Town of Paradise Valley Independent Responses: July 8, 2016

*Do you think the Town of Paradise Valley should be open to new zoning classifications that could spur new resort development and untapped commercial opportunities?

No. We have a very well-defined process for resorts called the Special Use Permit process, which provides for high-quality resort development in specific areas of the community where the impacts of those resorts can be mitigated. Those SUP areas are part of the General Plan that our voters approved by a significant margin just a few years ago. The SUP process has served our community well in helping us plan for the development of Montelucia, Mountain Shadows and the new Ritz-Carlton project. They provide for an extensive amount of public input and review by the Planning Commission and Town Council. We’ve already identified the areas of town where such development is appropriate. Paradise Valley doesn’t need to identify areas above and beyond this for resort or commercial development — it’s a residential community with resorts that are meant to compliment its character, and we’re on sound enough financial footing that we don’t need nor want to search for new commercial opportunities.

 *What role do you think zoning plays in the quality of life in the Town of Paradise Valley?

Zoning plays an extremely important role because Paradise Valley was founded to be, and meant to be, a residential community based upon large-lot residential development. While there are certainly exceptions, this central premise has helped create the very character and quality of life we enjoy today. Those exceptions — specifically the resort development in our community — are meant to enhance and generate revenue needed to fund critical services such as public safety. The balance created by proper zoning is what makes everything about our quality of life possible, from our community’s residential character to quality resort development to funding critical town services.