(GILBERT, AZ.) – What a week for the Gilbert Town Council. In an unlikely turn of events, the council voted to revisit discussions on the Harvest Grove development project, but only, they claim, to prevent their stake in the project from being overtaken by the state legislature.
Emotions ran high from both the dais and the public podium at the Feb. 3 council meeting as resident after resident came forward to plead the end of the high-density housing development at Harvest Grove. Many argue that it would further damage the rich, agrarian roots the town has grown from.
Lennar Homes Attorney Brennan Ray speaks to the council with frustration as Lennar Homes prepares to resubmit its proposal following last week’s vote against the proposed plans.
Photo Credit: YouTube / Town of Gilbert
“We have taken steps to decrease the overall density throughout the entire Harvest Grove development. We have taken steps to remove all multifamily zoning and development from the Santan character area plan, “ he states.
“What we're asking for tonight is that you would approve this motion to give us another opportunity to continue to work with staff to come up with [a design] that is appropriate for the area and certainly in keeping with the Santan character area plan.”
Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni asks Ray to clarify that Lennar Homes had indeed only removed apartments from the SanTan character area plan, and not the Harvest Grove Project, which Ray then confirms.
Councilmember Jim Torgusen, who was in opposition of the project alongside Vice Mayor Bongiovanni at the Jan. 20 council meeting, takes the time to explain to residents and staff that in order to maintain a stake in the final project, the council must consider moving forward with negotiations in an attempt to find a solution that best fits the community.
“Over the past several years, the state legislature has steadily been stripping away the zoning authority that municipalities have,” Torgusen sighs. “Blanket refusal of multifamily housing, regardless of context, is exactly the kind of posture that risks waking the bear at the capital.”
He adds, “That same bear that has damaged our town budget by eliminating rental taxes without considering the impact to you, the longtime resident who pays the difference.”
Councilmember Torgusen goes on to explain that if the council votes no on the motion to continue negotiations with Lennar Homes, the state could step in, stripping away its power to ensure that a reasonable proposal is delivered.
Carol Cherry, an 18-year Gilbert Resident, voices her concerns about the development and urges the council to consider voting “no” to further negotiations, citing the developers’ inability to provide plans that won’t damage the town’s existing infrastructure.
“You said no to Harvest Grove, a plan that included apartments, even on their second try. Residents have been begging for a halt to construction of large scale apartments for years, and we appreciate that you heard us. The developer asked you to double the density zoning in the Santan character area, and you said no, and we thank you.”
Photo Credit: YouTube / Town of Gilbert
“Lennar knew the requirements yet both times they came to the table they failed to meet our standards for housing density, traffic, and other quality of life issues. Giving them a third chance sets a dangerous precedent.”
Resident Richard Young speaks similarly, thanking the council first for its work on the water and sewer systems, and encouraging the council that in time, residents may forgive them for the water rate increases. Then, he warns of the loss of public trust concerning the Harvest Grove project.
“They will not forgive you if you let this Garden Grove thing go ahead. That is something I have never heard any Gilbert resident endorse. You ask them about apartments, they say no and they become very emotional about it. They do not want it ever.”
Several more residents share the same sentiment.
One resident who does believe in the Harvest Grove project then shares his perspective, citing increasing housing costs and pointing out a lack of entry point for young homebuyers looking to start families in Gilbert.
“Young couples who have grown up in Gilbert are unable to stay in Gilbert and raise their families here,” says Tanner Pomeroy, a returning resident. Pomeroy explains that after leaving to attend university and returning to Gilbert, he and his wife have been living in his in-laws’ basement, patiently awaiting the chance to purchase their first home.
“If we want to preserve that character and need housing options, we need housing options to allow young families, especially those raised here, to stay. That's why [the] Harvest Grove project is important.”
Negotiations will continue with Lennar Homes, though whether the council’s pressure to remove more apartments from current plans will take effect will be revealed at an upcoming meeting.
To add or to correct any information in this story, please contact me at tracy.t@lead4arth.com and leave a comment below.
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