[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6187923,"mediaKeyId","5064186-fdaecfdc99f09f67f8a33e43f94fabfd","parentId",5064186,"title","Chandler staff seek approval to convert seven turf retention basins to xeriscape under $3 million WIFA grant; council asks to pull one site","audioSeconds",1296,"startMs",2831755,"endMs",4128530,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064186-fdaecfdc99f09f67f8a33e43f94fabfd&start=2831&end=4128","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064186-fdaecfdc99f09f67f8a33e43f94fabfd/thumbnail_2831755.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6187923/Chandler/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Chandler-staff-seek-approval-to-convert-seven-turf-retention-basins-to-xeriscape-under-3-million-WIFA-grant-council-asks-to-pull-one-site","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187923-841f51e5c24415f23d3e01051aef50c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078867&Signature=SQ76cGaeK0xBM6jNP0vtHztimFWcy00X7Azb2uA~DTzXZR8obB2Bhnybb16NVQimxt~wt8pdWNYpUwUTfa--Paexu5YhVnYEtYltvJ~5Hx2mlK5ap660yFtkig98umquz9ubIIvB4xQrZGA5Aj8DXCov5PVALTAMJPIgzmG6EZu7GXcHoGdWf90YwoQoWSlzIbNiGyJr3KA~sIJ~oLu8zMTwslZFdCYwU7YSZiH5cJ-xZvrFnGMDCL8C50iUTC86nb13Dpe2XuIvdjxuRp4pW0TaduSWbiydUbwUHKWFO7iGXWKjGVSOylVbsOGMkzFudK3rRNDqxISWxLsYTvREkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Chandler, AZ ","date","2025-06-25T12:49:52.553Z","article","City staff asked council to approve a turf‑to‑xeriscape conversion project for seven major retention basins, leveraging a $3 million Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) grant and aiming to significantly reduce municipal irrigation demand.

Jeremy Abbott, city staff, said the seven Phase‑1 basins total just over one million square feet of turf and that converting them to xeriscape (drought‑tolerant trees, shrubs and native plantings rather than irrigation‑dependent grass) could save an estimated 22 million gallons of water annually. Abbott said the city will use a plant palette intended to create lush, low‑water landscapes rather than just rock, and that grading, turf removal and irrigation changes would occur this fall and winter with plantings scheduled for spring 2026. He emphasized a near‑term timing constraint: the city is obligated to make substantial progress by December to secure the WIFA funding.

Abbott said the project team had engaged the public over 14 months — 3,500 postcards mailed, a public meeting with 25 residents and a project website — and received fewer than 50 public comments. However, councilmembers reported sustained constituent opposition for one basin, Site 418B along Chandler Boulevard, where residents and dog‑owners value the existing long green strip and have petitioned to keep it. Councilmember Harris asked that staff pull Site 418B from Phase 1 because neighbors consider it a cherished green space. Councilmember Martinez and Mayor Hartke asked staff to follow up with residents and explore options (partial turf retention, redesign or moving the basin into Phase 2) and staff agreed to return with options before the Thursday vote.

Why it matters: converting high‑use turf to xeriscape is a major water conservation step tied to Chandler’s strategic framework on water sustainability and can yield substantial irrigation savings. Council discussion focused on balancing water savings and grant timing with neighborhood value and recreational uses of specific green strips. Abbott said maintenance costs may change slightly due to added tree/shrub care but that revised maintenance practices aim to keep long‑term costs stable and that staff did not request additional maintenance budget for the upcoming fiscal year because most plantings occur in spring 2026.

No final council vote was recorded in the study session; staff said they will provide options and follow‑up on Site 418B prior to the scheduled formal vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Chandler Study Session 6/23/2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff asked council to approve a turf‑to‑xeriscape conversion project for seven major retention basins, leveraging a $3 million WIFA grant and aiming to significantly reduce municipal irrigation demand.","taxTitle","Chandler, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",2211,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6187928,"Chandler expands heat‑relief services with overnight respite center and partnerships",910,1911184,2821435,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064186-fdaecfdc99f09f67f8a33e43f94fabfd&start=1911&end=2821","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064186-fdaecfdc99f09f67f8a33e43f94fabfd/thumbnail_1911184.jpg","/articles/6187928/Chandler/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Chandler-expands-heatrelief-services-with-overnight-respite-center-and-partnerships","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187928-adba27614adf83a83ce33ae65704715f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078867&Signature=QvB5bpvUe7d4dacyoSGjFBK~I2dEOOmt8kBbti7I-3scZnApVjurAW0VUCkDLmU7DL41tYfHDzM9bb1dB6hmPhoi5c1TwqJ7pygRGJYMGoOS8~WA63-B2qI-EI6847fl2FzjqlS9n2g8eE4QneUcnCmmXWFC2rTcPtsacs1~i1uFYXClz17gAJufYEguywipU6LgeHvE5cUiUWI-i592YWUbzzABRF6KcSmnX6U6v43UrMSK6KEuaR4VlOuvVcMN0SE~LH3bIvNyB3W72IsUeJpdTJWx1hM67RZ5yIsereIPn4f~QUa6iDMCRysF4QRy~-9xr3178JY78kXITmcFvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and partner Ascend described Chandler’s summer heat‑relief services and early usage figures at a council study session.

Ryan Bach, neighborhood resources staff member, said Maricopa County reported at least 608 heat‑related deaths last year, eight of them in Chandler, and that about half of valley heat deaths involved people experiencing homelessness. Bach said Chandler operates eight cooling centers, one daytime respite at Ascend (California Street) where people can rest, drink and receive services, and a new overnight respite at the Chandler Senior Center that opened June 13 and is operated by Ascend. He said Ascend and city navigators staff the overnight site from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.; Ascend provides dinner and the morning transfer back to Ascend for breakfast. Bach reported an average of 26 overnight participants per night since opening and 51 unduplicated persons per day at the daytime respite, with 168 unduplicated individuals served across day and night since the program began; staff have distributed thousands of bottles of water and hundreds of meals and snacks.

Trinity Donovan of Ascend described client intake and coordination with the city’s navigators and other providers. Bach said Solari (2‑1‑1) provides transportation to cooling centers from across the valley, and that Ascend and city navigators are working to connect respite guests to navigation services and longer‑term housing options. Councilmembers and staff noted that the Salvation Army had shifted how it supports related services this year but still provides day‑time cooling and shower/laundry trailers used by program participants.

Why it matters: Valley heat poses a documented mortality risk, particularly for older adults and people experiencing homelessness. Council members praised the expanded overnight service and asked about outreach, daily supply monitoring, and navigator integration. Bach said outreach has included media, social media, brochures to public safety and nonprofits, and coordination with library staff; an incident command team meets weekly to share operational updates across departments.

Staff requested authority to enter a contract and a user‑facility agreement with Ascend to operate the overnight site; council members asked for continued updates on outcomes and navigator follow‑through. No final vote was taken at the study session; the item will return to council for formal approval of contract documents.","The city outlined an expanded heat‑relief program including one daytime respite at Ascend, eight cooling centers, and a new overnight respite at the Chandler Senior Center operated by Ascend; staff reported usage figures and partnerships with navigation and 2‑1‑1 services.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":79,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6187933,"Council hears presentation on Foreign‑Trade Zone request tied to three Intel warehouses",307,1604034,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064186-fdaecfdc99f09f67f8a33e43f94fabfd&start=1604&end=1911","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064186-fdaecfdc99f09f67f8a33e43f94fabfd/thumbnail_1604034.jpg","/articles/6187933/Chandler/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-hears-presentation-on-ForeignTrade-Zone-request-tied-to-three-Intel-warehouses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187933-f88c7f43a39ab0adbe0c7a39303b0ee7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078867&Signature=EIvSitTyhtUPyxkc2QGg6~NqKIg5m1UvGH4vpKIGHbQwPba4iFCeu7xj2YsYA1nK~tF2jkwjIUCi1ASV0t7JaS1voMkdqLTE~Gx8lnbIszsg0NGUs55tW-XcBinWUjVidZkdBmoRqaHe-PlGQsuiXw0~4MyGy67hdsaFr-LukqIEVUJLIkDkfALuxuoC5GXkm0jMzqCUo1KNWYBLHb-ttQhglU~RgK-F9X7cnkqGVFbeIwaAv0nKi9FlQvL66AT0PgraNKPnEM7ZuPv8FruIzCy1TkBvsgQwudSSY4STw4hJNkNG1GhoR97RczuVhr-ihjXAmdwrgoXh7vXepbUKIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff briefed the Chandler City Council on a proposal to add three Intel warehouses to Foreign‑Trade Zone (FTZ) operations in Chandler and described what FTZ status could mean for logistics and customs processing.

Michael (staff member) explained that FTZs are federal programs administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that allow certain activities involving imported components to occur before formal customs entry, offering duty deferral, duty exemption for re‑exports, duty reduction options and weekly entry savings. He said Chandler currently hosts six FTZ sites (including Intel, Avnet and others) and that the request would add three Intel warehouses — two in West Chandler and one in the Airpark area — which Intel says would improve logistics and operational efficiency.

Councilmember Orlando asked whether FTZ designation would change property tax classification; Michael said Intel agreed not to seek property reclassification and that the intergovernmental agreement with the City of Phoenix (the FTZ grantee) protects the city from losing property tax revenue. Orlando also asked whether sales tax from improvements would still flow to the city; staff confirmed sales tax remains unchanged.

Why it matters: FTZ designation can speed import/export operations for major employers and affect local economic activity. Council members focused on ensuring Chandler’s tax base and revenue streams would not be impaired and on the conditions of the intergovernmental agreement tied to FTZ number 75, for which Phoenix is the grantee. Staff said removal of FTZ designation could be enforced if a party sought a property reclassification inconsistent with the agreement.

No final council action was taken at the study session; the presentation was informational and will be part of later agenda packets if the matter proceeds.","Staff explained the federal Foreign‑Trade Zone program and a request to add three Intel warehouses in Chandler as FTZ sites; council members asked about property tax classification, economic impacts and protections in the intergovernmental agreement with Phoenix.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6187937,"Council discusses removing rigid time condition from a cannabis conditional use permit",308,1264275,1573115,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064186-fdaecfdc99f09f67f8a33e43f94fabfd&start=1264&end=1573","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064186-fdaecfdc99f09f67f8a33e43f94fabfd/thumbnail_1264275.jpg","/articles/6187937/Chandler/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-discusses-removing-rigid-time-condition-from-a-cannabis-conditional-use-permit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187937-6f0b44574ac818ce22ee5737d2af944e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078867&Signature=e1T-895aQtIvVJS7UlBBL4NyxiC~fsyQfMW1w4nso~FQXP3I7e~hc7IeGlNamNQULzw9FfAb2jJNjsh6EjSo5SjAMu3p1zBL50sOJ5bv2xDzqc4qwKfj34zOxLJkbP6yvmPqsbYC~j3qkUM64lkBHpZhx9M2MH8EH9MAqGHhXUNEpT5aTfeKi1LksjDWpFxv8HS9YdCN6492xn5aHSMJpucxvrcU03TdTRWFT7OzomUE2I1vQ9x1W150nKAHIxejCcWhhdlY0pJ0m55LoGKKBYECXL7JamVkmfdG~YqHA0O0QgTygaK8PsJJsoTSzW2A13oZl4Hasr7gG~8Iped0Cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff told council they are proposing a time‑condition change for one conditional use permit tied to recreational cannabis operations so that it aligns with broader city practice for conditional uses.

Kevin Mayo, a city staff member, said the item is limited to changing the time condition on a conditional use permit and does not alter the permit's other regulatory conditions. Mayo said the existing permit’s one‑year rigid time condition would be replaced with case‑by‑case council discretion or no time condition consistent with how the city has handled other conditional uses over recent years: \"All the regulations that go into that conditional use permit remain exactly the same that they are today. The only difference is that instead of having to come back every single year, it can be a case by case decision by city council on an appropriate time for that example.\" (paraphrase of staff remarks)

Why it matters: conditional use permit time limits are a tool the city uses to ensure new or changed uses are good neighbors during initial operation. Several council members sought clarity about the city's current norm, when staff typically imposes a short initial condition, and whether the council can reinstate shorter time limits or revoke permits if problems arise. Mayo said new permits often start with short time limits (one or two years) to allow the city to monitor operations and that the city has moved toward removing time limits when businesses demonstrate they are good neighbors. He also said the single business using the 2023 zoning code amendment had produced no community complaints at either the original permit or its one‑year renewal.

Councilmember Hawkins suggested adding a maximum review cap — for example a five‑year maximum before council would revisit a permit — rather than leaving approvals open‑ended, saying she would be more comfortable with a limit than an unlimited approval. Staff responded that they would continue to recommend no time condition when community input and compliance history support that outcome, and that the council retains the authority to revoke use permits if conditions are not met.

No formal vote occurred in the study session; the item will be scheduled for council action on the formal agenda.","Staff proposed aligning time conditions for a specific cannabis conditional use permit with the city's current practice of shorter initial review periods or removing a hard one‑year limit; council members asked about oversight and the ability to revoke permits.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6187941,"Council to consider reassignment of South Arizona Street development agreement to Everstead Ventures",301,861185,1162815,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5064186-fdaecfdc99f09f67f8a33e43f94fabfd&start=861&end=1162","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5064186-fdaecfdc99f09f67f8a33e43f94fabfd/thumbnail_861185.jpg","/articles/6187941/Chandler/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-to-consider-reassignment-of-South-Arizona-Street-development-agreement-to-Everstead-Ventures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6187941-a203b34f6d14dddb5d0ec942d64e137f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078867&Signature=baiakLKnXZHUZiely6sb1Kgknj7r4S-0qHXTj27F8CwyCzcavvVXPXhxD7nE3UJMNCtNG7wesRLdwS0IfsZkAcdXJavHgNicEKvwK5eQlOmCvIqNf-NlP9PgsnjIGDkp1qUceVZH8LxGkBaejsEuLxHcS6AAqWidoPB6JZTarhie9KHqyazwjJLGn56SJMo3rp4cQXP1kGGJtEPkzoBPud29nflXhQlrhuVDJic8~XaghFtGeHkSTI33KTTAQI7POd065wzGg~xho2RbtorxpeqNBhAELZRyFQPwnETO~uN8ml-EusmUD6bUdLVX6J4je4C8iI3dEle7H0dWwzw1uA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chandler City Council heard a presentation about a proposed reassignment of the development agreement for the city-owned property at 20210 South Arizona Street and proposed new construction timelines if the reassignment is approved.

City staff member Kim Moyers told the council the 2006 city-owned site sits in the South Arizona Avenue corridor future growth area and that a 2023 development agreement with Jimby Jack includes a clawback provision, a minimum two‑story building requirement, and a minimum of 15,000 square feet of mixed‑use restaurant and retail space. Moyers said the reassignment would let Everstead Ventures, LLC assume the agreement and the new timelines, and that \"the applicant, or excuse me, the, the new reassigned Everstead Ventures at Jackson Armstrong is here to answer any questions that you may have tonight.\" Moyers said the amended schedule calls for an administratively complete application by Oct. 1, commencement of construction Oct. 1 and completion by Oct. 1, 2027, and shortens the cure period for missed deadlines from 60 days to 30 days.

Why it matters: the property is in a targeted downtown growth area and the agreement sets development standards (height, minimum floor area and independent retail/restaurant uses) that shape what will be built. Council members sought clarity about how the reassignment affects city oversight and future review. Councilmember Poston asked whether missed deadlines would cause the city to reclaim control or require the developer to return to council; Moyers confirmed the shorter cure period was intended to keep the project moving and that the reassignment will allow Everstead to begin working with Jimby Jack on the purchase. Vice Mayor Ellis and others pressed staff on whether the sale price would allow a profit; Moyers said Everstead is purchasing the property at the same price Jimby Jack paid and that the development agreement does not permit profit from an immediate resale.

Councilmember Martinez and others emphasized that the project will return to council as part of the PAD (planned area development) and PDP (preliminary development plan) and rezoning processes, where council will see renderings and may consider height and neighborhood impacts. Moyers confirmed the rezoning and design reviews will come back before council before construction begins.

No formal vote on reassignment was recorded at the study session; the item was presented for council questions and is scheduled to return on the formal meeting agenda for action.

Looking ahead: if council approves the reassignment at the upcoming meeting, Everstead Ventures will assume responsibilities and the city expects to see the project again during rezoning and PAD/PDP reviews before construction starts.","City staff presented a proposal to allow reassignment of a development agreement for 20210 South Arizona Street from Jimby Jack to Everstead Ventures, with new timelines and a shortened cure period; council members pressed staff on timelines, resale price and future rezoning reviews.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Chandler staff seek approval to convert seven turf retention basins to xeriscape under $3 million WIFA grant; council asks to pull one site

Chandler expands heat‑relief services with overnight respite center and partnerships

Council hears presentation on Foreign‑Trade Zone request tied to three Intel warehouses

Council discusses removing rigid time condition from a cannabis conditional use permit

Council to consider reassignment of South Arizona Street development agreement to Everstead Ventures