News updates are sent daily. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Board approves Mesa Proving Grounds plan
Digg|
Save|
License|
Print|
E-mail|
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Visitors look on as DMB Associates Inc., the owner of Mesa Proving Grounds, announces development agreements Wednesday with a hospitality company, a golf course designer and retail developer Westcor at a news conference at the Mesa Arts Center.
Thomas Boggan, Tribune
The Planning and Zoning Board approved DMB Associates' mixed-use site plans for the Proving Grounds site in southeast Mesa.
DMB to detail plan for project on former GM site
Mesa resort, conference center in the works
The board met Thursday to review a 2-inch binder of the community plan for the 32-acre site, and forward to the Mesa City Council a recommendation for approval.
 |
The council is scheduled to vote Sept. 22 on changing the city's general plan to suit the project, and is planning to meet again Oct. 6 to approve the development plan.
The board was largely excited about the plans that many say will revitalize Mesa, especially around Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, but did make a small amendment to allow the planning director to approve any minor changes to the plans and designs.
There is still a lot of work to do involving specific development plans, but zoning administrator Gordon Sheffield said much of the excitement comes from plans for a massive resort and convention center and Westcor mall that are part of the plans.
"I think people see it as being an economic engine for that part of town," he said, "and something that works well for an airport trying to develop itself as a passenger airport."
The plans have been debated for a year now, and about three dozen people from Mesa, Scottsdale and Gilbert attended Thursday's meeting.
Robert Brinton of the Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau said the plans would draw more visitors to Mesa.
Brian Jefferies, president of the United Mesa Firefighters Association, also praised the development, saying it would create a "sustainable community" and create high-quality places for people to "live, work and play."
Please add your comments, but follow these guidelines to keep this a safe, credible place for discussing the news: