Council approves presentation from developer seeking to buy 9.31 acres at Hardy Way amid debate over retail vs. recreation

George and Mindy Kramer presented their proposal to acquire approximately 9.31 acres at 1220 Hardy Way and extend their Adobe Mesa commercial development across the street at the April 8 Mesquite City Council meeting. The council voted to approve the developers’ presentation and allow the purchase process to advance.

The Kramers said the site would continue the Southwest-themed Adobe Mesa design and seek an anchor tenant such as a specialty grocery store, along with smaller retail and possible food-service operators. ‘‘We are actively searching for a specialty grocery store to come into that area and then along with some other smaller retail and possibly food services,’’ George Creamer told the council.

Traffic and access: City traffic staff said engineering is underway for a traffic signal at the intersection near the parcel; council members and the developers said some intersection movements would remain right-in/right-out while the signal would enable full-movement access at the primary intersection.

Public comment was split. Supporters argued the retail would serve new housing and sports-complex visitors; opponents urged the council to prioritize an indoor pickleball facility given strong community interest. Spencer Veil, who has proposed a pickleball project, said the sport ‘‘brings the community together’’ and urged the council to consider recreation uses that draw visitors. Several residents questioned whether Mesquite needs more retail given existing vacancies on Mesquite Boulevard and elsewhere.

Appraisal and price context: A member of the public asked for appraisal figures; city staff said two appraisals reported values of $1,320,000 and $1,400,000 for the land. The record also includes a larger appraisal figure referenced in the discussion that was not confirmed in public record during the meeting.

Council action: Councilwoman Patty Fielding moved to approve the developer presentation; the motion was seconded and carried. Approval of the presentation does not finalize a sale; it advances negotiations and the normal steps for sale and development, including traffic and entitlement work.

Ending: City staff will coordinate engineering for the planned signal and permit review; the developers said they will continue marketing for tenants and refine site plans. The council emphasized performance timelines and deed conditions are typically included when discounted sales or incentives are part of a transaction.