Redevelopment Commission

TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 19, 2022, 6:00 P.M. GILBERT POLICE DEPARTMENT AMPHITHEATRE 75 EAST CIVIC CENTER DRIVE GILBERT, ARIZONA 85296 COMMISSION PRESENT STAFF PRESENT TJ Claassen, Chair Amanda Elliott, Redevelopment Program Manger Casey Kendel, Vice Chair Dan Henderson, Economic Development Director Cassandra Mehan Sydney Bethel, Redevelopment Specialist Boe Bigelow (Teams) Ashlee MacDonald, Principal Planner John Baird, Assistant Town Attorney (Teams) Jocelyn Smith, Administrative Assistant COUNCIL LIAISON Kathy Tilque, Councilmember CALL TO ORDER OF THE REGULAR MEETING Chair Claassen called the regular meeting of the Redevelopment Commission to order at 6:00 P.M. ROLL CALL Amanda Elliott, Redevelopment Program Manager, called the roll and determined that a quorum was present. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS At this time, members of the public may comment on matters not on the agenda. Accordingly, the Commission’s response is limited to responding to criticism, asking staff to review a matter commented upon or putting a matter on a future agenda. Resident Doralise Machado-Liddell stated that The Paseo will cross a residential area. Ash Street is narrow, and Veteran’s Park is a park. The Town’s Redevelopment Plan is only a guideline; there should be flexibility as to where a paseo should pass. A survey should not dictate what will occur. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 1. Meeting Minutes – Consider approval of minutes from the regular meeting held on December 15, 2021 Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting January 19, 2021 1  MOTION: Commissioner Mehan moved to approve the minutes of December 15, 2021, seconded by Vice Chair Kendel. Motion passed 4-0 via roll call. STUDY SESSION At 6:07 p.m., the regular meeting was convened, and the Commission entered into a study session. 2. The Paseo (DR2160): The Town has started the visioning process for ‘The Paseo,’ a pedestrian and bicycle (car-free) path, from Elliot Road to Juniper Avenue as outlined in the 2018 Heritage District Redevelopment Plan. This north-south route is intended to be the connective link between District Neighborhoods, parks, plazas, and key redevelopment areas. The project is currently in the design phase with a goal of 15% complete design in 2022. Chad Atterbury, from Dig Studio, will provide an update on the work completed to date, public outreach, and next steps. Chad Atterbury, Dig Studio, gave an update on The Paseo. The project’s boundaries are from Elliot Road to Juniper Avenue as a safe passageway for pedestrians and cyclists through the Heritage District. Mailers were sent to local neighborhoods, and the Town’s website has information. The Paseo links public spaces, such as the water tower plaza and Veteran’s Park. Event capacity and flex spaces have been maximized. An overpass for the railroad is being considered. The at-grade crossing at Gilbert Road could be included. Driveways and alley access on Ash Street will be kept available. The following steps are to gain feedback at meetings and consolidate ideas into one plan. Commissioner Mehan asked if the section for dining that could be activated for emergency use, and the section limiting vehicular conflicts, are the same section. Chad Atterbury responded that these are two separate areas. The railroad crossing to Vaughn Avenue is the core area. Vehicular access would be prohibited outside of loading for events and emergency access. There will be demarcation so pedestrians can cross Vaughn Avenue safely. Dining is on Page Street. The north alley area is where vehicular conflicts would be eliminated for safer travel to the power line trail. Commissioner Mehan asked how the collaboration of The Paseo and Ash Street is being ensured. Chad Atterbury responded that the new Ash Street alignment takes the pressure off Gilbert Road and provides more accessible access to the parking area. There will be coordination of the flow of pedestrians and cyclists to the area and how they can be metered between the two corridors. Commissioner Mehan asked who would take on the costs of relocating electrical underground. Chad Atterbury responded that there could be a partnership with utility companies for this project. These lines have a smaller distribution than others and could be upgraded if they are aging. Vice-Chair Kendel asked how future buildings have been considered in the plan. Chad Atterbury responded that an expanded walkway design and the ability to have a defined bike lane and on- street parking are part of The Paseo development along Ash Street. In addition, it is hoped that development will allow for even more room for ground-level developments. It is also hoped that there will be wayfinding for The Paseo through means such as sandblasting elements. Redevelopment Commission Regular Session January 19, 2022 2 Vice-Chair Kendel asked how cross-traffic will be handled on Page Street and Vaughn Avenue and if barriers will delineate what was not there before. Chad Atterbury replied that some options are barriers, bollards, or the use of landscape and softscape areas. The stopping movement at Page Street at the Ash Street alignment will be kept, so cars must yield to the pedestrian crossing. Vice-Chair Kendel asked how that would affect the rideshare station on Page Street. Chad Atterbury responded that you would be able to pick someone up at the rideshare station and flip around through the new Ash Street alignment or the new roadway exiting the District. Vice-Chair Kendel asked if this would affect the driveway behind Zinburger to enter the parking structure. Chad Atterbury responded that the alleyway behind the restaurants aligns with vehicular access. The parking count in the area is being maintained. It will be more precise where pedestrians are to walk, and the need to walk across the driveway will be reduced. Vice-Chair Kendal asked how far the overpass would need to be above the railroad. Chad Atterbury responded that it would need to be 23.5 feet above the rail lines. Vice-Chair Kendel asked if potted treescapes could be moved or if they would be planted. Chad Atterbury responded that options are being explored with the city. The way stormwater is removed from these places is important for the canopy. Potted plants could create more biodiversity while allowing for flexibility, but this may require more maintenance. Vice-Chair Kendel asked if maintenance would fall under the Town. Chad Atterbury replied that some public spaces would, but funding and implementation could potentially be in partnership with development opportunities. Chair Claassen asked about the physical size differences between Option 1 and Option 2. Chad Atterbury responded that there is no physical size difference. Instead, the options have a lot to do with programmatic use, the flexibility of space, and livability. Chair Claassen asked who would be involved in putting cost estimates together. Chad Atterbury responded that Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) performs cost modeling. There are already initial underpass and overpass cost estimates from RLB. Chair Claassen stated that a balance should be struck between softscape and hardscape. He asked if RLB would provide a cost estimate on maintaining the two options. Chad Atterbury responded that its estimate was for implementation, but ongoing care is being discussed with the Town. Commissioner Bigelow stated that there was a report on how much the Town has earned on liquor licenses and taxing food. An update on this information could show how these efforts would help the Town. Amanda Elliott replied that she could provide those numbers within the staff report. Redevelopment Commission Regular Session January 19, 2022 3 REGULAR MEETING RECONVENED At 7:01 p.m., Amanda Elliott called the roll and determined that a quorum was present. The regular meeting reconvened. PUBLIC HEARING Items will be heard at one Public Hearing, at which time anyone wishing to comment on a Public Hearing Item may do so. Comments will be heard from those in favor of or against an item. To comment on a Public Hearing Item, individuals must complete a public comment form, indicating the Item Number when they wish to be heard. Once the hearing is closed, there will be no further public comment unless requested by a Commission member. After the Public Hearing, the Commission may act on all items not requiring additional staff, public, or Commission comment with a single vote. 3. UP20-06 HERITAGE NORTH – GROUND FLOOR RESIDENTIAL: Request to approve a Conditional Use Permit for approximately 9.9 net acres located at the southwest corner of Gilbert Road and Juniper Avenue to allow ground-floor residential 1 in the Heritage Village Center (HVC) zoning district. Ashlee MacDonald (480) 503-6748. 4. UP20-08 HERITAGE NORTH – HOTEL: Request to approve a Conditional Use Permit for approximately 9.9 net acres located at the southwest corner of Gilbert Road and Juniper Avenue to allow a hotel in the Heritage Village Center (HVC) zoning district. Ashlee MacDonald (480) 503-6748. Chair Claassen recused himself from the public hearing on the Heritage North project due to a conflict of interest. Vice-Chair Kendel opened the public hearing for Item UP20-06. Ashlee MacDonald provided background on Item UP20-06 and Item UP20-08. Town Council approved rezoning, and now use permits require approval. Building 1 would be limited to multi- family housing, and Building 2 would be limited to hotel use. The interior areas must be active and pedestrian-friendly. Staff believes findings have been met on the ground-floor residential. The hotel will be 80,000 square feet with 100 rooms, meeting the development requirements and the Heritage District Redevelopment Plan. Staff recommends approval of both use permits. Vice-Chair Kendel asked if the ground floor for Ash Street and Juniper Avenue goes 360 degrees around the building. Ashlee MacDonald responded that the southeast corner at Park Lane and Centre Lane is proposed as a coffee shop. Behind Building 3 is a fitness center. There is also a mailroom, leasing office, pet spa, and bike area, which are interior to the site. Redevelopment Commission Regular Session January 19, 2022 4 Commissioner Mehan asked if the described services are only available to residents of the development. Ashlee MacDonald confirmed; however, the coffee shop would be open to those visiting the site. The applicant, Charles Huellmantel of Huellmantel & Affiliates, spoke about Heritage North. The Burger King has been purchased. Uses like the gym and coffee shop have been designed to not compete with the other retail. The development agreement cannot be met without the use permit for the hotel. The residential has been crafted to beef up other retail, which is good for downtown. Vice-Chair Kendel asked what would happen if the ground level was not approved. Charles Huellmantel responded that there would be fewer units with more height. As a result, the project would be out of balance. Vice-Chair Kendel closed the public hearing for Item UP20-06. Commissioner Mehan stated that the ground-floor residential is optimal, as she would be concerned with more height for the building. Commissioner Bigelow stated that more multi-family housing in the District would keep the businesses downtown alive. In addition, a good hotel is needed in Gilbert. Vice-Chair Kendel stated that he had reservations about the multi-family residential but believes it will be handled well. MOTION: Commissioner Mehan moved to approve Item UP20-06, seconded by Commissioner Bigelow. Motion passed 3-0 via roll call. Vice-Chair Kendel opened the public hearing for Item UP20-08. Vice-Chair Kendel closed the public hearing for Item UP20-08. MOTION: Commissioner Mehan moved to approve Item UP20-08, seconded by Commissioner Bigelow. Motion passed 3-0 via roll call. COMMUNICATIONS Executive Session – The Public Body may convene into an executive session at one or more times during the meeting as needed to confer with the Town Attorney for legal advice regarding any of the items listed on the agenda as authorized by A.R.S. §38-43.03.A.3. Chair Claassen shared the following items:  On Tuesday, January 11, 2022, the Commission accepted the resignation of Commissioner Harmer. The Commission thanked him for his service. Redevelopment Commission Regular Session January 19, 2022 5 Councilmember Kathy Tilque shared the following items:  The rezoning and PAD for Heritage North were approved 7-0 by Town Council. The Commission was thanked for their contribution to the process.  Chad Atterbury was thanked for his work on The Paseo. The council accepted the shade and streetscape master plan. Amanda Elliott shared the following items:  For every $1 invested by the city in the Heritage District, there is $1.47 in return. The District accounts for 1% of the Town’s total sale tax from 2021, at $1,253,746. This is a 198% increase in revenue generation over the last ten years. The value per acre in the District is $1,559,562.  For those looking for employment in the Heritage District, Gypsy Cup Coffee is hiring.  With the resignation of Commissioner Harmer, there will be an open vacancy on the Commission. The application will be on the Town’s website under “Boards and Commissions > Board Openings.”  The water fountains and splash pad are now active following ongoing construction at Water Tower Plaza.  Gilbert is completing improvements to sidewalks, ramps, and drainage components in the Lacey Track neighborhood into ADA compliance. This is expected to be completed in Spring 2022. ADJOURN REGULAR SESSION Chair Claassen adjourned the regular meeting at 7:33 PM. __________________________________ TJ Claassen, Chairman Redevelopment Commission Regular Session January 19, 2022 6