By Melissa Rosequist | Your Valley
It is expected that the new Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley resort will be opening its doors soon — and Town Council candidates have differing opinions on what that may bring.
One candidate, who was on council when the project was approved, warns of increased need for town resources, such as police, fire and public works services.
Meanwhile, it’s of popular opinion that the new resort and accompanying retail offerings will bring more money to the town through tax revenue.
In this week’s Town Council candidate Q&A, we ask what kind of impact the new resort may bring to the town’s revenue. Read below for local opinions.
Christine Labelle
• The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley hotel is reportedly nearing completion, with an expected opening date of late 2022 or early 2023. Town residents have been watching this project slowly sprout for years. What kind of impact will the new resort have on the town’s funds?
Like many Paradise Valley residents, I am eager for the completion of the Ritz-Carlton project and looking forward to enjoying its amenities and the luxury experience and income it will provide to Paradise Valley and its residents.
As a Realtor, I have already walked clients through the offerings and explored the lifestyle. There is a demand for this product. However, I was not intricately involved in the long development process and eventual town approval, so I cannot speak to the specifics of the economic plan or impact report provided during the Ritz review process.
From what I have come to understand from similar development projects like Mountain Shadows, the site of the Ritz-Carlton hotel has never been developed. This means Paradise Valley will receive another source of revenue through its operations, a resort bringing new tourism and luxury resort experience to Paradise Valley that will draw further interest in our community.
It’s important to keep in mind that the town has not thrived on funds from the hospitality industry alone. All development projects should aim to provide the community with a benefit that goes beyond revenue, and is respectful and thoughtful of its surroundings.
