Council approves annexation and zoning for 30+-acre Carmelo development; members discuss water, traffic and street-lighting study

The Mesa City Council on Feb. 3 approved annexation case 23-01004 and associated zoning 23-01003 for a project called Carmelo by Blandford Homes, a proposal covering just over 30 acres. The vote advanced both annexation and zoning after public commenters asked the council to weigh water-supply and broader infrastructure impacts.

A mixture of public commenters urged caution. Norm Sandler told the council he opposed the annexation in part because of climate and energy concerns tied to new data centers and distant solar generation, saying, “a no vote on 8a is a yes vote for mother nature.” Another resident asked how the city reconciles continued building with concerns about water quantity and cost.

Applicant and staff responses

Representatives for the applicant said they will coordinate required road improvements with Maricopa County. The applicant’s team told the council that McDowell Road and Hawes Road fall under county jurisdiction and that required roadway improvements will be made through county permitting. City transportation staff said modelling indicates existing capacity on McDowell can accommodate the proposed development after the planned improvements.

Council discussion focused in part on street lighting. Councilmember Go Forth (as recorded in the meeting) said the city attorney’s office had confirmed a current city ordinance prevents a wholesale exemption for street lights in the area but that the council had directed staff over the coming year to study whether the area where lighting is not required should be extended. Go Forth said the city would consider deferring installation of street lights until that study is complete.

Why it matters

Annexation brings county land into city jurisdiction, enabling city zoning and permitting. Residents who live on larger parcels in the Desert Uplands told the council they were concerned about changes in character and infrastructure demands. City officials framed the proposal as consistent with the City of Mesa general plan and existing zoning policy for the area.

Vote and next steps

Councilmember Bilsbury moved to approve the annexation and zoning items; the motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Summers and passed unanimously. The city will proceed with the annexation and the applicant will continue coordination with Maricopa County on roadway improvements. City staff will carry out a study of the street-lighting boundary over the next year and report back.

The approvals permit annexation and zoning under Mesa rules; construction and specific infrastructure work still require separate permitting and agreements.