By Tom Blodgett, Lucie Flagg | YourValley
What are your views on multifamily housing in town, and how much should it be part of the town’s housing “mix” as the town moves toward build-out?
Scott September, regional manager, council member
“Gilbert’s voter-approved general plan contemplates 11% multifamily, and we have not reached that limit yet. Most of the apartments built in the last two years were permitted years before construction began and only required a non-discretionary design review by the Planning Commission. Property rights are the bedrock of our nation and community, but we must be careful to balance the property rights of everyone in the consideration of land-use applications that would amend our general plan.”
Bill Spence, retired U.S. Navy nuclear engineering officer
“While it would be my responsibility to review and consider every request that comes before me, I am opposed to building more high-density multifamily (MFH) apartments. The appropriate ‘mix’ of multifamily is a function of the socio-economic status of our residents. The future demands of multifamily housing in Gilbert will most likely be larger, luxury floorplans with ample parking and amenities. There is definitely an appropriate need for multifamily housing, however, we need to ensure that designs are in keeping with the personality of Gilbert.”
