From the AZ Republic:

Gilbert's Planning Commission is scheduled to consider a zoning code amendment that would allow some downtown Heritage District homeowners to improve or replace their properties.

The affected area is east of Gilbert Road, north of the railroad tracks and south of the Western Canal. It was zoned for low density, multifamily housing as part of the town rezoning in 2005. That rezoning precluded changes to single-family housing.

Gilbert's Redevelopment Commission voted July 19 to recommend approval of the zoning code amendment.

The planning commission is scheduled to hold its regular meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Gilbert Municipal Center in council chambers at 50 E. Civic Center Drive.

Typically, the Gilbert Planning Commission accepts the recommendations of the Redevelopment Commission. As the redevelopment commission has already recommended approval, it appears likely that this will pass by motion of the Planning Commission.

For details on the proposed zoning changes, see this PDF file.

Here is the full Planning Commission agenda. If you've never been to a Commission meeting (of any flavor) I highly recommend attending. If nothing else, it's seeing your local government (and tax dollars) at work, and is an interesting Civics lesson. I served on the Town of Gilbert's Human Relations Commission in the past, and it was an extremely enlightening experience. Serving on a Commission takes a LOT of time, but attending the Commission (and Town Council) meetings can be just as worthwhile without the time commitment. The Planning Commission in particular makes a ton of decisions that effect the quality of life in Gilbert, and can have a direct impact on Gilbert real estate values.

[tags]Gilbert Heritage District, Planning Commission[/tags]