By Scott Shumaker | East Valley Tribune
Virgin land is getting scarcer in Mesa and that’s prompting city leaders and residents to call for stronger historic preservation regulations.
They anticipate a smaller share of projects on “greenfield,” desert or former agricultural land, and more with “grayfield,” previously occupied parcels with old structures.
If economic development and revitalization of more mature parts of Mesa go according to plan, demolitions like that of the Fiesta Mall currently underway could become more common.
In many cases, city leaders and residents will be happy to see old structures go to make way for something better but with demolition, the issue of historic preservation arises.
Communities might want to keep some old buildings to preserve a connection to the past, stabilize neighborhoods and enhance Mesa’s beauty and character.
