On a 7-0 vote, Gilbert Town Council has approved a plan to take portions of 46 parcels on Ocotillo Road, Val Vista Drive, Pickett Court, Greenfield Road, 154th and 156th streets for a 1.5-mile road improvement project.
Only nine of the properties are within Gilbert. The other 37 lie on Maricopa County islands. The Council approved an agreement with the County to condemn the property on Gilbert’s behalf if property owners refuse to sell. Gilbert will annex the County properties once the project is finished.
Gilbert has budgeted $2.95M for land purchases under the plans. The project will upgrade 1.5 miles of road to two lanes in each direction and include a center turn lane, bike lanes, sidewalks, sewer lines and street lighting. Construction is planned to begin in FY 2023.
Under a separate plan to connect portions of Ocotillo Road, a quarter-mile length from Greenfield Road to Higley road, including a bridge over Gilbert Regional Park, is also in development.
Another Gilbert plan that may require 24 homeowners to give up portions of their land would let the Town gain access to a sewer line along the Western Canal.
It is not known how many owners in either project will be amenable to the Town’s plans or to its offers following land appraisals. Owners who reject offers under eminent domain can negotiate for a higher price. The matter goes before a court if the two sides cannot agree. (Source)
