The Mesa Design Review Board recently discussed the look and landscaping for a nearly 2,600-square-foot expansion of a Mint Dispensary marijuana facility along East Southern Avenue.
Boardmembers Paul Johnson and Denise Dunlop were absent from the Nov. 18 meeting.
The site is zoned light industrial and marijuana uses are allowed with required setbacks. Access will be from both Southern Avenue and Wilbur, Staff Planner Charlotte Bridges said.
One of two site buildings will be demolished as part of this project to become part of the parking area, she said.
“The site plan shows ... that building on the east is going to be razed. The existing building in the west there will be that 2,588-square-foot addition to that building. There will be two suites in that building,” Bridges said.
Sixteen parking spaces are required and 51 spaces are to be provided, according to a written project narrative from Kerpan Architects.
“The provided parking exceeds the 125% requirement. This use requires more than the required spaces needed as customers are having to park on street. We are seeking a variance to allow addition(al) spaces to provide a safe development for customers,” it states.
The all-volunteer Mesa Design Review Board is unique in that its composition is set by the zoning ordinance to include two architects; two from other design professions such as landscape architecture, engineering, urban planning, interior design or other design-related background; one contractor or developer; and two residents, according to the city’s website.
Richard H. Dyer can be reached at rdyer@iniusa.org, or on X @rhdyer. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines, https://www.yourvalley.net/civility-checklist/.
Meet Richard Richard Dyer has worked at Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA since 1987, starting his career in Apache Junction as a copy editor and being promoted over the years to work as the editor of the Mesa Independent, news services editor for the East Valley office in Apache Junction, managing editor for the East Valley office, news services editor for the East Valley office and eventually also for the newspapers at INI’s then-Chandler office, managing editor again and as a news editor covering Apache Junction/Gold Canyon and Queen Creek. He helped start the Florence Independent while the news editor covering Apache Junction and Mesa news. In January 2023, he became associate managing editor for the East Valley newspapers and in August 2023 became managing editor for the East Valley newspapers of Chandler/Tempe, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Florence, Mesa and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon, while also reporting on Mesa and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon.
Community: Since 2009, he has worked as a volunteer to design The Blue Guitar Magazine, Blue Guitar Jr. magazine and Unstrung magazine, which are projects of The Arizona Consortium for the Arts; and since 2014, has been overseeing the art submissions.
Education: University of Arizona with a master of arts in journalism and a bachelor of science in agricultural communication. Also continuing education at Mesa Community College in welding in a metal art sculpture class.
Random fact: Saw his first tornado on May 31, 2010, which was classified as an EF-2, as part of a stormchasing tour group.
Hobbies: He is an artist of welded-steel sculptures, selling his artwork at juried and non-juried art shows.
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