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  • 🏠 Gilbert Commits to Long-Term Housing Affordability 🏈 Liberty dominates Highland 🍣🍖Incredible Gilbert Restaurants 🎈 Explore Gilbert's Festive Lights

🏠 Gilbert Commits to Long-Term Housing Affordability 🏈 Liberty dominates Highland 🍣🍖Incredible Gilbert Restaurants 🎈 Explore Gilbert's Festive Lights

Gilbert Local Pulse | Issue #024

Author

Lloyd Heath
November 27, 2023

😈😈😈😈

In this issue of Gilbert Local Pulse

🌤️ Gilbert, AZ Local Weather

 📅 Gilbert, AZ and Surrounding Area Events

🏠 Maricopa County and Gilbert Town Commit to Long-Term Housing Affordability

🧑‍⚕️🧧 Arizona's Largest Healthcare Provider Ordered to Pay in Malpractice Lawsuit

🏗️ Gilbert Approves Four-Story Brundrett Building with Rooftop Bar

🛣️ Heritage Trail near Elliot to Partially Close for Railroad Construction

💳 Gilbert struggling to cover projects’ costs

 🏈 Liberty dominates Highland 54-12, slays semifinal demon to advance to Open title game

 🧊 State-of-the-art CoolSculpting Coming to Gilbert

🍽️🍣🍖Incredible Gilbert Restaurants Spanning a Variety of Cuisines

 😌 Restoration: Tattoos removed from sex trafficking survivors

 🎈 Explore Gilbert's Festive Lights with the New Interactive 2023 Map

November 27th

November 28th

Free Concert 7pm

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 322 N. Horne, Mesa

November 30th

December 2nd

December 8 - 19

Maricopa County and Gilbert Town Commit to Long-Term Housing Affordability

In a significant move to address housing affordability, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and the town of Gilbert have joined forces in an innovative housing initiative. This project, backed by up to $1.5 million from a Community Land Trust, aims to refurbish homes with an emphasis on energy efficiency. The initiative's unique model allows for the sale of homes at reduced prices to families earning up to 120 percent of the median income in Gilbert, enhancing long-term affordability and homeownership opportunities. This approach also includes a buy-back option, ensuring sustainable affordability for future buyers. This collaborative effort marks a pivotal step in reducing homeownership barriers and supporting community members who might otherwise be unable to afford a home.

Arizona's Largest Healthcare Provider Ordered to Pay in Malpractice Lawsuit

Banner Health, Arizona's most extensive healthcare system, has been hit with a $31.5 million jury verdict for a birth injury case involving cerebral palsy. Greyson Griepentrog, who suffered a brain injury during birth at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix, will receive nearly $20 million from Banner Health as compensation. The jury attributed 57% fault to Banner Health, with the remaining 43% initially assigned to Dr. Laurie Erickson, who was dismissed from the case.

The lawsuit centers around Greyson's birth in 2014, where decreased oxygen levels allegedly caused his cerebral palsy. Greyson's condition severely limits his mobility and necessitates ongoing, intensive healthcare. Banner Health, disputing the verdict, is exploring options, including appeals. The case raised concerns about the use of Pitocin and missing fetal heart monitor records during labor.

Gilbert Approves Four-Story Brundrett Building with Rooftop Bar

Rendition in no way represents what final project will look like…

The Gilbert Redevelopment Commission has recently approved the construction of The Brundrett Building, a new four-story development with a rooftop bar in the town's Heritage District. Located on vacant parcels along Gilbert Road, this project, initially rejected in 2021 due to its height, has been redesigned to comply with the 55-foot height limit of the district. The approval marks a significant change from two years ago when the building's proposed height was a major concern.

Local concerns, particularly regarding parking, were raised by resident Mary Ellen Fresquez, who pointed out the potential strain on existing parking facilities. The building's developer, Todd Brundrett, plans to use offsite parking to alleviate these concerns. Additionally, Fresquez brought up the issue of a right-of-way agreement regarding an alleyway, although this matter falls outside the commission's authority.

The Brundrett Building, a project by Circle West Architects, is set to enhance the Heritage District's landscape with a mix of restaurants, office spaces, and a rooftop patio and bar. The building promises to offer scenic views of downtown Gilbert, including the iconic water tower. The design includes a full-service restaurant and café on the ground floor, office spaces on the second and third floors, and an enclosed rooftop area for year-round use. Moreover, a pocket park for outdoor entertainment is planned, subject to separate approval.

This development is envisioned as an extension of the Water Tower Plaza, adding to the district's dynamic and attractive urban environment.

Heritage Trail near Elliot to Partially Close for Railroad Construction

The Heritage Trail near Elliot in Gilbert, Arizona, is slated for partial closure due to railroad construction by Union Pacific Railroad. This construction involves replacing an existing timber deck bridge with a new steel structure. The first phase of this project is scheduled for early December, specifically starting on December 2 at 9:00 PM and ending on December 3 at 3:00 PM. During this time, the trail and levee road just south of Elliot and Lindsay Roads will be closed. The construction activities will occur mainly during evening and early morning hours to reduce the impact on railroad operations. Residents in the vicinity can expect to experience noise disturbances from the construction equipment and additional lighting for the crews. The Town of Gilbert will release more details about the second phase of the Union Pacific Railroad construction as soon as they become available​

Gilbert struggling to cover projects’ costs

The town of Gilbert, Arizona, is grappling with a significant fiscal challenge as it struggles to finance an ambitious slate of capital improvement projects totaling $153.3 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Key projects, including the Water Tower Plaza, have seen cost escalations due to factors like inflation and expanded scopes. Gilbert's Budget Director, Kelly Pfost, has highlighted the insufficiency of the General Fund to cover these escalating costs. With the town nearing its build-out phase, the financial capacity for such large-scale infrastructure endeavors is waning.

The economic uncertainties, especially concerning sales tax revenues, exacerbate the town's budgeting difficulties. Projects that began this fiscal year, along with those planned for the next, face significant funding shortfalls. Innovative solutions, such as project phasing, using contingency funds, and reallocating priorities to different funding sources like the 2021 Transportation Bond, are under consideration. However, these approaches might necessitate delaying other essential projects due to limited funds.

The goal is to pare down the project spending to about $30 million, yet this figure still overshoots the town's fiscal capacity. The administration is exploring various options, including issuing bonds, adjusting project scopes, or seeking external grants and allocations, to address this financial predicament. Fiscal Year 2025 is poised to be a particularly challenging year for funding CIP projects in Gilbert, indicating a crucial period of financial strategizing and decision-making for the town's administration.

Liberty dominates Highland 54-12, slays semifinal demon to advance to Open title game

In a stunning reversal of past disappointments, the Liberty Lions roared to victory in their Open Division semifinal, overpowering the Highland Hawks with a remarkable 54-12 win. The game, held at Mountain Ridge High School, was a showcase of Liberty's well-rounded skills in offense, defense, and special teams. Senior quarterback Navi Bruzon led the charge with five scores, reflecting the team's intense focus and effective game plan. The match was virtually decided by the end of the first quarter, with Liberty demonstrating clear dominance. This triumph sets the stage for a highly anticipated Open Finals against the Centennial Coyotes, promising an intense and thrilling encounter.

State-of-the-art CoolSculpting Coming to Gilbert

Bodify, a distinguished provider of CoolSculpting services, has expanded its reach by opening a new location in Gilbert, Arizona. This move marks a significant development for the company and for Gilbert's community, known for valuing health and beauty. The new office aims to offer exceptional CoolSculpting experiences, a non-invasive body contouring solution highly sought after in the nation. Jessica Johnson of Bodify highlights that this expansion is more than business growth—it's about positively impacting people's lives with the best available CoolSculpting treatments. This new location signifies Bodify's commitment to maintaining high standards in their services and catering to the growing demand for aesthetic wellness solutions.

Incredible Gilbert Restaurants Spanning a Variety of Cuisines

3000 E Ray Rd Building 6, Suite 105, Gilbert, AZ 85296

The Uprooted Kitchen in Gilbert, Arizona, stands out as a haven for vegan cuisine enthusiasts. It offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with a patio and a BYOB policy. The café is celebrated for its culinary creativity, particularly with dishes like blueberry crepes, French toast, and the buffalo cauliflower burger. Each menu item, from bagels to desserts, is carefully crafted for freshness and flavor. Signature dishes like the smoked quinoa and veggie bowl and the delightful Naan bread showcase the café's dedication to healthy, delicious vegan food. The Uprooted Kitchen is a testament to the diversity and richness of plant-based cooking, turning every meal into a delightful exploration of vegan gastronomy.

1440 W Warner Rd #125A, Gilbert, AZ 85233

Sushi San Restaurant in Gilbert stands out for its exceptional sushi offerings, renowned for both taste and visual appeal. This local favorite is not just about the food; its friendly service and warm environment contribute significantly to the overall dining experience. Visitors are welcomed with a sense of familiarity and comfort, enhancing the homely atmosphere. The restaurant's ambiance, characterized by its inviting nature and a lively mix of patrons, perfectly complements the dining experience, making it ideal for enjoying diverse sushi creations along with traditional drinks like sake or beer.

18324 E Nunneley Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296

Caldwell County BBQ in Gilbert is renowned for its authentic Texas-style BBQ, characterized by its smoky, wood-fired flavors. The restaurant's relaxed picnic-style atmosphere and the tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked meats provide a perfect backdrop for BBQ lovers. Among its popular offerings, the potato salad and fresh chocolate chip cookies are favorites, while the tangy coleslaw is noted for its excellent pairing with the meats. Enhancing this already rich BBQ experience, the addition of deep-fried sides like okra, jalapenos, or green tomatoes is suggested to further embrace the Texas culinary tradition.

2401 E Baseline Rd #102, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Grill N Chop in Gilbert is a highly esteemed establishment, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu selection. The restaurant is particularly praised for its sushi offerings, which are considered unmatched in the area. Emphasizing fresh ingredients and careful preparation, Grill N Chop ensures a memorable dining experience for every guest. Each dish, from sushi to teriyaki, is crafted to take diners on a journey of flavor and quality. With its exceptional hospitality and commitment to fulfilling the desires of sushi aficionados and general diners alike, Grill N Chop stands out as a destination for a delightful dining experience.

Restoration: Tattoos removed from sex trafficking survivors

In Phoenix, Gina Jernukian's Soul Survivor Ink stands as a beacon of hope for survivors of human trafficking. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to erasing the physical reminders of their past - branding tattoos used by traffickers. Operating in 39 locations across the U.S., including key areas in Arizona and Texas, Soul Survivor Ink offers free removal or alteration of these brandings. This service plays a crucial role in the survivors' emotional and mental recovery, helping them regain their sense of identity and self-worth. Funded by donations and the hard work of volunteer artists, the organization has set an ambitious goal to expand nationwide by 2025, aiming to assist over a thousand survivors each year. The transformation process not only erases a painful past but also empowers these individuals to choose new symbols of their journey, like butterflies, representing hope and new beginnings.

Explore Gilbert's Festive Lights with the New Interactive 2023 Map

Gilbert, Arizona, is lighting up the holiday season with a special 2023 Holiday Lights Map. This interactive guide, a collaborative creation of Gilbert 311 and the town's data librarian, showcases the festive light displays across the town until January 8, 2024. Residents and visitors can access the map, complete with photos and details of each display, on Gilbert's official website. In a bid to boost community participation and holiday cheer, locals are invited to share their own holiday light displays via the Gilbert 311 app or website, contributing to the town's festive ambiance.

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