A Chinese Christian church located just outside Gilbert town boundaries is seeking annexation into the municipality, citing public safety concerns, infrastructure needs and a strong desire to officially become part of the community it already considers home.
Located at 21012 S. Greenfield Road, the Gilbert Chinese Church falls under Maricopa County jurisdiction, even though it sits adjacent to Gilbert's borders. Because of this, emergency responses come from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in Mesa, rather than the nearby Gilbert Police Department.
“Although our church is just a half-mile south of the police station, you have to rely on Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, which is located about 8.5 miles away in Mesa,” church member Bing Zhao said. “This can lead to late emergency responses.”
