Gilbert council reopens Harvest Grove rezoning, votes 5–2 to continue review and set April 7 hearing

The Gilbert Town Council voted 5–2 on Feb. 3 to reconsider a Jan. 20 denial of the Harvest Grove general plan amendment and rezoning, giving Lennar Homes an opportunity to submit revisions and directing staff to bring the matter back for public hearing on April 7.

Brendan Ray, representing Lennar Homes, told the council the company has made substantial revisions since the January vote. "We have taken steps to decrease the overall density throughout the entire Harvest Grove development. We have taken steps to remove all multifamily zoning and development from the San Tan Character area. We have reduced the density in the San Tan Character area to 3.5 dwelling units per acre," Ray said.

The project was denied 4–3 on Jan. 20 after residents and several council members raised concerns about traffic, water supply and whether the plan fit the San Tan character area. Dozens of residents spoke at the Feb. 3 public hearing. Carol Cherry, who said she has lived in Gilbert for 18 years, told the council she was grateful for the prior 'no' vote and urged members to uphold the denial: "You said no to Harvest Grove," she said.

Councilmember Jim Torgerson, who had voted against the project previously but sponsored the reconsideration motion, framed the vote as a procedural step to preserve the council's leverage. "Denial is final. Reconsideration is not," Torgerson said, adding that a denial tonight would close the door on any potential revisions. He cautioned that reconsideration does not guarantee approval: "Reconsideration is simply an opportunity for a new option, not a promise of yes."

Torgerson and other supporters of reconsideration pointed to limits on municipal zoning authority under recent state law changes and to the potential for negotiated public benefits if the applicant offers infrastructure or fee commitments. In discussing the project's fiscal implications, Torgerson referenced "nearly 65,000,000 in impact and system development fees, off-site improvements and pumping stations" as part of what the proposal could contribute to infrastructure if advanced.

Opponents at the hearing urged the council to protect neighborhood character and water resources. Speakers repeatedly cited traffic impacts and the proximity of proposed multifamily development to existing schools and residential neighborhoods. Several residents argued that prior staff and developer revisions still fell short of the town's general plan and San Tan character-area guidance.

After council debate about public trust, precedent and fiscal pressures, Councilmember Kenny Buckland moved to reconsider the Jan. 20 decision; the motion passed 5–2. Following a request by the applicant, the council then voted 5–2 to continue the public hearing to the April 7 regular council meeting so Lennar can submit revised plans for staff and public review.

Next steps: staff will accept and post any revised submittal from the applicant for public review prior to the April 7 hearing, and the council may approve, approve with conditions, deny again, or continue the item at that time.