By Michelle Mitchell | The Republic | azcentral.com
The Chandler City Council has given initial approval to sell about 31 acres of
city-owned land near the southwestern corner of Gilbert and Ocotillo roads.
The plot initially was to hold a wastewater- treatment plant. That plant was no longer needed when the Santan Vista Water- Treatment Plant that is shared with Gilbert was built.
DeRito Partners Development Inc. would purchase the property for about $8.6 million under terms of the agreement, which is scheduled to return to the City Council on Thursday, March 13, for a final vote.
Officials decided to sell the land through a public bidding process rather than to the highest offer because it would allow the city to choose a developer whose “concepts were consistent with the city’s vision for the area,” according to a memo to the City Council.
For example, the city required that the entire parcel be purchased, that development bring in “a significant, anchored commercial center” compatible with the neighborhood and that the commercial development be done on “an aggressive time line,” according to the memo.
