Redevelopment Commission

TOWN OF GILBERT REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 16, 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 Sydney Bethel, Redevelopment Specialist Cassandra Mehan Ashlee MacDonald, Principal Planner Boe Bigelow (Teams) John Baird, Deputy Town Attorney (Teams) Jocelyn Smith, Administrative Assistant Clinton Emery, Assistant Town Traffic Engineer (Teams) 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 6:01 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. There were no residents in attendance wishing to speak. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 1. Meeting Minutes – Consider approval of minutes from the regular meeting held on January 19, 2022 MOTION: Commissioner Mehan moved to approve the minutes of January 19, 2022, seconded by Vice Chair Kendel. Motion passed 4-0 via roll call. Redevelopment Commission Regular Meeting February 16, 2022 1 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. 2. DR20-48 HERITAGE NORTH: Site plan, landscape, grading and drainage, elevations, floor plans, lighting, colors, and materials, for approximately 9.9 acres, generally located at the southwest corner of Gilbert Road and Juniper Avenue, and zoned Heritage Village Center (HVC) with a Planned Area Development (PAD) overlay. 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 DR20-48. Ashlee MacDonald provided background on Item DR20-48. The site is currently used for overflow parking and the Burger King. In March 2020, the first applications were received for Heritage North. Rezoning/PAD and use permits have been approved by the Planning Commission. Ashlee MacDonald shared the number of units, stories, and elevation for the nine buildings. There will be some revisions to the elevations for Building 1 that depict an angled approach for the compactor. Colors and materials adhere to the Heritage District. The applicant is to create design guidelines for the commercial spaces so that tenants will uphold specific standards when moving into their spaces. Sign locations are not finalized and will be subject to further review. Modifications were made to how the Paseo will traverse through the site. There is directional signage planned for pedestrians. Amenities and furnishings throughout the site have been considered. The applicant added benches and trash receptacles. Illuminated bollards will help keep the space safe at night. There is a variety of ground cover throughout the site, and shrubs are in line with the design guidelines. There is the opportunity for approximately 200 parking spaces at the very west end of Vaughn Avenue for additional temporary public parking once the subject site is redeveloped. Staff recommends approval of Item DR20-48. Commissioner Mehan asked if the design guidelines for future commercial tenants are Heritage District guidelines or landlord-decided guidelines. Ashlee MacDonald responded that design guidelines would come through the Town for review and approval. Redevelopment Commission Regular Session February 16, 2022 2 Commissioner Mehan asked if these are lease-based or purchased tenant spaces. Ashlee MacDonald responded that this does not make a difference from a town perspective and stated that the applicant may know that answer. Vice-Chair Kendel asked about the concrete slabs on the side of Building 3 and whether they will be established through a different design guideline. Ashlee MacDonald responded that there is a condition in the report that the applicant must submit a comprehensive art plan for any proposed mural locations. The art will have to be approved through a separate submittal, adhering to size standards and other design measures. Vice-Chair Kendel asked if the art would promote the Town; Ashlee MacDonald responded that the Town is unable to regulate art. Vice-Chair Kendel asked if landscaping, trash receptacles, and cleaning of the benches will fall under the Town’s jurisdiction. Ashlee MacDonald replied that the applicant would provide a better answer. The applicant, Charles Huellmantel of Huellmantel & Affiliates, thanked Amanda Elliott and Ashlee MacDonald for their work. He stated that the plan is not to sell the property but to lease to retain oversight of tenants. The hotel could become its own entity. The landscaping and benches are amenities for the project, which are planned to be maintained internally. The common space for the retail buildings will be fun to activate. The variation of building heights makes the development feel intentional. Vice-Chair Kendel closed the public hearing for Item DR20-48. Commissioner Mehan stated that she appreciates the variety of the finishes and the overall palette from building to building. There is cohesiveness with the green space. Commissioner Bigelow stated that it is incredible for a developer to purchase this much land at once and develop it. The buildings feel like separate concepts which flow together, connecting to the existing Heritage District. Vice-Chair Kendel stated that the project has a good rhythm, joining the current district and flowing with the Paseo. The staggered design has brought the project together. It appears there is an adequate amount of space within the development. He appreciates staff addressing the issue of overflow parking. MOTION: Commissioner Mehan moved to approve Item DR20-48 subject to Conditions 1 through 12, seconded by Commissioner Bigelow. Motion passed 3-0 via roll call. COMMUNICATIONS Redevelopment Commission Regular Session February 16, 2022 3 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. Councilmember Kathy Tilque shared the following items:  She thanked the Commission, the applicant, and staff for their effort and thoughts on the Heritage North project. This project is the largest that has been undertaken downtown.  A recent Town Council study session included an economist who spoke on balancing housing and the economy. She recommended that those interested in the topic watch the session and stated that Town Council is starting to look into the topic.  Staff will be moving into the community outreach portion of the Northwest Corridor. Feedback will be sought on improving the area, after which a formalized process will be developed.  There is a finance retreat on March 3 and 4, 2022.  There are four design options for Ocotillo Bridge by the Regional Park, and feedback is being requested from the community.  Feedback is being gathered from the community on the Transportation Master Plan. Amanda Elliott shared the following items:  Gypsy Cup, a European café, will be opening in March 2022 and will serve coffee, beverages, charcuterie, and pastries.  A Pulp Fiction-themed restaurant will be coming to the Heritage District.  Tourism season is in full swing for the Heritage District. Discover Gilbert is creating a pop- up roller-skating rink on Ash Street to draw visitors downtown. It will be open Monday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for free skating. From Friday to Sunday, skating will cost $5 per hour, including skates.  The Spring Concert Series will take place in March 2022. The first concert will be on March 11, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. One of the concerts will be a child singalong.  The Art Walk and Farmers Market will soon be taking place. ADJOURN REGULAR SESSION Chair Claassen adjourned the regular meeting at 6:48 PM. __________________________________ TJ Claassen, Chairman Redevelopment Commission Regular Session February 16, 2022 4