TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 29, 2004, 6:30 PM.

132 W. BRUCE AVENUE
GILBERT, ARIZONA

COMMISSION PRESENT: Vice Chairman Fresquez, Commissioner Valentine, Commissioner Thomson and Commissioner King

COMMISSION ABSENT: Commissioner Iacobazzi

STAFF PRESENT: Economic Development Director Greg Tilque, Town Manager George Pettit, Business Development Specialist Doreen Cott and Council Liaison Steve Urie.

OTHERS PRESENT: Chuck Wells of Phoenix Commercial Advisors, Adam Mays of A.R. Mays Construction, Eric Larson of A.R. Mays Construction, Marc Russell of Oregano’s, Council member Skousen, Mike Flanders of Architekton, Joe Salvatore of Architekton and Sam Bromert.

CALL TO ORDER SPECIAL MEETING

Vice Chairman Fresquez called the Special Meeting to order.

ROLL CALL
Roll was called and a quorum was declared.

PUBLIC HEARING
Review of Response to RFP submitted for the SW Corner of Gilbert Road and Vaughn Avenue.

Vice Chairman Fresquez asked the applicant to give the Commission an overview of the proposed project. Mike Flanders from Archikon provided an overview:

17,000 sq. ft. site
Partners for this project agreed that a restaurant on the corner would be the best use ? the main entry is at a 45º angle for best visibility along Gilbert and Vaughn.
Restaurant will be 4,000 sq. ft. with an additional 500 sq. ft. for take - out.
The coffee shop will be 1,000 sq. ft.
The large patio is planned to give patrons and pedestrians a sense of place ? the main patio is situated between the two buildings to provide some buffer from the road.
There is a main driveway through the site with parking for take - out.
The trash enclosure is situated between both facilities.
Large specimen trees and landscape features will be used to provide shade ? there will also be a fire feature on the dining patio.

The Commission was given an opportunity to make comments, state concerns or ask questions about the project.
Commissioner Thomson commented that the original RFP called for a mixed use project with higher density. Mike Flanders, Architect with Architekton, commented that Phase II calls for additional retail and/or office. Joe Salvatore, Architect with Architekton, explained the goal is to make Oregano’s as successful as possible and then look at expanding to a 2 - story use.
Commissioner Thomson asked if the take - out is a concern for the Town.   Economic Development Director Greg Tilque explained it is just for take - out and not a drive - thru so it will be fine.
Commissioner Valentine commented the project is a quality development ? he was at first disappointed with the overall density but realizes that the development is driven by economics. Oregano’s will create a synergy and will create a draw for additional tenants in Phase II. The architectural approach to the site is good and the architects/partners have a clear understanding of redevelopment plan and the vision for the downtown.

Vice Chairman Fresquez asked what the criteria will be used for the second phase. When will the partners know Phase I is a success? Chuck Wells of Phoenix Commercial Advisors said he will be responsible for marketing the additional space. The partners did not want to build something that will sit vacant but they do want to maximize coverage on the site. Adam Mays of A.R. Mays construction commented that the first business in is taking the biggest risk and the partners agreed they would rather maximize quality over maximizing density/profit. Economic Development Director explained that Phase II expectations will be included in the development agreement.
Commissioner Thomson asked about the parking issue. Economic Development Director, Greg Tilque said that Linda Edwards, Planning Manager with the Town, feels confident that with shared parking, parking across the street and parking north and west of Hale Centre Theatre there should be adequate space. However, parking will be addressed in the development agreement. Commissioner Thomson asked if there will be parking along Vaughn Ave. Economic Development Director Greg Tilque said it would be difficult to bring buses in with parking on the road.
Economic Development Director Greg Tilque asked if there were any questions about the proposal and/or the deal points. Commissioner Valentine commented that by keeping the refuse on Town property (the location as proposed today) makes more sense and will enable Phase II to happen more easily. Vice Chairman Fresquez asked how Phase II will be addressed in the development agreement. Commission Valentine commented that the language should address Phase II but should not make it mandatory within a specified time frame because so much of that will be driven by the market.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Thomson and seconded by Commissioner Valentine, to recommend that the proposal submitted for the purchase/development of the southwest corner of Gilbert Road and Vaughn Avenue be accepted and that it move on to the Town Council for their approval and the subsequent preparation of a Development Agreement between the Town of Gilbert and the developer.

Voice vote carried 4 - 0.

RECESS AND RECONVENE to classroom 1 of Page Park Center for an Open House to learn about the installation of new street lights and street furnishings in downtown Gilbert.

ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Valentine, seconded by Commissioner King to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

ATTEST:

Mary Ellen Fresquez, Vice Chairman

Doreen Cott, Recorder

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