Earlier this month, the Economic Development Advisory Board for the City of Mesa heard a presentation from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Policy’s Geanluca Lorenzon discussing ideas to enhance growth in the city’s downtown.
Lorenzon’s primary suggestion was the creation of a “special regulatory corridor” that would focus on increasing density, creating more active frontage and improving the ease of building. He said downtown development should be extended westward along Main Street and the nearby areas.
Among the specific suggestions were:
- Using mixed-use zoning to promote density along light rail;
- Adding grocery stores in the downtown area, possibly converting the existing park-n-ride lot into a supermarket;
- Continuing arts and entertainment development as a tourist draw;
- Shade and landscaping investment, and
- Focusing on meetings, conferences and exhibitions, including the addition of more hotel and lodging space to draw larger events.
Lorenzon recommended establishing project-oriented teams for planning and development to ensure the City Council and the community are in sync with development goals and how to implement them.
The Board voted to establish a subcommittee that will focus on drawing quality retail opportunities to downtown. A framework for the subcommittee will be discussed in June. (Source)