity and placement of signs without stifling local business expression. A well-considered policy can ensure that our community remains both attractive and functional.

Overall, I envision a Fountain Hills that embraces smart, sustainable urban planning — one that prioritizes walkability, a thriving commercial core, and modern infrastructure over expansive parking lots. I’m encouraged by the mayor’s leadership and the work of the Economic Development Committee, and I hope these perspectives help shape a balanced approach to our town’s development.

Thank you again for your opinion and for the opportunity to discuss these important issues. I look forward to continued dialogue and collaborative efforts to make Fountain Hills the best it can be.

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