A great idea emerges out of the southeast area of Mesa, more commonly known as District 6. Councilmember Scott Somers does something new….Councilman Somers hosted a tour of District 6 to "show and tell" how the largest and fastest growing district is developing with over 64,344 in population and 46 square miles. Wayne Balmer, Williams Gateway AREA Project Manager assisted as several areas were discussed.The most important area is the growth of Williams Gateway and the surrounding land, population, businesses, transportation and jobs. Councilman Somers believes it is important to bring higher wage earners into our area. There is interest in the land that General Motors is selling and if there is a proposal for homes, the 2025 general plan would need to be amended. Wayne Balmer points out that an amendment would need to be filed, reviewed by the City Council, brought to the Planning and Zoning Board for a public presentation then come to the council for action.The expectation is that Mesa will become more of a medical hub with several medical facilities going up. The Mountain Vista Medical Center, a three story hospital at Crismon and Southern, 171 beds, will open in 2007 with a future expansion that will supply 1100 jobs.Retail growth at Signal Butte Rd. and U.S. 60 - east and west - is also scheduled to open in 2007, with 900,000 square feet that features a 14 screen Dickinson theater, Wal-Mart Supercenter, Petsmart, Ross, L.A. Fitness, Villiage Inn, department stores, retail shops and restaurants. On the other side of Signal Butte and 60 another retail center with 819,900 square feet - both bringing retail employment and money into District 6.With the rapid increase in population more fire stations and the staff to fill them, this will be a priority because of the already slow response time. Stations planned are: WGA, Crismon and Broadway, Pecos between Signal Butte and Meridian Drive, in the area of Ellsworth and Warner, near Warner and Meridian, and Sossaman and Elliot.As Councilman Somers puts it - change is coming and it’s coming faster than some might think — we will be the economic hub of the East Valley. It’s clear were are on our way and the changes in the next few years will be significant.
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This is why after I have time to reflect, that the Property Tax issue was nothing more than a canard. With the type of economic growth you have detailed here, revenue will increase. Those seeking jobs, healthcare options, school, entertainment and housing will increase the revenue the city takes in. The Property Tax was a short term fix, this is long term growth and this is the direction that I want to see this city move in.
Thanks for sharing.
The way I understood the budget at several meetings earlier this year was that even with the growing population Mesa does will not realize enough funding nor does it help keep pace with spending.
More people means more streets thus maintenance and extra wear and tear on the streets we have. The additional bonds if passed will pay for broken or compromised sewage lines that are antiquated.
More families means more schools, more staff, fire stations as they can be build takes a tremendous amount of money to staff plus equipment needs. The same is true of police which will mean more officers, usually more crime in the area. Neighborhood parts, Rangers if they can be staffed - this important service is so important; there’s a list of items a Ranger takes care of besides aiding police.
We’ve lost our Police Officers at our Jr. High schools, not good! The light cameras are off so there is more potential for accidents.
The half-cent sales tax is good but as we can see it doesn’t cover but the bare bones to run the city. We need more streets, the bonds also ear marked for that.
Anyway, I guess my point is that we’re not out of the woods and from what I read, it’s going to take some time before Williams Gateway “takes off” as there are conflicting interests by developers, Sky Harbor’s relationship.
There is a lot to be excited about and I’m certain WGA area will develop quite nicely. I also read a panel of experts will be coming in to look at how development should be planned. More people doesn’t particularly mean lots of extra money. United Way brought in $207,000 + to help with some of the programs Mesa helped with before.
Our libraries have suffered and the public because of the cut backs. So many people got layed off. Oh, and we can’t forget city staff salaries, they deserve cost of living and increases like business - they’re in the business of making Mesa a great place to live!
I’m not as optimistic as you. I agree more people doesn’t equate to more revenue. Mesa has a long way to go to catch up to many of the other towns. For years they lived on sales tax revenue and when the rest of the Valley started growing, Mesa just sat there and got bypassed. People will continue to go to Scottsdale, Gilbert etc to spend their money. They want new and different stores and restaurants. Mesa continues to build the same old worn out stores. It’s time to get with the times and become aggressive. Mesa is not just a town of old Mormons. There are a lot of young, upscale families who want upscale things. Mesa better get with the program before it’s too late.
I agree, Mesa needs to stop thinking we are in the 40’s and 50’s - wake up and smell the coffee!
I agree, Mesa is a whole new generation of young people that want to move ahead and have the newness that some of our neighbors have. Our demographics show that the majority of residents are in that mid-range age. Not an older generation nor one particular persuation when it comes to faith.
It is more young people standing up and saying what they want that will be heard; you have the power, strength, knowledge, the right, and ability to have a voice and have it loudly.
Young families is what our community should be focusing on and utilizing as they will take us into the next generation!
Thanks for your comments.