Photo Credit: YouTube
(GILBERT, AZ.) – Residents of Gilbert displayed a variable mixture of excitement and strong disdain for the approved Harvest Grove project, while others expressed frustration, disbelief, and downright anger at the way the Kimly-Horn water meter audit concluded.
The regular town council meeting on Apr. 7 was absolutely wrought with emotion, controversy, and the general consensus that residents don’t feel heard.
A complex rift between the town council and Gilbert residents is further pushed into dangerous territory by the approval of projects largely protested by many residents, citing traffic, logistics, and revenue concerns, among others.
The Harvest Grove project, presented yet again but with significant revisions, reducing the number of residential units in the pitch and eliminating multi-family housing building entirely, garnered a very tense approval of (4-3) from the council.
Residents fell on both sides of the matter, some in support of the project as an entry point for young families and those with budgetary restrictions in the face of inflation and a treacherous housing market.
Tanner Pomeroy, who spoke at a previous council meeting in isolated favor of the Harvest Grove project, returned to the dais again to show his appreciation for not just the approval of but also the changes to the project.
“I want to thank the council and staff specifically after seeing the presentation earlier of the changes,” he says, “I wasn’t necessarily a fan of the apartments earlier [...] just because I want that single-family home. I want that home to build equity in and I appreciate that there’s no apartments in this plan.”
Other supporters shared a similar sentiment, echoing Pomeroy’s stance on the originally intended multi-family housing structures present on all previous pitches.
Some residents remain skeptical of the idea of the project as a whole, however, citing concerns over rapid growth and overdevelopment, noise issues, and severe traffic congestion in what many call an already-congested area.
After citing several poor reviews on websites such as Yelp, BBB, and Consumer Affairs, Gilbert resident and neighbor to the proposed development site Jim Lipuma shared his concerns over the developer itself.
Photo Credit: YouTube
He states that these ratings “reflect significant dissatisfaction regarding construction quality, postclosing service, and delays. Common complaints include poor construction quality, rushed timelines, unresponsive customer service, and [major issues] with warranties.”
Lauma also mentioned a recent lawsuit against Lennar Homes on the basis of hundreds of defective homes in Florida, which OpGov.News confirmed.
Gilbert resident and Emergency Room physician Andrew Bergeson offered a warning regarding public safety in the face of such explosive growth.
“From my perspective in the emergency department, I see what happens when growth outpaces infrastructure and services, increased demand, longer weight times, more strain on a system that directly impacts public and specifically public safety. These are real consequences that happen.”
Others shared similar concerns about public safety, engineering flaws, and other negative aspects to the proposed project, but the Higley and Ocotillo Retail Center was an even bigger hit to the community for most.
Several residents displayed their intense dissatisfaction with the idea of retail zoning in the area, particularly as traffic congestion is already a major concern. But while residents were largely strongly opposed to the idea of a 75,000 square-foot Target building, the three dissenting council members had thoughts of their own.
Vice Mayor Bongiovanni, Councilmember Torgeson, and Councilmember Buchli all opposed the retail space as it was presented, from concerns over whether the project fits the space to more practical issues such as severely limited parking spaces.
Other residents came prepared to share their thoughts on the Kimley-Horn water meter audit that was conducted and concluded this year to ensure that Mueller, the company responsible for the newer models used in lots today, were functioning properly following heated debate and extreme public scrutiny over the possibility of such malfunctions.
Repeat public speaker Barbara Calvin approached the council to extend her criticism of the handling of fiscal matters regarding water to former town manager Patrick Banger and water manager Rebecca Hamel.
“The process was to assess the needs of two of the four enterprise funds for solvency every two years to ensure financial stability and uninterrupted service. This approach helps prevent simultaneous rate increases across all four utilities, allowing adjustments to be phased and managed. So even though you had a plan on paper, you neglected to follow it,” she states.
Her criticism advocated for other residents who she states are still struggling and have no money to relocate with due to the increased living costs in Gilbert.
“What to do with all the little people who don't have a budget that will allow them to pay double or triple the one utility bill they get from you? What punishment is the town of Gilbert going to impart on them? They can't pay their bill. Let's turn their water off. That would get you all kinds of publicity. They don't have the money to move. What choice do they have?” Calvin queries.
While some residents are relieved at the chance for affordable, albeit competitive affordable housing in the area, others are left feeling flustered and unheard over continued concerns the council hears twice a month, every month.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at tracy.t@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below with your thoughts.
0
0
Comments