Redevelopment Commission

COUNCIL MEETING - REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 16, 2018, 6:30 P.M. MUNICIPAL BUILDING I, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 50 E. CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, GILBERT, ARIZONA 85296 THERE WAS NO QUORUM OF REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (RDC) MEMBERS. The RDC was requested to attend for: Item 27 REDEVELOPMENT PLAN - consider adoption of a Resolution approving an update of the Heritage District Redevelopment Plan and authorize the Mayor to execute the required documents. Mayor Jenn Daniels opened the Public Hearing on Item 27. Economic Development Administrator Amanda Elliott presented a summary of the Heritage District Redevelopment Plan. She stated the plan would act as a vision for the next 10 years, would provide recommendations and tactics, and would allow the Heritage District to retain the Redevelopment Area designation. She noted the plan would not obligate the Council to proceed with the recommended projects or require modifications to the Design Guidelines, Land Development Code, or General Plan. She highlighted the extensive public process that was part of the project, noting public workshops, community outreach, and stakeholder meetings. She reported that the input was added into a draft development plan that had approximately 200 edits. She summarized the size and scope, timeline of the redevelopment area, the eight areas of focus, and the fundamental concepts; projects such as a car-free area, a pedestrian underpass, and an area with enhanced sidewalks and on-street parking. Doralise Machado-Liddell, Gilbert resident, was in support of the item, but did not speak. Kathy Tilque, Gilbert resident, voiced her support of the Redevelopment Plan on behalf of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. She stated that the community outreach was more than she had ever witnessed before. She said she was impressed by how Town staff incorporated the concerns of residents and businesses into the plan after each meeting. Councilmember Jordan Ray said he was in support of the Plan and he appreciated the staff and volunteers who worked on the project. He asked staff to continue with the community outreach, noting Gilbert Public Schools would be affected by the Vaughn Ventilator project. Councilmember Scott Anderson congratulated the staff and consultant on their work. He thanked the residents of the neighborhood for their valuable input and stated the “vision document” should stimulate private investment in the community. He asked that the integrity of the plan remain unique and pedestrian-oriented. Councilmember Jared Taylor voiced concerns about the expense, the restrictive nature, and the limited outreach. He said the Town would have to make a significant financial commitment with infrastructure, and there would also be other expectations and subsidies. He spoke of specifications that were restrictive, such as height requirements, stating they should only be recommendations in the document.  Council Meeting – Redevelopment Commission August 16, 2018 Page 2 of 2 In regards to limited outreach, he said he spoke with many residents, and with Gilbert Public Schools, who were not aware or able to add input. He also addressed concerns with the transportation plan. Councilmember Victor Petersen stated he supported the item, with a requested amendment on the “Regulatory Updates” section, supporting that they were suggestions and recommendations only, not a directive for new regulation. He stated he did have concerns regarding the expenses, but would continue to speak out when needed. Vice Mayor Brigette Peterson thanked all those involved for their efforts. Councilmember Eddie Cook stated he was in favor of the item and that his number one priority was circulation. Mayor Jenn Daniels also thanked those involved and called this “an award-winning vision”. She spoke of the importance of planning for future opportunities. She also noted her past communication with the Superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools regarding the Redevelopment Plan, which she said spanned over months. Mayor Jenn Daniels closed the Public Hearing on Item 27. A MOTION was made by Councilmember Scott Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Jordan Ray, to adopt the 2018 Heritage District Redevelopment Plan, subject to the following changes in the text: rename the character subsection “Regulatory Updates” to “Recommended Regulatory Updates”; and add an introduction to that subsection which states, “These proposed regulatory requirements are meant to serve as recommendations for updates to the Heritage District Design Guidelines, Land Development Code and General Plan. The recommendations will be further vetted and will return to Council for approval. Any future determinations or modifications will be updated in this Redevelopment Plan.” Motion carried 6-1, with Councilmember Jared Taylor casting the dissenting vote. Resolution No. 3995 was adopted.