June 2021 Newsletter

 The Biltmore Area Partnership founded in 1994, is comprised of a group of proactive individuals from various local businesses and neighboring communities. The BAP focuses to keep up on neighborhood current events and community news as well as environmental issues affecting the Biltmore Area. We sincerely appreciate your support and your membership. 

Message From the BAP Board of Director 

The BAP Board welcomes its newest member Lisa Mailliard the General Manager of The Camelback Esplanade Association, 

UPCOMING LUCHEONS 

June 22nd luncheon will be with Kim Sabow, President & CEO of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association. This luncheon will be held at The Gladly restaurant. 

July 27 luncheon will be with Nico Willis the Founder & CEO of NetWorth Services, Inc. and Co-Founder & Managing Director of Agora AltX, LLC. This luncheon will be held at the E Center at The Esplanade and catered by FLINT. 

Thank You 

To Phoenix City Mayor, Kate Gallego for the giving of her time to be our speaker at our May luncheon. 

To Liz Dodds and the staff at Lon’s At The Hermosa Inn for hosting this luncheon. 

Message from Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee 

Greetings Biltmore Area Partnership Members, 

I hope this message finds you all well. Thank you for your great contributions to Arizona’s economy in many key industries. 

I want to share with you all the exciting details about the AZ529, Arizona’s Education Savings Plan’s Essay Contest. The contest is open to all fifth graders across the state who can answer the question: “What is your dream job and how do you plan on achieving it in the future?” 

Students have the chance to win $529 towards a new or existing AZ529 Plan for their future education or college costs. The Essay Contest is open now and will run through May 29. One winner will be selected from each of Arizona’s 15 counties, with an additional five prizes to be awarded between Maricopa and Pima counties due to higher population. In all, over $10,000 will be distributed to 20 Arizona students to help them save for future education! 

You can find more information about the Essay Contest here: https://az529.gov/essaycontest/ 

I hope to encourage families from every corner of our state to save for future education. Students deserve the best educational options from workforce training to higher education, and the AZ529 Plan helps them better prepare for to pursue their educational needs. We are excited for this future generation to showcase their hopes, dreams, and plans. 

I encourage you to share this opportunity with your networks and the fifth graders in your life. I appreciate your dedication to the success of the Biltmore Area. Thank you. 

Sincerely, 

Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee 

TreasurerYee@AZTreasury.gov 

Messages From Steve Chucri, Maricopa Board Supervisor and Bill Gates Maricopa Board Supervisor 

Message From Supervisor Steve Chucri 

Board of Supervisors Cuts Property Tax Rate, Invests in Public Health 

After helping the nation’s fastest-growing county weather a pandemic and a year of financial uncertainty, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is putting money in people’s pockets while also making investments to ensure a better future. The Board of Supervisors approved a tentative $3.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2022. The budget includes significant health and human services spending and a property tax rate cut. It also included capital investments that will help support continued growth along with a new East Valley Animal Care and Control Facility; 10 improvement projects at regional parks; more than 92 long-term transportation projects; new security, SWAT, and K-9 facilities for the Sheriff’s Office. 

It has been a hard year, but I’m optimistic about Maricopa County’s future and pleased that, because of years of fiscal discipline from this Board, we are able to cut tax rates. In 2020, Maricopa County ranked first in economic growth out of more than 30 metro regions in the U.S. The budget approved by the Board and the property tax rate cut we are planning–will support the county’s economic momentum by easing the financial burden on residents while also prioritizing public health and safety. 

Elections Department 

The Maricopa County Elections Department wants you to have the facts about election integrity and the accuracy of all elections. Help us combat misinformation about the County’s election processes and vote counting equipment by signing up for the “Just the Facts” newsletter. You’ll get timely updates from the source about how Maricopa County ensures integrity and accuracy every election. 

Subscribe to “Just the Facts” 

MEMORIAL DAY This weekend, we paused to reflect upon the selfless men and women who have honorably served our nation and state and made the ultimate sacrifice to allow us our freedom. We pay tribute to their memory and remain forever indebted to them for their service. We remember those Arizonans currently serving, both at home and abroad, and continue to pray for their safe return. 

Sincerely, Steve Chucri, Supervisor Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 2 www.maricopa.gov/steve 602-506-7431 

Message from Supervisor Gates 

Dear Friends, 

The heat is on! After a beautiful May, filled with weeks to be enjoyed outside, we find ourselves at triple digit temperatures. This is a great time to plug the Maricopa County Library District’s Summer Reading Challenge. The countywide theme is “Tails & Tales”, and I’ve added a local focus to this year’s theme with book selections featuring desert animals. Sign up below to complete my Summer 2021 Reading Badge! 

Summer is also a busy time for vacationing, and with last year’s plans cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I know so many of you are gearing up for summer travel. I’d like to take the opportunity to remind those who have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine that there is no better time than now to get your shots, especially if you plan to hit the road. Getting the vaccine is an important part of helping our county and our nation recover from the effects of this pandemic and return to doing the things we love to do. Don’t delay and check COVID-19 Vaccine Locations | Maricopa County, AZ to find vaccine locations near you. 

From all of us at Maricopa County, I want to wish you a Happy Memorial Day. May it be a day to count our blessings and remember those who serve to protect our country and our freedom and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. My warmest wishes to all of you and your families on this Memorial Day. 

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have questions, concerns, or need help finding resources. You may reach us at 602-506-7562 or district3@maricopa.gov. 

All my best, 

Bill 

Board Cuts Tax Rates, Invests In Public Health 

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion last week to lower property tax rate for Maricopa County residents in fiscal year 2022. 

After helping the nation’s fastest-growing county weather a pandemic and a year of financial uncertainty, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is putting money in people’s 

pockets while also making investments to ensure a better future. On May 17th, the Board of Supervisors approved a tentative $3.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2022. The budget includes significant health and human services spending and a property tax cut rate. 

Supervisor Gates had this to say about the budget: “Our job is to be responsive to the needs of our community and respectful of the taxpayer’s hard-earned dollars. This budget does that. The pandemic taught us how tenuous health and financial security are for too many in our community, and so we invested in those areas. At the same time, the Board wisely chose to lower the property tax rate and reduce our pension debt.” 

The public will be able to comment on the tentative budget between now and the final vote which is scheduled for June 21. 

Contact District 3 

602-506-7562 

District3@maricopa.govov 

Camelback High School 

Hey BAP Members! 

Camelback High School is excited to announce the launch of a new CTE Hospitality Program. Our goal with this new endeavor is to excite students about the hospitality industry and give them the skills needed to pursue a career in this industry after completing their education. If you would like to be involved as we launch this program or have someone in your network who could be a resource to our school community, we would very much appreciate hearing from you. 

Camelback High School and other schools across the city will be hosting vaccine events throughout the summer. We want to open these up to the BAP community and partners. Please see the attached flyer and know you are more than welcome to come and see us and get your vaccination this summer! PXU_CAMELBACK Summer Youth Vaccination Event Flyer (1).pdf 

James Arndt, Principal 

Camelback High School 

4612 North 28th Street 

Phoenix, AZ 85016 

jarndt@phoenixunion.org 

School 602-764-7001 

News In and Around The Biltmore Area 

Camelback East Village Planning Committee 

The CAMELBACK EAST VILLAGE PLANNING COMMITTEE will not hold a meeting in June. 

Local First Arizona 

Please go to: https://www.localfirstaz.com/events to find out about events that will be happening in your area and how to help and support your local business during this time. 

HAPPY HOUR/SOCIAL HOUR IN 85016 

Please check with individual restaurants to see if they have resumed Happy Hours. 

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS 

The Phil Tibi Group Real Estate Market Update. 

From the Desk of Michael Orr / CROMFORD REPORT: 

While I would agree with much of the content of this article there are a few statements that interest me: 

1. “Today’s mini-boom cannot be sustained” 

Calling the current market conditions a “mini-boom” is ridiculous. If this is not a full scale boom, then I don’t know what would qualify. This is a more significant and long-lived increase in price than any of the booms we have witnessed since the 1950s. We have over a decade of sustained under-building in the face of population growth to work off. This is not some market aberration that will quickly resolve itself. The annual appreciation rate has already exceeded 24% (measured by monthly average $/SF) and there are higher numbers to come. Also what does “cannot be sustained” mean. If it means that prices will one day be lower than today, that we would consider an unlikely prospect. At some stage the boom will fade but we expect prices to stabilize at a much higher level than 2Q 2021. In the words of Stephen Kim of Evercore ISI, we are entering housing’s “Golden Age”. 

2. “Few people foresaw the housing market crash 15 years ago that ignited a worldwide recession” 

This is true, but we were one of those people. We forecast the crash in June 2005 and sold our investment property holding for $940,000 that we purchased for $521,336 3 years earlier. In 2005 many people were reluctant to believe a crash was coming, but in 2021 there are far too many people willing to believe that a crash is coming, despite all the evidence to the contrary. This widespread belief is one of the factors that prevents it becoming a bubble. In a bubble, almost everyone believes the price rises will be sustained and fear of missing out is far higher than the fear of a crash. We see evidence of such bubbles in many places today, but housing in Phoenix is not one of them. 

3. “Fueled by low interest rates, loose mortgage lending standards, and the nation’s unshakable faith in home ownership, home values rose at record rates year after year”. 

This is actually referring to a brief period of massive price rises in 2004 through 2006. This was not really “year after year” but a fairly short period compared with what we are currently experiencing. It was also not fueled by low interest rates, unless you consider 6% low. This would be considered a high rate today. It was certainly fueled by loose lending standards, driven by Wall Street’s insatiable appetite for mortgage backed securities. You can’t sell mortgage backed securities unless you have mortgages to build them with, so mortgage brokers were incented to sell mortgages to almost anybody. Many of the borrowers went along with the scam and didn’t even make the first repayment. Having secured a 100% loan, they lived rent-free for quite some time before they were eventually foreclosed and had to move out. Not every foreclosed homeowner was an innocent party at that time. Many home buyers fraudulently exploited the situation. The lenders take much of the blame but I know many borrows who were complicit. This is very different to today’s lending industry and today’s borrowers. Today’s USA has a fairly shaky faith in home ownership thanks to the 2005 boom and 2007 bust, which is another reason why we are probably not in a bubble today. The fact that so many people think we are in a bubble is itself a reason to doubt we are in a bubble. 

While talking real estate…Interested in keeping up to date on new Biltmore listings coming to the market and seeing what recently sold in your neighborhood? Download this very special App below: (Similar to Zillow or Realtor.com except on steroids and real-time accurate info!) 

The Complete Biltmore Real Estate Market Finally…In Your Pocket 

Biltmore Fashion Park 

Summer Career Fair – Looking for a new career or a summer job? Visit Biltmore Fashion Park on Saturday, June 5 from 10:00am and 2:00pm. The event will take place in the space located next to Blanco’s Tacos and Tequila. We will have several retailers and restaurants. 

That are looking to expand their team including Macy’s and Soma Intimates. Bring your resume and get hired! 

Life Time at The Biltmore 

Life Time Biltmore is fully open and operating with something for the whole family! 

From fitness classes and youth programs to roof top cabanas and pool side service, we are excited to have our doors open for our Biltmore community. 

To find out what is new to the Biltmore Fashion Park, further details on specials, events, and to find out what else is happening at The Biltmore Fashion Park during this time, go to www.shopbiltmore.com 

Carla Hancock/Bay Equity 

On the Mortgage Front: Primary Residence 30 Year Fixed Rates can be found to be hovering somewhere in the low 3%’s as of late. Also, what’s been ‘trending’ lately is that a Purchase Home Buyer/Loan Borrower may receive about an .125%/1/8 lower in interest rate than an equivalent Rate and Term Refinance Borrower. Also, for that higher Credit Score Borrower – Mortgage Insurance is affordable – if the Borrower wants to have the perspective that “Cash is King” and put less than 20% down. I am pleased for the opportunity to speak with anyone who is affiliated with Biltmore Area Partnership (in anyway) and is need of mortgage financing. Please contact me anytime at 602.350.1351 or CHancock@BayEq.com. 

The Esplanade 

Here is the current update, as of today, for our restaurants, bars and AMC at The Esplanade: 

Restaurants: Hours of Operation and Services that they offer. 

-FlINT: Sunday – Thursday 4:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. Friday – Saturday 4:00p.m.- 10:00p.m. To Go & Dine-In 

-UPSTAIRS: Tuesday-Saturday 5:00p.m. – 11:00p.m. Dine-In& 

-City Market Deli: 7:00a.m.- 3:00p.m. To Go, Dine-In and Delivery 

Saturday-Sunday: Closed. 

-Tocaya- Sunday- Thursday 11:00a.m.-9:00p.m. 

Friday-Saturday 11:00a.m.-10:00p.m. To Go, Dine-In and Delivery 

-Comoncy- Monday-Friday 7:30a.m.- 3:00p.m. To Go & Dine-In 

Saturday-Sunday: Closed 

-MercBar- Reopening 4/23/2021 – Wednesday & Thursday 5:00p.m. – 12:00a.m. Friday & Saturday 5:00p.m. – 2:00a.m. 

Retail 

AMC- Is now open every day. The hours of operation vary based upon show times. Check website for the details for those. 

E-Center: reopen date undetermined. 

AC Hotel Biltmore 

The AC Phoenix Biltmore is fully open and looks forward to welcoming back our guests! Join us in the AC Kitchen for Breakfast 6 am – 10 am weekdays and 7 am -11 am on weekends. Our AC Lounge opens at 4 pm daily for dinner and drinks. Here is what to expect during your upcoming stay: – Protective barriers at the Registration Desk – Contactless check-in if using the Marriott Bonvoy App or very limited contact if requesting to be issued standard keys – Floor markings and signage to encourage social distancing – All employees are required to wear masks – Hand sanitizing stations at key touchpoints in the hotel (elevators, lobby, restaurant etc.) – The AC Lounge and Kitchen is open for dine-in or take-out. Seating capacity in the AC Lounge and Patio have been modified to encourage social distancing – The Fitness Center and Swimming Pool are open for guest use. Seating arrangements and signage is in place to encourage social distancing. – Increased cleaning/sanitizing schedules for all public areas and key touchpoints of the hotel – Occupied rooms will only be serviced upon request to limit contact – Marriott’s Commitment To Clean program is in place – this includes, but not limited to, ensuring rooms are completely sterilized using EPA-approved cleaning & disinfecting agents that kill the COVID-19 virus. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you, and hope you will call on us if we can do anything to assist you. 

Arizona Biltmore Golf Club and Adobe Restaurant 

Play and Save All Summer Long: The 2021 Arizona Biltmore Golf Club Summer Pass is now on sale. Play six rounds at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club – any day of the week, at any time – for just $199 now through September 10th. Summer Pass holders also get 2-for-1 drink coupons, merchandise discounts, plus you can play up to six times at The Wigwam at their Summer Six Golf Pass rate. Pick up your 2021 Summer Pass today at www.azbiltmoregc.com and keep playing and saving all summer long. 

Father’s Day Gift Idea: Has dad been dropping hints about wanting to play more golf? Here are two great Father’s Day gift ideas: the Arizona Biltmore 2021 Summer Pass OR an Arizona Biltmore Golf Club Gift Card. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 20th so don’t delay. Visit the golf shop or purchase online at www.azbiltmoregc.com. 

Adobe Happy Hour: Enjoy a beautiful view and a great deal on drinks beginning at 3 p.m. daily on the Adobe’s outdoor patio. The bar is always open until 6 p.m.! On Saturdays and Sundays, The Adobe has all-day specials, including $5 Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. Plus, be sure to check out the seasonal chalkboard for specials in the bar. 

Tournaments and Events: Do you have a charitable cause in need of fundraising? With our Central Phoenix location and player-friendly golf courses, the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club is the perfect spot to host a fundraising golf tournament. June is prime season for golf tournaments in the Phoenix area, so contact Director of Events Matt Porter at 602-955-9655 to schedule your fundraiser golf tournament. 

Adobe Curbside Takeout & Delivery: The Adobe Restaurant continues to offer curbside takeout service and delivery through third party partners (Uber Eats, Grubhub & DoorDash) from 8 AM to 3 PM daily. The takeout menu offers a full menu of favorites, plus beer, wine and soft drinks are available. To view The Adobe Restaurant’s Takeout and Delivery Menu, visit www.theadoberestaurant.com and click the menu button. To place an order, call (602)468-9160. 

Everyday Specials at The Arizona Biltmore Golf Club: The Arizona Biltmore Golf Club offers great ways to play and save: 

Sunday Family Day: Kids under 17 play free with a paying adult after 1 pm (1 child per adult 21yr or older). 

Lunch Break Special: Enjoy a hot dog, a drink and a bucket of practice balls for just $15. 

Frontline & Public Service Rate: As a small token of our appreciation for all they do for the community and country, all frontline workers and first responders (doctors, nurses, police, fire, emergency services and military) will receive $5 Off of their round. Bring up to 3 friends with you at the same rate and enjoy the great conditions. (Must have valid I.D., good for all current and retired personnel). 

For more information, to book a golf tee time, corporate lunch or private function, please visit www.azbiltmoregc.com or www.theadoberestaurant.com. 

Bluewater Grill 

We are open. We are closed Mondays. Open Tuesday thru Thursday from 11:30 to 8:30 and Friday thru Sunday 11:30 to 9pm. Same happy hour as before. 

The Capital Grille-Biltmore Fashion Park 

Embassy Suites Biltmore 

The Embassy Suites Biltmore was excited to reopen its doors on June 12th and looks forward to welcoming back our Team Members and Guests! Hilton and our team members have set up industry leading solutions to provide a safe environment for our guest and team members during this very challenging time. We have also adjusted our property to have all of the CDC and social distancing guidelines to create an environment that creates comfort for you and your family. 

We have provided a special rate for all Arizona Residence so they can enjoy a staycation. Please call 602.955.3992 and when making your reservation and ask for the AZ residence rate. 

We look forward to welcoming you all back. 

Stay Safe. 

ZAKEE JONES – Assistant General Manager 

Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Biltmore 

t: +1 602.385.3706 I 602.388.6505 

2630 E. Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85016 

Embassysuites.com 

The Hermosa Inn 

Summer in Paradise special online offer—There’s no better time to escape to our secluded boutique hideaway set on six desert acres. Our exclusive Summer in Paradise offer includes: 

$25 Daily food and Beverage Credit 

2 Welcome Cocktails 

Daily Poolside Treats 

Early Check-In/Late Check-Out (Based Upon Availability) 

Book Now Online Offer Available Exclusively On-Line 

Valid May 17 – September 30, 2021 

Subject To Availability-Blackout dates apply. 

LON’S NAMED ONE OF THE 100 BEST BRUNCH RESTAURANTS IN AMERICA 

BY OPENTABLE 

PARADISE VALLEY, AZ (May 2021) — LON’s at the Hermosa has been named one of the 100 Best Brunch Restaurants in America for 2021 by OpenTable, the world’s leading provider of online restaurant reservations. 

Featuring restaurants from coast-to-coast, across 24 states and Washington, D.C., the list is a comprehensive look at the best brunch spots in the country. The Best Brunch Restaurants in America list was culled from more than 12 million verified diner reviews of over 30,000 restaurants in 50 states and Washington, D.C. 

“We are exceptionally honored to be voted onto this list as the challenges we faced in the last year as both an industry and an independent hotel/restaurant were ever-changing,” said Jon Dils, LON’s General Manager. “We are grateful to our guests for trusting us to provide a safe and enjoyable experience and for taking the time to share their gracious comments on OpenTable.” 

Offered on Saturday and Sunday, from 7 am–2 pm, LON’s brunch menu features a bevy of breakfast and lunch entrees, including its signature Fresh Baked “Monkey” Bread, Lobster Quiche, two decadent variations of Eggs Benedict, Short Rib Hash & Eggs, Chicken & Waffles, Almond French Toast, LON’s House Ground Brisket Burger and Huevos Rancheros. Four tempting salads round out the menu with the popular Shrimp + Blue Crab “Louie”, the Sonoran Chopped Salad and the Superfood Bowl, a colorful combination of herb quinoa, kale, roasted sweet potato, spiced walnuts, pomegranate, avocado and goji berry dressing. 

For dessert, LON’s Instagram-worthy Churro Tree, with cinnamon sugar churros, horchata cream, Mexican chocolate and strawberries, is a sweet finale and ideal for sharing. 

For just $36 per person, the Hacienda Brunch for Two features a shared starter (choice of the House-Smoked Salmon, Avocado Toast, or the Thick-Cut Bacon, served sizzling on a cast-iron skillet with mini-waffles and maple syrup), choice of two entrées or salads and two featured boozy beverages. 

The brunch cocktail menu offers a range of colorful and refreshing Margs, ‘Mosas & Mules, which can be customized with blood orange, kiwi, pineapple, black cherry, or white peach puree. The perfect summer sipper, the White Sangria is an effervescent blend of Prosecco, St. Germain and peach puree. Red or yellow Marys (chipotle/tomato or horseradish/yellow tomato) are show-stoppers created with infused AZ Mission vodka and garnished with pickled sweet peppers. 

Reservations are recommended: 602.955.7878 or lons.com 

The Hermosa Inn and LON’s are open. Reservations will be required at LON’s to allow us to manage capacity and remain compliant with all guidelines. For more information and reservations, visit hermosainn.com\offers For reservations call LON’s at 602.955.7878 or reserve online at www.lons.com 

The Gladly 

Our restaurants are opening at 4:00 p.m. The dining room is set up with a 6 ft. perimeter around each table so only about 25% of our normal capacity will be seated and reservations are recommended. All back of the house staff and front of the house servers will be wearing masks. Disposable menus and other single use items as needed. All team members are having their temps taken upon arrival for their shift. Strict sanitation and cleaning are in practice. 

The Hermosa Inn and LON’s are open. Reservations will be required at LON’s to allow us to manage capacity and remain compliant with all guidelines. For more information and reservations, visit hermosainn.com\offers For reservations call LON’s at 602.955.7878 or reserve online at www.lons.com 

Seasons 52 At The Biltmore 

Experience the best of Paul Hobbs and Caymus wines. 

What to do when you just can’t pick a wine? Order one of our Wine Bar’s new flights and explore three pours from two of our most notable winemakers. Our Drink Them Before They’re Famous Flight offers the opportunity to enjoy three Paul Hobbs wines that are on the brink of stardom, while our Caymus Spring Flight highlights three exceptional pours from this already famous winemaking family . Both feature a white and two reds, allowing you to truly explore the best of both worlds. 

Pair With Your Pour—Add to your Wine Bar experience with any of our six flatbreads. There is one to pair perfectly with every pour, and while we highly recommend the Buffalo Cauliflower Flatbread, our knowledgeable servers and bartenders can help you find what best suits our pour and your taste. 

Telephone number for Seasons 52 at The Biltmore Fashion Park is 602-840-5252 for reservations. 

2021 JULY NEWSLETTER 

As a member of The Biltmore Area Partnership, you are invited and encouraged to submit special deals, promotions or activities on behalf of your company for inclusion in our newsletter. Please submit any articles by June 23 or the July Newsletter. 

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Jessica Dorvinen – Frazer, Ryan, Goldberg & Arnold, LLP/BAP Foundation (Secretary) 

Carla Hancock – Resident of ABEVA/Bay Equity (Vice President) 

Zakee Jones – Embassy Suites Biltmore (Treasurer) 

Lisa Mailliard – The Esplanade 

Phil Tibi, – The Phil Tibi Group (President) 

Ed Rossi – Executive Director 

For a list of our current members, and information on our luncheon speakers, please go to: www.biltmoreareapartnership.com and click on Events. 

Biltmore Area Partnership: 

Phone: (480) 368-0974/ (602) 957-6483 E-mail: azbapphx@aol.com Website: www.biltmoreareapartnership.com 

Mailing Address: 

3104 E. Camelback #174 

Phoenix, AZ 85016