The Gilbert Planning Commission recently denied a proposal for a 335-unit apartment complex near Higley and Warner roads. Here’s a quick breakdown of what happened and what it means for real estate investors.
🚫 Why the Plan Was Rejected
- Too Many Apartments Nearby – The area already has 1,326 units within a half-mile radius, making it one of the densest apartment zones in Gilbert.
- Zoning Conflict – The land was originally designated for regional commercial development (think retail, offices, and entertainment).
- Traffic Concerns – A charter school (American Leadership Academy) is just west of the site, and residents feared the added congestion.
- Open Space Reduction – The developer wanted to reduce open space from 40% to 27%, violating town code.
🏢 Developer’s Argument
- “The vision needs to be reassessed” – The developer, Mill Creek Residential, argued Gilbert should rethink its zoning priorities due to the demand for housing.
- Proposed a Mixed-Use Design – The plan included residential lofts above commercial space with a connecting sky bridge.
- Traffic Mitigation Plan – They claimed multiple access points to major roads would prevent bottlenecks.
🏙 Gilbert’s Big Picture Plan
- The “Gateway Character Area” – This part of town is meant for office and light industrial use, not high-density residential.
- Future Growth Considerations – The commission is pushing for entertainment and retail development in the area instead.
- Previous High-Density Approval – Gilbert intentionally planned Cooley Station for high-density housing—but this area was designed for more balance.
📈 Investor Takeaways
✅ Strong Demand for Housing – Developers are still pushing for more apartments, proving the need for rentals in Gilbert.
❌ Zoning Matters – Investors looking to develop multifamily properties need to align with city zoning goals to avoid roadblocks.
🚦 Traffic is a Big Factor – High-density projects near schools or congested areas may face resistance from city planners and the community.
🛍 Commercial Space is in Demand – Gilbert wants more business development, so investors should look at retail, office, and mixed-use opportunities.
🔮 What’s Next?
- Developers may revise their plans to better fit Gilbert’s zoning guidelines.
- Other multifamily projects in Gilbert could be under similar scrutiny.
- Commercial properties in high-growth areas may present solid investment opportunities.
💭 Final Thoughts
Gilbert is growing, but the town is focused on smart, balanced development. Investors should stay informed on zoning trends to maximize opportunities and avoid costly missteps.