We’ve heard a great sales pitch to approve and build an assisted living facility. It will surely profit, but how will it spark future growth? Building a nursing home on prime real estate compromises our goals and misrepresents our assets. Rather than encourage vitality, Morningstar will define us as a dying community. Who visits a town that features the world's greatest fountain and a nicely appointed nursing home?

Residents are bound to the nursing facility itself, not its location. As we all know, Fountain Hills has an abundance of vacant properties, many better suited for this endeavor.

We’ve rezoned the space, but what if they proposed a prison or cemetery? Would we be so grateful then? None are the best “permitted use.” And what about local revenue? Morningstar boasts a 24-hour bistro, salon, theater and spa.

By design, it’s all-inclusive for residents and employees, no need to shop or dine out. Twice a year however, artists travel from around the country and park on the property. THEY patronize locally and encourage visitors. Without that available space, artist participation and local revenue will decline.

Access to the property is remote with no easy entry for emergency vehicles, proximity to a highway or emergency room. No one’s care should be compromised by a hindered traffic flow or by distance.

Transition is sub optimal. One side offers much sought after condos, the other offers a hotel where guests vacation. The transition is one of vibrancy and liveliness to neither of those.

Finally, the project was approved without input from 20,000 residents. They’ll return to building in their back yards that occurred without their representation.

Clearly the only interests being served are those of the developers. We’ve acted in haste to approve a bad idea rather than plan an optimal and progressive course.