(Editor’s notes: Opinion pieces are published for discussion purposes only./Rose Law Group represents Hawes Crossing.)
By Patrick Adler | Guest columnist /Arizona Republic
Last week, I witnessed something special at a Mesa Planning & Zoning hearing — good governance in action. Board Chair Dahlke artfully managed the process as the Board considered the request of Hawes Crossing. The Board listened to numerous citizens, 46 were in favor, one opposed. Hawes Crossing is a mixed-use development integrating office, residential, and retail – a true work-live-play opportunity.
The story has been that there have been seven parties in the project, but that is not giving the full picture because each of these parties has many family members that are participants. Getting all of the family members on board is a monumental achievement. The project is the result of the collaboration of 16 land ownership entities over a three year period working with a cadre of local professionals as they held many meetings and integrated the input of numerous stakeholders. Seeing this level of cooperation from so many parties for such an extended period of time is rare.