The Gilbert Town Council will hear (and potentially vote on) a proposed amendment Tuesday night to modify the towns “vertical development zoning code”. That’s government-speak for “allow taller buildings to be built”.
The proposal, which is endorsed by both the Chamber of Commerce and the Planning Commission has been in development since June 2007. The changes would allow for buildings from 4 to 11 stories tall to be built.
Best I can tell, the bulk of the proposal affects currently undeveloped land in what would be future “commercial corridors”.
Naturally, there are some for it, and some who are opposed. If you are opposed to these changes, tomorrow’s Town Council meeting (7:00pm, Gilbert Civic Center) is probably your last chance to speak your mind. Generally speaking the council approves proposals that are endorsed by the Planning Commission.
You can get all the details in this Council Communication packet (52 pages, PDF file).
Here is a map that roughly delineates the 5 proposed areas of future vertical development. For detailed maps, please see this page on the Planning Commission site.
The Phoenix Real Estate Guy was started by Jay Thompson, and I have a little blogging problem... he liked to say...
Sarah –
I agree. I've only been in Gilbert since 1999. It's changed a LOT….
The map was made with Google Maps. You have to have a Google account (it's free). Then just go to maps.google.com. There's a link just under the Google logo — My Maps. Very cool stuff!
As a Gilbert resident,I have mixed feelings about this. Growth is good, and bad. Gilbert is growing, so I suppose this is inevitable. Having been here since 1984, its hard to imagine an 11 story building in Gilbert.
On a side note, how did you make that map?
I guess I should be happy I bought two rentals along the Higley corridor back when the area was all cotton fields and dairies. I had no idea development would be this rapid or intense, however.
The narrow band of proposed development along Power Road looks like it could possibly interfere with the Williams Gateway flight path. Has the airport raised any objections to the designation or is the height limit acceptable to the airport?
Another Investor –
Indeed, I would think development like this would be good for your investments!
Excellent observation about Williams Gateway and the Power Road area. If you look at the more detailed map (here) it shows there are two "levels" of designated overflight areas within this development area.
The maximum building heights allowed in these areas look to be 5 – 7 stories (vs 6 – 11 in the other 4 areas) which I assume is due to FAA restrictions. Their is also mention in the proposal that building permits in this area "may require an FAA determination letter".
So it looks like the town has their bases covered with regards to Williams Gateway.
Might be a good time to reconsider Queen Creek. Once the FHA-DPA buyers are out of the market, those foreclosures should provide some good buys for the long term investor. With the proximity to all this proposed development, the objection of distance to employment and amenities will be overcome with time.
Hmm, if I recall correctly, a pretty tall structure was put up that appears to be 5+ stories on Pecos and Val Vista. I know it's connected to a larger parking garage, but I'm pretty sure it's commercial?
They may have an exemption though. I don't know if I have too much of a problem with this, but then I think about how nice it is to be on the road and usually get a great view of the Superstitions or San Tan Mountain and if they're everywhere.. that will be sad.
Hopefully it's kept pretty tight. From what I've seen around my neighborhood, the residents are pretty adamant about keeping commercial sprawl from growing up too tall. There's usually lots of signs around for meetings to help prevent certain corners from being developed and I have to say it's appreciated. Gilbert has a great sense of "home" and seems quite connected as opposed to other cities like Mesa.
I know I appreciate that.
You may want to change your name from “Another Investor” to “Astute Investor”. . .
Personally I think Queen Creek is going to rebound, big, at some point. The problem of course is knowing when that point will be. Development/infrastructure continues to improve in the Queen Creek area, and as this zoning proposal shows, it will continue to do so in the long term.
Well I suppose the time to speak has already passed, but I'd have been opposed 🙁
I see this a step up for the Gilbert area. I this means more business in the area.