Prescott Valley officials recently sent out a survey to citizen’s asking for help in brainstorming ways to fight the economic downturn.  They are looking for input on jump-starting the town’s economy, ways to break from reliance on foreign oil and general strategies to help citizens maintain a vibrant quality of life.  One of the major highlights is maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment - ecologically and economically.  Officials would like to know what Prescott citizens perceive are the challenges we all face as a community. 

Town leaders are getting proactive to identify short and long term solutions and strategies to combat challenges and achieve community goals.

The survey contains three main questions:

• Challenge - What do you consider a CHALLENGE to the Town as it pertains to energy consumption, conservation and sustainability during this economic downturn?
• Solution - What would you suggest as a SOLUTION to this challenge?
• Action - What ACTION would you suggest taking to overcome this challenge?

If you didn’t receive a survey, they can be obtained in the town manager’s office at the Prescott Valley Civic Center.  They must be returned by Friday so get your copy and fill it out today!

Relocating to the Prescott Area?  Please use our complimentary online Prescott MLS Search
    

Prescott National Forest Officials are planning a controlled burn in the Crown King area next week to reduce the risk of wildfires.  200 acres located a half-mile south of Crown King will be treated next week.  This is the same area that was recently spared from the fire started by hikers which claimed thousands of acres of forest land as well as several homes and outbuildings.  Although the Lane 2 fire consumed 9,624 acres, it could have been much worse according to officials. 

Next week the area will get a "broadcast" burn Monday - Monday pending weather conditions.  This means firefighters will apply fire to well defined and controlled areas to keep the crews and public safe.  Broadcast burning is a way to return fire to its natural role in the ecosystem.  The process is meant to help remove dead vegetation, promote a healthy watershed and invigorate area plants and animals.

The public may experience delays on Forest Service Road 52 next week and are advised to travel cautiously.  For more information, please visit the Prescott Forest Service Website.

Prescott business commuters and travel aficionados get ready, on September 8th Horizon Airlines will start daily non-stop service from Prescott to Los Angeles International Airport.  Early Prescott to LAX bookings are encouraging.  The Prescott Airport has added a new modular building and expanded security measures.  Horizon has also forged code share agreements with American, Continental, KLM Korean Air and Northwest - anyone with connecting flights on these airlines will be able to check bags all the way through. 

The Horizon air fleet will consist of a fleet of Q400 Bombardiers.  A 76-seat, high speed jet with an efficient and quiet engine.  The cost of tickets will include complimentary micro-brewed beer, coffee or sodas. 

Great Lakes airlines will also begin offering flights from Prescott to Phoenix and from Prescott to Ontario International in California beginning September 8th. 

Horizon Air Schedules
http://www.alaskaair.com/

Great Lakes Airlines
http://www.greatlakesav.com/

Relocating to the Prescott Area?  Please use our complimentary online Prescott MLS Search

The City of Prescott Community Development Department recently applied for a major General Plan Amendment to change the land use map for an area north of the city and near the Love Field Airport.  The City Manager hopes this process will eventually get the public involved in approving annexations that will benefit Prescott’s future.  Deep Well Ranch owns about 1,800 acres of the 2,600 acre area in question.  In 2003 they had the land designated as agricultural/ranching lands as they were not considering future annexation.  Since then however, they have met with the City and the Arizona State Land Department to create a new conceptual master plan which would provide a foundation for analysis on the transportation and utilities infrastructure needed to maintain the land in a new zoning designation.

City manager, Steve Norwood, is excited about the possibilities - he believes that the new designation would amount to new Prescott jobs and more affordable housing for the local workforce.  The land use in this area has been in question for awhile.  The Community Development Department is excited at the prospect and believes Prescott’s Love Field Airport should be an economic engine.  A change would support reasonable development and planning for future city growth. 

Your opinion matters!  Keep your eyes open for Prescott City Council Meetings reviewing this subject.  The first will be held:

September 24th, 2008 | 5:30 PM
Council Chambers, City of Prescott, 201 S. Cortez Street, Prescott, AZ 86303 

Relocating to the Prescott Area?  Please use our complimentary online Prescott MLS Search

At a recent meeting the Prescott City Council entertained final plans to purchase a 37-acre parcel of land along the Granite Creek corridor.  The price for acquisition of the land is $3.05 million and would be afforded by use of Prescott’s Open Space Preservation Fund.  With the addition of this parcel, Prescott will own almost all land along Granite Creek from Watson Lake North to the Pinon Pines Night Club.  Just one parcel remains and the possibility for future acquisition looks good according to city officials.

According to the Trails Superintendent, Eric Smith, the Prescott open space advisory committee would like to see a master plan for the area.  This requires community members to get involved via public hearings to determine appropriate use.  Keep your ears peeled for updates on these issues so you can help determine the recreational future of Prescott open space!

Please contact Tim Anderson for more information about Prescott Lifestyle and Community.

Complimentary Prescott MLS Search

Great Lakes Aviation recently announced their plans to launch a new daily flight service to and from Prescott Arizona.  Daily flights to Phoenix and Ontario International Airports (Los Angeles) will begin on September 8th, 2008.

Following is the new flight schedule:

Great Lakes currently provides service at 50 airports in 14 states.  Their fleet includes Embraer EMB-120 Brasilias and Raytheon/Beech 1900D airliners.

To purchase tickets, visit the Great Lakes Airlines Website or call their reservation center at 800.554.5111.

Well, that was the plan.  Back in April the Prescott City Council voted to increase water and sewer impact fees to help fund future utility needs to meet new growth.  Until recently Prescott’s City Council hadn’t really had any opposition to the idea.  However, at the recent public hearing on the issue many voiced concerns.  Most believe that now is not the time to raise the cost of home building in Prescott.

According to projections from city consultant, Dan Jackson, Prescott will need $386 million in water and sewer system improvements by 2017.  New Impact feeds would constitute about a 15% increase from the existing structure on an average sized home.  This means an addition of about $2,343 to the cost of building a home in Prescott.  

Many in opposition would like to see some brainstorming on alternative methods for financing.  All believe in impact fees, but are interested in new ideas. 

The Prescott City Council wants to hear from you!  Please provide feedback on the proposed fees prior to August 26th! 

A Welcome addition to Prescott…..Be sure to stop by and check out the top of the line equipment and meet the trainers!

TNT Fitness & Body  301 West Whipple Prescott, AZ  Phone: 928-277-0305

 Visit www.TNTFitnessandbody.com for more details.

TNT Fitness & Body is a state of the art fitness center featuring the latest in top name cardio and circuit training equipment for every part of the body.  There is an entire room dedicated to free weights,including Olympic benches, power stations, Smith machines and crossover cables.  This is the highest quality gym in the area, meeting the fitness, wellness and cosmetic needs of the community.

Owner Dan Thanos brings over 30 years experience in the industry, and is an award winning trainer and competitor.  His goal is to educate and motivate, with an unparalleled commitment to member service.  He has created a unique environment that is new, clean, supportive and aimed at the professional and retired population of Prescott.

TNT Fitness & Body offers experienced and knowledgeable staff, personal training, and programs designed to meet your personal fitness needs.  Be sure to ask about the new state of the art VacuStep machine and tanning beds.

For more information or a personal tour please contact Dan Thanos at 928-277-0305

Well the vote is in - the $54.1 million capital needs bond issue will be on the Prescott general election ballot November 4th of this year.  Prescott council members passed the issue by a 6-1 decision.  The public Prescott citizen-based Capital Needs Committee decided to consider nine separate projects which support public safety, parks, rodeo grounds, and the Prescott Municipal Airport on a preliminary basis. 

The issues will be re-examined in September prior to the general election to determine what projects will make the final list.  Other related community issues in the spotlight will include the extension of the streets, open space sales tax and a quarter percent sales tax increase as opposed to a property tax increase.

Please contact Tim Anderson for more information about Prescott.  Relocating?  To search the local MLS please visit Tim’s Prescott real estate website.

Will the City of Prescott bring a tax increase to voters in the effort to raise money for capital improvements in 2008-2009?  Hard to say, but we’ll know by July 8th whether or not the issue makes the November 4th general ballot.  Last time voters agreed to increase property taxes was in 1998 to fund a bond issue to raise $15 million for the purchase of Willow Lake and Watson Lake.  This year a potential $54.1 million bond issue is on the table.  The Prescott capital improvement wish list includes:

• Two new fire stations
• A new police headquarters
• An upgraded police shooting range
• A fire/storage building
• A new fire training center
• Improvements to city parks and rodeo grounds
• Purchase of property to extend the Prescott Municipal Airport runway

If you’d like to weigh in on these issues you can attend the Prescott City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 8th at 3pm: Prescott City Hall, 201 S. Cortez Street.

Relocating to the Prescott Area?  Please use our complimentary online Prescott MLS Search