Camp Verde Town Manager Russ Martin and Economic Development Director Steve Ayers agree about a perception some — but not all, or even most — locals hold: Camp Verde is not friendly to growth.
“There’s a perception that that’s the case and that all the growth went to Cottonwood as a result,” Martin said. “It takes a lot of selling to get people to change their minds …. Being able to find the right commercial development for the population has always been a concern.”
Regardless, Martin added, there were the beginnings of a change in perception — the realization that growth could, and should, occur in a sustainable way — long before he came into his position five years ago.
Nonetheless, Martin said that seesawing back and forth after numerous projects did not reflect residents’ best interests and made for a rough period after the turn of the millennium.
Ayers agreed, saying, “Bad decisions did leave a black mark on perceptions.” He used the example of developers building roads so narrow that residents could not park on the street. Furthermore, as Ayers noted, the lack of infrastructure has always hampered Camp Verde’s potential.
Sustainable growth, both Ayers and Martin agreed, is now the expectation. Maintaining Camp Verde’s character, as well as its natural resources and appeal, defines residents’ concerns.
“People will embrace growth as long as they realize that you’re protecting the things that draw them here — as long as it’s a balanced approach. I think that’s what people want,” Ayers said, adding that Camp Verde’s location guarantees it will grow. “It will succeed. It’s just going to happen.”
Martin smiled as he described the recent sale of the Rio Verde Plaza, which the town had previously owned, at a loss. He admitted that he had gotten a “lot of flak” over the decision, but firmly feels it will do better in private hands.
“It’s a matter of days before that sale closes,” Martin added. “I look forward to being here long enough to hear people say, ‘Why’d you sell it for so little?’”
Ayers pointed to another recent sale — a plot of land adjacent to State Route 260 and Finney Flat Road that now features a nearly-completed Northern Arizona Healthcare medical facility. To construct the building, NAH had to commit to building a $400,000 quarter-mile sewer extension.
“It will open up that whole commercial corridor,” Ayers said, praising NAH for not only providing a state-of-the-art medical facility to the community, but for showing confidence in Camp Verde’s future.
“When you have an organization like NAH willing to plop down $10 million, that’s huge …. I can’t say enough about what NAH did.”
According to Ayers, he has already seen an increase in interest in the Finney Flats corridor as a result.
“There was no discussion about that area prior to the NAH development.”
Now, Ayers and Martin have their eyes set on more expansive goals. Camp Verde’s main drag, long absent of bustling activity, needs a great restaurant and bar. Perhaps, as Martin suggested, even the town hall complex will move out of commercial interest’s way.
“I can do this job from home. I can do it anywhere,” Martin said.
Ayers referenced the revitalization of Old Town Cottonwood that occurred within the last decade. That revitalization hinged upon the interests of private investors, specifically restaurateurs. Attracting one or two such interested parties would be a major boon to main street.
“Is Old Town Cottonwood’s a model to emulate?” Ayers asked. “Absolutely.”
