QUICK SUMMARY
The Gilbert Town Council approved two controversial developments, Aura San Tan and Willowbrook, after public debate. Aura San Tan will feature 357 apartments and office space on 14 acres, while Willowbrook will consist of 91 single-family homes on 26 acres. Both projects faced opposition but ultimately received council approval.
The Gilbert Town Council approved two contentious projects, Aura San Tan and Willowbrook, after extensive public debate and revisions. Aura San Tan will transform 14.24 acres at Val Vista Drive and Pecos Road into a mixed-use community featuring 357 apartments and office space. Although the council voted 5–2 in favor, concerns lingered about the project's commercial space, which only comprises 7.5% of the total area, below the town's required 20%. Willowbrook, a proposed 91-home community on 26 acres, also passed with a 5–2 vote, despite traffic concerns voiced by nearby residents. The developer requested to rezone the property to allow more homes per acre and reduce lot sizes. Updated traffic studies indicated that the intersection does not meet federal criteria for a traffic signal, prompting discussions on safety measures. Both decisions highlight the ongoing tension in Gilbert regarding residential and commercial development. The council's actions aim to address community needs while managing growth challenges.