Applicant seeks zoning text amendment and conditional-use permit for mixed‑use project on Carefree Drive

An applicant representing property owner Scott Whelan told the Carefree Planning & Zoning Commission that he is proposing a mixed‑use condominium and retail project on a vacant parcel on Carefree Drive and is seeking both a text amendment to the town zoning ordinance and a conditional‑use permit to allow the development.

Alex Hayes, the project presenter, said, "We're discussing AscenaCareFree. This is a proposed mixed use development commercial and residential in the within the Village Center redevelopment area." He described seven buildings containing two condominium units each, with three storefronts fronting Carefree Drive and four buildings oriented to the rear, and said the design preserves an on‑site wash, boulders and existing desert foliage.

Why it matters: The parcel sits inside the town’s Village Center redevelopment area and was identified in the 2023 redevelopment plan as a high‑potential site for residential development. The applicant and staff said the project aims to add residents to support the town center’s retail and services, while retaining street‑front commercial on Carefree Drive.

Project details and zoning request

Hayes said the proposal would allow ground‑floor commercial spaces of about 900 square feet and second‑floor residential units…