January 17, 2006

MARICOPA - For many residents forced to drive to Chandler or Casa Grande to shop for everything from sweaters to shovels, the prospect of being able to find such goods much closer to home is pretty appealing.

And with each passing day, it seems Maricopa is developing more reasons for residents to stay in town. In the last two weeks alone, Quiznos Subs, Radio Shack and America's Best Karate have opened their doors in Maricopa. Other projects nearing completion include Fletcher's Tire and AutoZone, both located in the Bashas' shopping center, and, across John Wayne Parkway, a Jack In The Box fast food restaurant.
Just as predicted by city officials and economic forecasters, the businesses are arriving in response to Maricopa's growing population.

"The growth and expansion of the population led to my decision to open a new business here in Maricopa," said Ronald Beasley, owner of Radio Shack. "There is so much opportunity here. The residents are telling us they are glad we're here."

Rancho El Dorado resident Carl Bezuidenhout, who moved to Maricopa from Ahwatukee last year, says he is pleased to see more retail coming to town.

"It's exciting to see all the new businesses opening - anything to cut down on the trips into Phoenix," Bezuidenhout said. "The more dining and fast food options we have out here the better. I would like to see more child-friendly entertainment options, movie theaters, eateries and toy stores, especially with all the young families out here. We also need more child care facilities."

Fellow Maricopa resident Gina Segarra agreed.

"I think having car care places, fast food restaurants, home decor stores and retail stores is important for Maricopa's economy," Segarra said. "It brings in jobs for those who do not want or like to travel to Phoenix. I personally hate driving out of town and only do it once a month if I absolutely have to."

Numerous retail outlets that have recently been approved by either Pinal County or the city and are in varying stages of construction include a Sonic Drive-In, Kentucky Fried Chicken/Long John Silver's combo, Checker Auto Parts, Ace Hardware and Taco Bell. Businesses rumored to be negotiating retail space include chain Mexican and Asian sit-down restaurants, a home decor store, national chain coffee shop, national bank, an urgent care center and other medical providers.

Several new strip centers are also well on their way to opening. The Shops at Maricopa Villages and Maricopa Manor, two centers located "downtown," will feature numerous businesses including insurance agencies, a window coverings store and a Domino's Pizza. Businesses that have signed leases for the Shops at Maricopa Fiesta, located just south of Bashas', include a hair salon, dentist, tanning salon and Central Arizona College. The UTAZ development on the northwest corner of John Wayne Parkway and Arizona 238 is an office-condo village featuring professional businesses that are typically medical-related.

"All those services and businesses that come in add sales tax revenue," said Mayor Kelly Anderson. "It will be nice to have people staying more and more in town to do all of their shopping. It's all about keeping our tax dollars here to support our city, our parks and recreation programs and other public services."

©Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc. 2006