The Mesa Planning and Zoning Board has approved a request to rezone 155 acres near Sossaman and Pecos roads to enable development of the 2.5MSF Unbound Gateway project.
According to the narrative provided by Unbound Development, the project includes large distribution, warehouse and manufacturing facilities in keeping with Mesa’s long-held industrial vision for the area.
Union Pacific Railroad opposed the requested rezone, claiming it intends to create a $100M rail line extension in the area. Railroad officials said Unbound Gateway lacks the necessary rail rights of way for the extension.
The Pecos Industrial Rail Access and Train Extension project, would be a six-mile extension near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport that would connect to the Union Pacific mainline. Union Pacific representatives said they have submitted a grant application to the City and could begin construction late next year.
While Mesa is part of a public-private partnership that wants to advance the PIRATE project, the Board ultimately decided in favor of rezoning Unbound Gateway. Representatives for Unbound Gateway called the railroad plan a “pipe dream” that has been discussed for years and pointed out Union Pacific has made no written offers for any property related to the extension. They also claimed nothing in their proposal or plans prevent the railway project from going through if Union Pacific decides to proceed with it.
The developer stated Unbound Gateway could be completed before the end of 2022. Mesa City Council will vote on the project this month. (Source)
