She believes irresponsible growth occurs “when we don’t slow down and use careful consideration to be forward thinking.”
The organization was started when a high-density commercial development was being proposed across the street from her home in Chino Valley, located in an agricultural residential neighborhood. The goal of the organization was to facilitate a platform for Fernow and her neighbors to construct an organized opposition effort against projects that stand to negatively impact existing residential neighborhoods.
Fernow says responsible growth is when things are put in their proper place by way of enhancing their surroundings without negatively impacting them. She said responsible growth allows for smooth transitions and buffers between high-density and low-density housing as well as commercial and residential land uses.
Irresponsible growth, she says, is when there is a lack of consideration for existing land uses or the development impacts are not taken into consideration through investigation and research. She believes irresponsible growth occurs “when we don’t slow down and use careful consideration to be forward thinking.”
Water consumption and drought have always been important factors to consider in Yavapai County, she says. “As we continue to grow, we are going to see more use of water. However, I don’t directly relate water consumption to density because agricultural land is one of the least population dense but highest consumption areas of our country. If we want to directly impact water conservation on a local level, we need to be more focused on less consumption and more complete infrastructure to properly recharge the aquifer.”
Chino Valley is known for its rural landscape, especially its rich history of agriculture and small-town living. “That is the very thing that has made it a highly desirable place for people to escape to live. We must be committed to preserving those qualities, all while allowing for the lives of our citizens, who come from all socioeconomic walks of life, to live and prosper.”
Chino Valley’s 2040 General Plan, which she helped rewrite, is a great step in the direction of preserving Chino Valley, she says, allowing the town to continue the responsible growth effort for housing of higher density to go in its proper place.
“This gives an option for more affordable living to citizens of all backgrounds to enjoy a life here.”
Fernow has extensive knowledge of the Chino Valley area, which is valuable in her work. She also enjoys all aspects of the housing industry – from construction to design to sales.
“I am very hands-on with every transaction and I put 110% into each client I work with. Every transaction is personal to me. This is my business. When I help my clients accomplish their goals, it helps me accomplish my goals.”
She says she cannot overemphasize the importance of customer service. “Having the ability to work closely with people while providing a high level of service is an asset that anyone in business should possess. Moreover, what I provide extends well beyond that, into the areas of advocacy, representation and advice.”
Fernow believes part of customer service is looking out for the financial welfare of her clients. “A home, in most cases, will be the largest purchase of someone’s life. I am always looking out for my client’s financial interests. Whether buying, selling or investing in real estate, you must consider the market conditions, funding source and home value changes year after year – doing the proper due diligence to research the history of a property as well as obtaining knowledge of how any future projects could impact a purchase are all necessary investigations.”
The best part of being a realtor, she says, is helping her clients accomplish their goals. “Real estate is a problem-solving business where you must think on your feet and perform well under pressure.” QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
To reach Fernow, call 928-533-6334.
Photo by Stan Bindell: Realtor Rachelle Fernow helped rewrite Chino Valley’s 2040 General Plan. She is a strong advocate for “responsible growth” in the rural community.
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