TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

SPECIAL MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 2002, 6:30 PM.

PAGE PARK CENTER, 132 W. BRUCE AVENUE
GILBERT, ARIZONA 85233

COMMISSION PRESENT: Chairman Haug, Vice Chairman Fresquez, Commissioner Valentine, Commissioner Thomson and Commissioner Iacobazzi

COMMISSION ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT:        Town Manager George Pettit, Economic Development Department Director Greg Tilque, Planning Department Director Jerry Swanson, Community Development Specialist Carl Harris - Morgan

OTHERS PRESENT:        Councilmember Steve Urie, Art Jordan, James Trahan, Eric Paul, James Abell, Joan Krueger, Kathy Langdon, Jayne Abraham, Michael Monroe, Jim Flanagan, J. Sam Bromert, and Rocky Minister

ROLL CALL

Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

Commissioner Valentine presented an outline of the evening’s agenda to include a presentation of the draft report, discussion, and possible recommendations.

Gilbert DAT?Draft Report Presentation
James Abell presented a PowerPoint presentation of the DAT report. The presentation included the following points.
1.        Explanation of DAT process
2.        Need for adoption and commitment to implement the recommendations
3.        History of Gilbert
4.        Issues the DAT addressed:
a.        Gilbert Road Streetscape
1.        Traffic calming steps
a.        Remove the median and giving the resultant land to the sidewalks
b.        Textured paving
2.        Height Restrictions? 3 - 4 stories
3.        Mixed use development
b.        Green blob ? “The Village Green” ? central thematic community space for Heritage District.
1.        Family orientation
c.        Gilbert Road intersections ? Correction: Gilbert & Vaughn as opposed to Gilbert & Page. Consider the use of thematic pylons ? encourage 4 - way directional orientation and calm traffic.
d.        Gilbert & Elliot Road intersection ? Focus on SE & NE Corner Development.
e.        Railroad ? historical connection; future light rail depot?
f.        Preserving existing residential neighborhoods; importance of historical designation.
1.        Consider pedestrian overpass on Elliot from school district for safe passage         across Elliot; proximity to new Boys & Girls Club, and western neighborhoods.
g.        Public Art ? Pylons to chronicle the Town’s history & development.
“Humanizes” development.
h.        District Parking ? central core loop of surface lots plus possible future team service (miniature railroad?). Consider use of “grasscrete” ? traffic supportive surfacing that allows grass to grow within resulting in a sodded area that supports traffic.
i.        Village Restaurant & Mixed Use center for destination entertainment and retail.
j.        Water Tower Park ? Restoration/preservation of water tower ? endpoint to Village Green.
5.        Call for implementation by the DAT Team: The team encourages the Town to implement the report’s recommendations. Utilizing some of the steps and resources presented at the end of the DAT weekend may help the Town successfully implement the recommendations.

6.        Questions & Discussion: Discussion of the DAT included the following points:
a.        Ideas for Western Canal?
1.        Overflow use ? possibly have ponding at Gilbert Road?
2.        Is it prudent for the canal to become an active waterway? Grouping of ponding areas as a way of maximizing water feature.
3.        Need to coordinate with SRP as to the canal’s future; use of reclaimed water encouraged.
b.        Land Use Plan ? Clarify extension of Page to the West of Gilbert Rd.
1.        Town seeks clarification of the location of the Park & Ride lot. Federal funding requires this lot to be located where the DAT is recommending Ash Street be extended.
c.        Pedestrian crossing recommendation at Elliot: future demographics may not warrant the construction of this bridge.
d.        Definition of medium - density and high - density usage? Relative to the Town Planning Department reference.
e.        Need clarification of Land Use designation ? especially NE commercial parcel; a low - density office park is discouraged; create greater Gilbert Road frontage and density.
f.        Comments regarding the validity of recommendations ? especially with traffic circulation patterns. Keep turning radius in mind when designing.
g.        Timeline for this development? Market - driven ? develop its own momentum.
h.        Circulation pattern and commitment to a loop road? A loop road is not being considered or planned by the Town.
i.        Streetscape furnishings in the Redevelopment Plan are still valid.
j.        Architectural guidelines in the Redevelopment Plan are still valid. Five merchants are considering façade renovations (four applicants via grant process).
1.        The Town will not develop any of the conceived buildings as shown in the DAT report. Development is dependant upon private sector.
k.        Town design of Gilbert Road medians and streetscape have not been formulated as yet. A consultant has been retained. Presentation of the design should be made to the Redevelopment Commission.
l.        Will the Town develop the Village Green?
1.        Subject to Town Council acceptance; initial step is Water Tower Park (joint private - public endeavor).
2.        Also subject to negotiation with private sector.
m.        Town staff to provide accurate data for revision of draft narrative including typos. Could the DAT team coordinate sketches for bordering the Village Green (Pg. 6,8,9)? The Land Use Plan should be as accurate as possible.

7.        Steering Committee and Commission Action:
a.        Steering Committee: Has the DAT incorporated the elements and issues discussed by Steering Committee? Have they captured the “spirit” of the redevelopment issues? The Committee agreed the DAT recommendations are subject to final corrections, especially the Land Use Plan.
b.        Motion: Joan Krueger made a motion that the Steering Committee recommend that the concept of the UDAT recommendations be accepted by Town Council as presented with details including the land use plan to be worked out by the Redevelopment Commission. Seconded by K. Langdon. Motion passed by 9 - 0 vote.
c.        Redevelopment Commission ? following discussion, the Commission unanimously confirmed their acceptance of the recommendation as made and approved by the Steering Committee.

COMMUNICATIONS
7.        Report from Chairman on current and future events
No communications from Chairman.

8.        Report from Community Development Specialist on current and future events
Community Development Specialist Harris - Morgan reported on the following:
- Mahogany Run’s plans to re - open are almost finalized.
- Hale Theatre is under construction.
- The Gilbert Boys and Girls Club will have a groundbreaking ceremony for their new Gilbert site at 10:00 AM, Jan. 7, 2003

9.        Report from Commissioners on current and future events.
Commissioners appreciated James Abell’s presentation and thanked James and everyone else on the DAT team for their work on this project.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

ATTEST:

Thomas Haug, Chairman
Carl Harris - Morgan, Recorder