Mesa City Council Study Session – August 14, 2025

Vice Mayor Scott Summers presided over the study session, with Mayor Freeman attending via Zoom. The meeting focused on reviewing items for the August 18, 2025 regular council meeting, including a major road improvement project, a rezoning for affordable housing, a development agreement for East Market, and routine appointments. The session also included a brief current events round and introductions of new city staff.

Discussion Items

• Broadway Road Improvements – Phase 1 (Mesa Drive to Stapley Drive) – Staff presented the project scope, which includes utility replacements (some dating to the 1940s), new storm drains, pavement replacement, new right-turn lanes at Stapley, pedestrian hybrid beacons at three locations, and sidewalk improvements. The total cost is approximately $65 million, funded by the 2020 street bond, utility revenue obligations, and transportation funds. Construction will begin in late September 2025 and last two years. Council members raised concerns about pedestrian and vehicular safety near Lowell Elementary, coordination with schools, maintaining pedestrian access during construction, shade landscaping, and avoiding damage to underground irrigation. Staff confirmed coordination with the schools, monthly updates, and a plan to keep safe pedestrian routes open. Shade limitations were noted due to tight right-of-way and shallow utilities.

• Beverly Apartments Rezoning (Items 8A & 8B) – A request to rezone two parcels (currently RM2 and RM3) to RM4 with a PAD overlay to allow demolition of 12 existing units and construction of a 36-unit affordable housing complex at 120 North Beverly. The project includes a general plan amendment from Traditional Residential to Mixed Residential. Density proposed is 29 dwelling units per acre (max 30). Parking is 44 spaces (reduced due to proximity to light rail). The unit mix includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, with about one-third to one-half at 50% AMI and the rest at 60% AMI. The developer, COPA Health (represented by outside counsel), indicated funding is being pursued through 4% low-income housing tax credits. A traffic study showed a net increase of 86 daily trips. Council discussion focused on the need for affordable housing, parking adequacy, compatibility with the neighborhood, and separation from a larger 66-unit project across the street that has drawn more neighborhood opposition. The item will be pulled from the consent agenda for Monday’s regular meeting.

• East Market Development Agreement (Item 5A) – A presentation on a development agreement for a 6.6-acre commercial site at Ellsworth and Ray Road in Eastmark. The proposed development includes a 22,200 sq ft Sprouts specialty grocer, 28,200 sq ft of additional retail/restaurant space, and a 4,200 sq ft bank (with one drive-through ATM). The agreement prohibits discount retail, drive-throughs (except bank), mini storage, and secondhand stores. No financial incentives are provided. Council members discussed walkability, noting that the current site plan is auto-oriented but that the developer has committed to future connectivity to adjacent parcels and pedestrian pathways. Some members requested a more holistic vision and examples of walkable design. The agreement is intended to ensure high-quality development and set the tone for future phases.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments Approved – Unanimously approved (motion by Councilmember Heredia, second by Councilmember Spilsbury): District 5 member to Historic Preservation Board and District 2 member to Human Relations Advisory Board.
• Minutes Approved – Unanimously approved minutes from various boards and committees.
• Items Pulled from Consent – Councilmember Duff noted that items 8A and 8B (Beverly Apartments rezoning) will be pulled from the consent agenda for the August 18 regular meeting for further discussion.

Other Business

• Current Events & Introductions – The city manager introduced new Assistant City Manager Brent Stoddard. Council members reported on recent events: a digital billboard ribbon cutting at Mesa Community College (funding the Mesa Promise program), a mural unveiling, back-to-school events, and the opening of the Northeast Public Safety Building. Councilmember Adams noted a visit to Kino Junior High. The next study session is scheduled for August 18 at 5:15 PM, with the regular meeting at 5:45 PM; the August 21 study session is canceled due to the Arizona League of Cities and Towns Conference.