Gilbert weighs apartments

At least four developers are looking to build hundreds of apartments in Gilbert, forcing town leaders to weigh the benefits and challenges associated with adding more multifamily housing .

A recent proposal from the New York-based Rockefeller Group for a 402-unit apartment complex near Recker and Warner roads is the latest of four projects submitted to town officials during the last year.

Two major complexes have been approved and are moving forward with construction, with two others still working through zoning changes and design approval.

The four complexes would bring a combined 1,312 new apartments to Gilbert, increasing the town's existing multifamily inventory by 18 percent. The apartments could increase Gilbert's population by about 3,000 to 4,000 people.

Medium and high-density residential projects have often been met with opposition from civic leaders and town residents, who decry a perceived negative impact on land values an expected increases in traffic and crime.

Mayor John Lewis, however, said there is a need for multifamily housing in Gilbert, and land has been set aside in the town's General Plan for apartments and condos.

But high-density housing is not a priority, and the Town Council is unlikely to support proposals that replace valuable commercial space with apartments, Lewis said.

Recent proposals for new complexes include the following:

Gateway North Apartments, near the northeastern corner of Recker and Warner roads.

Val Vista and Pecos apartments, on the northwestern corner of Val Vista Drive and Pecos Road.

Highland Groves Luxury Apartments, on the northeastern corner of Elliot Road and Beebe Street.

SanTan Village Apartments, next to the DoubleTree hotel and near SanTan Village mall.

by Parker Leavitt - Jul. 6, 2012 12:26 PM The Republic | azcentral.com



Gilbert weighs apartments