The Gilbert Town Council has decided to postpone a decision on the proposed 335-unit Modera Gabriella Pointe apartment complex until May 20. Here’s what investors and stakeholders need to know:
đź“Ť Project Overview
- Developer: Mill Creek Residential
- Location: Northeast corner of Higley Rd and Elona Dr, near Loop 202
- Scope: 335 apartments, residential lofts over commercial, and a skybridge
- Parcel: 14.99 acres within a 40-acre commercial-zoned area
🏗️ Concerns Raised
- Loss of commercial land conflicts with Gilbert’s General Plan (“Gateway Character” area)
- High apartment density: Would become 2nd most dense site within 0.5 miles
- Ongoing projects nearby: Tuscany at Gabriella Pointe (760 units) and Morrison Ranch Apartments (231 units)
🚦 Traffic & Infrastructure Issues
- Traffic congestion and school impact (nearby American Leadership Academy)
- Developer’s traffic study claims 2,295 trips/day vs. 9,000 if built as commercial
- Town staff received the developer’s revised plan and traffic study late, needing more time to evaluate
🧑‍⚖️ Council & Public Reactions
- Some residents and staff oppose the plan due to traffic and zoning concerns
- Council split: Some see housing demand benefits, others worry about commercial loss
- Proposed $200K traffic improvement contribution by the developer remains unvetted
đź’° Proposed Rents
- Average rent would be $2,400/month
Investor Takeaway:
- Delays like this highlight zoning pushback and the NIMBY resistance to multifamily housing.
- Commercial zoning preservation is a growing trend among Arizona municipalities.
- Rental investors should watch how Gilbert balances housing demand vs. land use restrictions—projects like this impact rent comps and investment outlook in high-demand submarkets.