The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce has expressed its support for a proposal to amend the general plan and rezone a 6.37-acre site at the northwest corner of Gilbert Road and Gilbert Town Square Avenue, known as Headwaters Gilbert.
According to the Chamber, the request involves changing the site’s designation from commercial to residential use and rezoning it from Shopping Center (SC) to Multi-Family High (MF-H). The Chamber stated that this decision is driven by several business-related factors.
“Strengthens an Existing Commercial Center – This site is an internal pad within a commercial area. Traditional retail demand has shifted, and this location is unlikely to attract strong commercial development on its own. Placing a residential community here could contribute to a built-in customer base for surrounding restaurants, services, and entertainment—supporting long-term business stability and reducing the risk of vacant or marginal commercial uses,” said the statement from the Chamber.
The organization further noted that supporting this infill project aligns with economic priorities in Gilbert. “Maximizes past infrastructure investments, encourages land use that complements existing businesses, does not adversely impact key frontage or employment land, and represents a balanced use that maintains Gilbert’s commercial integrity while adapting to market realities,” according to the position statement.
The Chamber emphasized that each downzoning request is reviewed individually, taking into account multiple variables before determining whether to support or oppose such changes.
