December 22, 2010 • Vol. 09, No. 6
POSTAL PATRON CAVE CREEK
www.thefoothillsfocus.com
ECRWSS Carrier Route PreSorted Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 371 Cave Creek, AZ
Anthem • Black Canyon City • Carefree • Cave Creek • Desert Hills • New River • N. Phoenix • Tramonto
Anthem gets verdict on water rates MARC BUCKHOUT MANAGING EDITOR
The news wasn’t great, but it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. That was the summation by Roger Willis, the Chair of the Utilities Committee in Anthem following the Dec. 15 ruling by the Arizona Corporation Commission, the five-member commission, which regulates utilities.
Arizona American Water Company had submitted a request for rate increases that would have doubled home owners’ monthly bills. Instead those living east of I-17 will see their rates rise by roughly 40 percent over the next three years. “Well, we’re not happy, but I guess we’re not sad either,” Willis said. “We knew we were going to have to compromise.” Willis said owners of homes
with 5/8 inch water pipes will likely see their on average $89 water bills increase to approximately $126, while owners with 1-inch water pipes will increase from $119 a month to somewhere in the neighborhood of $170. Throughout an extensive process leading up to the decision Anthem did its best to let the Corporation Commission know of the extensive impact
doubling the rates would have had on its residents. Along with a standing room only crowd that turned out for a visit by the Corporation Commission in April Willis said that among the thousands of Anthem resident that wrote responses to the Commission some 25 percent expressed fear that if the rates were to double they might be forced to move from Anthem.
Those efforts may have played a role in the commission deciding to lower the figure that Arizona American Water Company can charge. “If we believe what we were told by (commission Chairwoman) Kris Mayes then our efforts did make a difference,” Willis said. “I’m not sure if it’s quantifiable, but she made some Anthem verdict continued on page 7
NUISANCE OR NECESSITY? Residents question proposed New River Road upgrades MARC BUCKHOUT MANAGING EDITOR
It may not have been a hostile crowd that showed up at New River Elementary
on Dec. 15, but the crowd of approximately 200 people could at best be described as skeptical as MCDOT made a presentation about New River Road improvements that are in
Marc Buckhout/The Foothills Focus
Approximately 200 New River residents showed up to hear a presentation by MCDOT about planned upgrades to New River Road on Dec. 15 at New River Elementary School. Residents voiced concerns about added traffic, possible loss of land and deterioration of the rural lifestyle they desire.
Inside:
the planning stages. Dividing the area from the I-17 frontage road to Carefree Highway into seven different segments MCDOT went through a series of upgrades they deem necessary to improve safety on the road, ones they plan to carry out in some form by 2017. “We are here today to have a dialogue and find a solution that we can all live with,” Al Kattan, Project Management and Construction said. “We are not in the business of having unsafe roads. We need to come together on this issue.” Kattan explained that studies on the road began in 2007 following accidents on the S-curve area west of Figs Springs Road. Beyond improving safety the projects will accommodate projected future traffic demand, and improve drainage conditions. Because the
geometry including the dips and curves of the existing roadway spanning the entire corridor does not meet today’s minimum roadway design MCDOT has determined that the high-priority issues associated with the corridor warrant action. In response to a shouting contingent Kattan compared his responsibility as an engineer to that of a doctor. “I come to you in good faith,” he said. “When you go to a doctor they’re going to tell you the truth, not what you want to hear. That’s an unsafe road.” The analogy wasn’t roundly accepted. “If you don’t agree with what a doctor says you can get a second opinion, we can’t get another MCDOT guy,” Bob Biegler said. Biegler and his wife Betty have lived in New River since
2004. Under alternative three being considered for the S Curve the Bieglers would have a newly constructed road going through the back of their property, lessoning the view that they cherish. Losing property to a newly designed road also could be a reality for numerous residents depending on the alternative chosen. “The blue alternative (alternative 1), where they just widen the road a bit is more than enough,” Bob said. “The people that live in this area really don’t think anything needs to be done. If they wanted to do something productive they’d get some good police enforcement out here to slow down the speeders and the drunk drivers. People out here don’t want the character of our community changed.” Kattan even acknowledged New River continued on page 6
SPORTS:
ARREST:
CELEBRITY:
Boulder Creek seniors claim titles in wrestling invitational
Cave Creek man arrested in shooting last week
Miss American pays visit to Outlets at Anthem
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OTHER :
• Editorial Page
17
• Classified Ads
23
• Service Directory 18