Gilbert Town Council candidates speak on land use

Gilbert has 4,963 vacant acres, according to town data. Describe your views on best land-use policy as the town moves toward build-out. 

Chuck Bongiovanni, co-founder and CEO of Majestic Residences Franchise Systems 

"I believe the best way to work with the almost 5,000 vacant acres is to stick to the general plan and not make so many concessions to big developers. I would like to see more residential neighborhoods created with multi-use zone uses to incorporate the best residential and commercial settings in one. This would eliminate some traffic congestion along the way. I am against the further development of huge apartment complexes, especially in concentrated areas."

Bobbi Buchli, real estate broker 

"When you think about it, less than 5,000 acres of land in a city to build on is a very small amount left and should be extremely well planned. In order for Gilbert to continue to thrive, we need jobs to support the current residents and those yet to come in the next 9-10 years or until build out. Jobs should be a high priority for the town in considering these last few acres. Bringing in large corporations, companies and small business to support needed jobs and tax revenue the town will need should be top priority for majority of the land. Building affordable residential housing and some low density/low height apartments for additional land should also be a priority."

Mario Chicas, account representative 

"It’s my understanding that business park to light industrial is beneficial so long as the residents aren’t negatively affected. I’d like to see less focus on increasing the density of apartments and promote the owner-occupied option. Homeowners care for their homes and take pride in the neighborhood appearance and keep Gilbert beaming with pride."

Michael Clark, president of Digital Illustrations LLC & AW Sales LLC 

"Close backdoors and loopholes in the Land Development Code for Gilbert. This gives Council the ability to be a good steward with the available acres and improve assets we currently have. We are questioning 4,963 acres. An extended question is how to simultaneously maintain current acres already developed. Example, the Northwest Corridor is very valuable and needs our attention. Do not use eminent domain with the acreage available. People are proud of the land they own and do not want it taken away. Ultimately, it takes courage, and I mean courage, for council to make smart decisions."

Yung Koprowski, civil engineer, council member

"Protecting commercial zoning will ensure high-wage jobs for our residents and predictable taxes for our community, which in turn keeps taxes lower for residents. Following the voter-approved general plan will be critical, including residential density restrictions. The Council will be evaluating residential trends and infill projects. I will continue to promote community prosperity and ensure we maintain exceptional town services at low cost for our residents and businesses. If we continue to invest with community enrichment first and foremost, Gilbert will remain the best place to live, work, and play for future generations."

Bus Obayomi, management consultant 

"Firstly, I will prioritize protecting our property rights. Protecting our property rights is also our constitutional rights as covered by the Fifth Amendment. Secondly, I will work closely with experts to learn how the vacant acres are used in a way that maintains our high home value as the town moves toward a build-out. The priority is to make sure that we are not using the vacant acres at the detriment of our constituents or in such a way that negatively impact the value and attraction that our town has been known for."

Scott September, regional manager, council member

"We should always consider how each policy decision impacts community development and our long-term sustainability goals. For example, the town’s investment in our own infrastructure creates sustainability in our local economy and promotes development. For every dollar we invest, we expect a return of seven dollars. We are close to build-out, and we need to consider the role of redevelopment also to ensure we have focused strategies to foster reinvestment. Build-out does not mean growth stops—it only means we need new tools and new ideas."

Bill Spence, retired U.S. Navy nuclear engineering officer

"It is imperative for town planners, residents, businesses and developers to come together with a shared vision for appropriate and responsible growth. Long-range infrastructure and zoning plans shape expectations of stakeholders and should incorporate the views of our residents. There will always be some unforeseen circumstances that will require modification to existing plans, however, early identification of changes and meaningful dialogue between residents and other stakeholders will allow for solutions to be identified that benefit all parties and achieve win-win results."

Jim Torgeson, owner Mesa Sign Shop

"Zoning is, unfortunately, an imperfect construct. That being said, we need to refrain from increasing density of apartments and continue to promote owner-occupied real estate that gives Gilbert its community feel. Commercial and light industrial zoning should be focused up especially due to the low vacancy rates Gilbert is currently experiencing. Changes from business park to light industrial can be highly beneficial as long as the surrounding neighbors are not unduly burdened. As an example, it appears the project at the Lindsay/202 offramp has a healthy dialogue with the neighborhood."