Carefree merchants push ASU satellite operation

Carefree residents packed a town-hall meeting earlier this month, objecting to town leadership’s plans for a community theater and new council chambers while excluding proposals that could revitalize the town center.

More than 100 residents sought answers on negotiations with developer Ed Lewis, who has proposed a $90 million luxury condominium project, and an Arizona State University satellite operation in Carefree.

Lewis told the crowd that Carefree officials — he often singled out Mayor David Schwan — abused and were rude to ASU leaders during talks to bring programming from the ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts to Carefree. Lewis said he doesn’t believe the Desert Foothills Theater, in discussions with the town to open a cultural center, will give the town center the boost it needs. The Herberger Institute, with music, art, theater and dance programming, could, he said.

“The town is in a slow state of decline,” Lewis said. “I can’t afford to build without more people on the street and more enthusiasm.”

Lewis said he would work with ASU on fundraising and a business plan if the council agreed to pass a unanimous resolution inviting ASU back.

Schwan said meetings with ASU people were “business-like” and “cordial.” But he agreed to Lewis’ request for a resolution.

The meeting brought out merchants and Carefree business owners eager to see Lewis’ longtalked-about condos over retail shops and restaurants break ground. Lewis said he needed a cultural draw to create foot traffic, and if it lined up, he could break ground in 2015.