Planning & Zoning Commission Working Session Minutes

June 5, 2002

COMMISSION PRESENT: Chairman Joan Krueger, Vice Chairman Brigette Peterson, Commissioner Daniel Dodge, Commissioner Karl Kohlhoff, Commissioner Shane Leonard, Commissioner Michael Monroe

COMMISSION ABSENT: Commissioner James Beene, Alt. Commissioner Todd Hansen

STAFF PRESENT: Planning Director Jerry Swanson, Planning Manager Linda Edwards, Planning Manager Maria Cadavid, Senior Planner Mario Mangiamele, Town Planning Consultant Greg Davis, Town Planner Jessica Galloway

ALSO PRESENT: Town Attorney Kelly Schwab, Recorder Leslie Morton

CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Joan Krueger called the study session to order at 5:10 P.M.

GATEWAY CHARACTER AREA

The Planning and Zoning Commission requested that Staff provide a review of the Gateway Character Area at a working session. Planning Manager Linda Edwards gave a presentation that reviewed the proportion and location of the land uses adopted in the 2001 General Plan. Ms. Edwards also reviewed the Land Use Classifications and Land Use Guidelines for the adopted land use categories within the Gateway Area.

In August of 1998, a consultant team was hired to complete a study of the Gateway area. The lead consultant was Design Workshop and was supported by Elliot D. Pollack and Company, a Real Estate Economist, and Lima & Associates, a Transportation Planning firm.

In June of 1999, The Final Report was submitted for discussion to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council.

Gateway Area Boundary: The area includes about 7 square miles generally located between Warner Road, Higley Road, Pecos Road and Power Road. The Area also includes the area bordered by the Santan Freeway, the Railroad and Higley Road. An exhibit illustrating the area with proposed land uses is attached.

Purpose of the Study: To prepare for balanced growth in the Gateway Area. This purpose statement evolved into purpose statements for each element of the Gilbert General Plan as it related to the Gateway Area. They include the Community Design Element, the Land Use Element, and the Circulation Element.

Vision Statement: The following statements are contained in the June 1999 Final Draft and are summarized in the General Plan text amendments. These vision statements guided the development of policy statements adopted in the Gilbert Gateway Plan in July 2000, and adopted again in the Gilbert General Plan with minor changes in November 2001.

Economics â?? The Gateway Area will provide economic development for Town of Gilbert tax revenues and jobs, with a balanced mix of employment and commercial areas that meet feasible market demands.

Land Use â?? The Gateway Area will consists of a traditional mixed-use village center, surrounded by mixed-density residential neighborhoods, schools and parks, as well as major commercial and employment areas adjacent to the Williams/ASU East Campus, Williams Gateway Airport, and proposed San Tan Freeway.

Circulation â?? The Gateway Area will include a multi-modal circulation system, providing access to, and interconnection with, the village center, neighborhoods, schools, parks, commercial and employment areas, as well as the adjacent campus, airport, proposed mall and freeway.

Design â?? The Gateway Area will have a traditional small town or village design character, including pedestrian/bicycle/transit oriented development design, and a less urban/more suburban design of its streets.

Land Uses: The General Plan land use categories for the Gateway Area have changed over the years on the adopted General Plan Land Use Map as noted below:

1987 - Medium Intensity Residential 2-4.6 du/acre, and Industrial and Commercial ME (Multi-Use Employment), MC (Multi-Use Commercial), C (Community Commercial), M (Medium Residential 0-4 du/acre), and MH (Medium High Residential 4-8 du/acre)

Medium Density Residential (0-4 du/acre), MH 4-8 du/acre, H 8-22 du/acre, General Commercial, Regional Commercial, Business Park, Employment, Village Center, Open Space and Public Facility/School

Residential 2-3.5 du/acre, Residential 5-8 du/acre, Residential 8-14 du/acre, Residential 14-25 du/acre, Village Center, General Commercial (within the Gateway Area), Business Park, Regional Commercial, Light Industrial, Parks/Retention, Golf Course/Cemetery, and Public Facility/Institutional.

There was discussion on several issues; one being the definition and differences between a Power Center and a Village Center.

Update on issues/changes for items on the regular agenda

Chairman Joan Krueger suggested agenda items #5 GP02-2 and #8 Z01-34 be moved to positions one and two on the agenda if that was ok with the Commission. There were no objections voiced to the suggestion.

ADJOURNMENT:

Chairman Joan Krueger adjourned the study session at 5:45 p.m.

Chairman Joan Krueger

ATTEST:

Recorder Leslie Morton