TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

SPECIAL MEETING OF APRIL 21, 2003, 6:30 PM.

GILBERT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
202 N. GILBERT ROAD
GILBERT, ARIZONA

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

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

OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Brundrett (Norwood Furniture), Todd Brundrett (Norwood Furniture), Sam Bromert (Liberty Market), Paul Beavin, Ian Schwartz, Brian Powell (Tribune), Kelly Mixer (Independent), Bruce Woodmansee (Gilbert True Value)

Carl Harris - Morgan facilitated the meeting and introductions were made. The process that would be used for the meeting, as well as its purpose, were outlined and Mr. Harris - Morgan gave an overview of the recent history of projects and activity in the Heritage District. The purpose of the meeting was defined as a brainstorming session to address ways to make the area safer from a traffic standpoint, as well as more pedestrian friendly. Mr. Harris - Morgan also made available the letters that were drafted by the ownership of Joe’s BBQ and Norwood Furniture that included possible suggestions to address the traffic and pedestrian concerns.

The brainstorming session resulted in the following suggestions. After each idea was presented they were grouped by category and each attendee was given five dots and had an opportunity to place them on the categories they deemed as the highest priorities. (The numbers following each of the main categories reflect the number of votes each received. Ideas that were mentioned more than once are shown in parentheses) Each suggestion will be brought back to Town staff to evaluate the items and that analysis will then be brought back to the Redevelopment Commission at their May 15, 2003 meeting.

GILBERT ROAD MEDIANS (11)
Leave Gilbert as wide as it is
Leave medians
Keep median/left turn lanes
Need/Keep left turn lane

SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS (8)
Readjust the sidewalk elevation
Even grade on sidewalks (2)
Remove sidewalk and replace with brick pavers to proper grade
Brick pavers should be same level as sidewalk
Friendlier sidewalks - No posts

SIDEWALK CANOPIES (8)
Eliminate sidewalk canopy (2) and encourage business owners to install building - mounted canopies per Redevelopment Plan (2)
Eliminate sidewalk clutter i.e., columns, benches, etc.

TRUCK TRAFFIC (8)
Eliminate truck traffic (3)
Eliminate trucks other than for service to business

ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNALS (6)
Additional stoplights (4)
Address timing of lights at Page
Additional traffic signals at Vaughn (2) & Cullumber (Heritage Court) (2)

SPEED LIMIT (6)
Enforce speed limit, warnings of speed limit (2)
Photo Radar on Gilbert Road and post it as such
Signs showing motorists their speed

SAFETY (3)
Use stanchions and bollards on sidewalk
Add decorative bollards next to narrow areas of street for safety

LANDSCAPING (2)
Additional landscaping
Enhanced landscaping

CROSSWALKS (2)
Speed tables at crosswalks
Improve architectural features at intersections i.e., textured paving, (2) color changes, lighting, etc
Speed indicators
Speed Bumps

WIDER SIDEWALKS (1)
Wider sidewalks (2)

Other suggestions
Develop pedestrian areas off Gilbert Road
Consistent furniture palette
Speed limit raised to 35 mph
Signage
Landscape should be sensitive to sign awareness
Consistent signage
Kiosks for stores in next block (Directory Signage)

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

ATTEST:

Thomas Haug, Chairman

Gregory M. Tilque, Recorder

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