At a work session meeting Tuesday, a majority of the Town Council directed staff to focus efforts on designing future improvements to Verde River Drive and Parkview Avenue as part of the upcoming budget and downtown improvements.
As staff prepares the budget for Council review and approval, the design phase for Verde River and Parkview has been identified as a top priority within the updated Downtown Strategy. This plan will explore enhancements such as sidewalks, seating areas, lighting, trees, and other beautification elements to improve walkability, aesthetics and future economic development opportunities.
This prioritization of the Downtown Strategy comes on the heels of a public meeting last week aimed at further gathering feedback on how to implement, fund and prioritize the Town’s vision for a thriving and dynamic downtown, along with limiting potential impacts on businesses and the community.
The broader Downtown Strategy outlines potential upgrades over the next five years, including wider sidewalks, additional lighting, landscaping, and seating along the Avenue of the Fountains. There has also been discussion about zoning changes to encourage restaurants and entertainment venues to occupy ground-floor spaces.
For the upcoming fiscal year, beginning July 1, the design work for Verde River Drive and Parkview Avenue is budgeted at $515,000. The Town Council will still need to vote on the overall budget. Construction on Verde River Drive could begin as early as summer 2026, pending further funding approval.
Improvements along the Avenue of the Fountains may be considered in later phases of the Downtown Strategy. Meanwhile, staff continues to develop a new zoning overlay, which is still pending review by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
You can view the presentation by clicking this link. Additionally, video of the entire work session is available on the Town's YouTube channel.