Local leaders are honing in on what makes Paradise Valley different from sister cities Scottsdale and Phoenix and hope to better define their character of the town and its neighborhoods with upcoming council meetings. 

Per the Paradise Valley Independent, the Paradise Valley Planning Commission met early in August to field ideas of what conveys local spirit. What they came up with is now known as the Visually Significant Corridors Master Plan, which was added to the town’s quality of life initiatives and 2012 General Plan. A major part of the plan is to create “an experience” at the intersection of Lincoln Drive and Tatum Boulevard in the Paradise Hills neighborhood. Also mentioned is the possible creation of a “Pillars of the Community” themed open space garden highlighting members of the community. Other elements include the addition of travel lanes for vehicles and bikes, sidewalks, street furniture, greenery, lighting, and signage.

Noting the streetscape creates “a sense of place” and citing well-known streets like Central Avenue in Downtown Phoenix, the hope is to establish elements that complement existing neighborhoods and architecture that recognizes the town’s natural environment. 

Other ideas include proposing “geotagging” landmarks in town that contain unique items as well as scavenger hunts using props like “little lizards” within the town’s boundaries. 

The next session on the Visually Significant Corridor Master Plan is set to take place September 5th.