In 2019, the Gilbert Chamber issued a formal position to support the downzone of the 26 acres immediately adjacent to the 14 acres of subject with the condition that the infrastructure of this commercial land be built out at the same time as the residential development. This ask was to ensure that the economic benefits and commitments from the developer to bring commercial development to this corner became a reality.
Additionally, when we issued this position in 2019, we shared that we had heard from many residents in the SanTan Character Area who desired more restaurants and convenience-type businesses close by, and we encouraged additional consideration of office space to ensure opportunities for new businesses in the area.
The current proposal includes 14.83 acres with a request to downzone from Regional Commercial to Residential and Regional Commercial to Single-Family Detached with a PAD overlay to allow for development of 84 homes, at a density of 5.66 DU/AC.
The Chamber evaluates each request individually and considers several variables when supporting or opposing a downzoning request. Our interest is, first and foremost, the long-term sustainability of our community. Each time commercial property is downzoned to residential, we lose the opportunity for future employment and revenue-generating businesses to locate and/or expand within our town.
Given the developer's commitment to preserving the zoning of this parcel and our priority of encouraging commercial development in this segment of our community, the Gilbert Chamber opposes this downzoning request and urges commissions and councils to oppose it.
Approved February 27, 2025