What’s Happening In The South Mountain/Laveen Village’s

George A. Young

gayoung@cox.net

“Well Folks; remember life is too short to waste time hating anyone.”

Please join the community at the South Mountain Village Planning Committee meetings for the planning of the General Plan.  This planning process will extend for about 18 months.  For information on the SMVPC agenda please contact the City of Phoenix Planning Department.  Our planner is Josh Bednarek at (602-262-6823) e-mail joshua.bednarek@phoenix.gov.  To inquire about developments in the South Mountain/Laveen Village’s please e-mail or call George at (gayoung@cox.net or 602-243-3162).

The Historic Farm at South Mountain

“A drive down an unpaved memory lane”

South Mountain boasts a hidden gem sought after by those looking to unwind and unplug from the fast-paced lifestyle of city living and reconnect with nature and community. More importantly, the Farm at South Mountain reminds us all to pause and appreciate our neighborhood’s special place in the Valley’s history and acknowledge the efforts to preserve an idea conceived by a true Arizona visionary.  As you turn into the easily-missed gravel entrance of the humble property, you’re instantly surrounded by a handful of cozy 1920′s cottages that house several locally-owned and independent businesses. In fact, the entire property was part of a larger land purchase by Phoenix icon Dwight Heard (of the Heard Museum) who envisioned a community where people would use the land to support themselves and each other. In the early 1900′s he divided the land and sold the parcels with the intent of promoting self-sustainability, going so far as to include a cow and fifty chickens with each purchase.

The original vision of sustainability continues further down the gravel path as your enter a canopy of pecan trees planted in the mid-1940′s that have yielded bountiful harvests for the community for more than 60 years. Today, they define and shield the verdant oasis from the city skyline, opening only to allow branch-framed views of South Mountain.  Fragrant blooms and freshly tilled earth lead you to the green core of the Farm where 1.5 acres of organic gardens express the unwritten history of the property. Farmer Maya Dailey’s produce garden flourishes from naturally-enriched soil deposits dating back to its ancient history as a riverbed. The flowers also grown here remind us of the stretched miles of swaying Japanese flower fields that once skirted the base of the mountain.

A quick stroll down the mulchy pathways and you arrive at the rear of the Farm property where a collection of quaint cottages and a converted farmhouse proudly showcase the culinary craftsmanship and imagination of local artists. The nationally-recognized Quiessence Restaurant and the locally-celebrated Artist’s Studio both contribute to the founding principles of Heard’s vision of economic sustainability.

In fact, current Farm owner A. Wayne Smith carries the torch of Heard’s dream by encouraging all the farm businesses to thrive and support one another.  “It’s simple,” says Smith. “I tell everyone here you’ve gotta focus on delivering a good product and extending excellent service. That’s what has made this property great.”

But the Farm’s impact and contributions are not limited to the property’s borders.  Thanks to grower Maya Dailey, The Farm’s superb produce can be found on the menus of the Valley’s most elite restaurants, enjoyed by students in local schools and is available at many public markets across the city.  Quiessence Restaurant’s cuisine has earned international acclaim and spotlight from Food & Wine Magazine, Gourmet, Bloomberg, Arizona Highways and numerous awards from local publications.

With thriving businesses built on decades of responsible stewardship of the land and a visionary promise, Phoenix’s hidden gem is destined to make history far into the future. Current owner Wayne Smith wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I just sure hope Mr. Heard would be proud.”

• The South Mountain Village Planning Committee will meet on November 10^th. 2009 at 6:30 PM at the Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue.
• The Target Area B Citizens Action Committee will meet on December 2^nd.2009 at 6:30 PM at the Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 South Central Avenue.
• The South Mountain/Laveen Village Festival Committee will meet on November 3rd. 2009 at 4 PM at 3540 E. Baseline Rd.
• South Mountain Village Clean & Beautiful Committee will meet on November 11^th. 2009 at 4 PM at the Heritage Neighborhood Resource building on 2405 East Broadway Road.

“Remember Folks; when it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.”