in the world.”
—Kenn Wells, former lead dancer of English National Ballet
Phoenix • Tucson • Mesa
the NO. 1 Show
FEB 19–MAR 3
“Absolutely
“
—Richard Connema, renowned Broadway critic
“There is massive power in this that can embrace the world. It brings great hope. It is truly a touch of heaven.”
—Donna Karan, creator of DKNY
S
hen Yun’s unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multidimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture.
This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms— classical Chinese dance—along with patented
FEB 19–24
FEB 26–27
scenographical effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom. Prepare for an experience that will take your breath away.
MAR 1–3
Phoenix Orpheum Theatre Tucson Music Hall Mesa Arts Center
Tickets
ShenYun.com/AZ 800-880-0188
800.880.0188
see and all of us to learn from.”
ShenYun.com/AZ
—Daniel Herman, Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic
FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF GILBERT) | GilbertSunNews.com
Sunday, January 6, 2019
Gilbert builders could face $82 million in road costs BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor
G
I have reviewed about 4,000 shows, none can compare to what I saw tonight.”
“Mesmerizing! I encourage everyone to
An edition of the East Valley Tribune
GPS jazz band gets big stage PAGE 8
ilbert is looking to raise fees on builders to help pay for the cost of providing public services to their developments. One proposed fee in particular has drawn major pushback from developers: a $3,722-per-house fee for road improvements. “We have been building homes in Gilbert for decades,” said Miles Pinter, land acquisition specialist for Maracay Homes, at a recent council meeting. “Most of the homes built in Gilbert were built by Maracay.” The company in 2017 spent $56 million on two projects in Gilbert, he added. Pinter pointed out one road project in particular – the Ocotillo Road wash crossing from Greenfield Road to Higley
Road, which is estimated to cost $62 million. Of that, 96 percent, or $60 million, would be borne by the developer, according to a draft Land Use Assumptions and Infrastructure Improvement Plan by the consultant group Raftelis. In all, $165 million in road and intersection projects are included in the report with $82 million of it proposed to be covered by new development. Town Council is expected to adopt the final version of the plan on Jan. 22. A public hearing on the proposed fees is scheduled on March 7 with adoption tentatively set for April 18. Pinter questioned the burden on developers, saying roughly 85 percent of Gilbert is already built-out. This new fee would impact the company’s bottom line as well as other developers by several million dollars, said Pinter, who noted that some municipalities such as Chandler were lowering its
Gilbert sees no reason to leave League of Cities
fees. Mayor Jenn Daniels asked Pinter to work with town staff on the numbers, stating Gilbert is not at 85-percent build out as he contended. Raftelis’ roads fee calculation includes costs associated with arterial and collector improvements as well as intersection expansions. Gilbert staff has identified 13 projects that include intersection improvements and lane widening projects for arterials and collectors that are primarily driven by the growth, according to the report. Jackson Moll, municipal affairs vice president for the Homebuilders Association of Central Arizona, said he’s worked with town staff to address some of the lobbying group’s concerns and for now opposed the fees.
Marathon man
see FEES page 4
BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor
G
ilbert is seeing value in staying in the League of Arizona Cities and Towns even though Phoenix severed ties with the lobbying association. Phoenix City Council in November overwhelmingly voted to leave after interim Mayor Thelda Williams called the voluntary association “ineffective.” Losing its largest member, the now 90-member group includes the remaining Valley municipalities and those as far north as Page and as far south as Bisbee. “We have no plans to leave the League at this time,” said Rene Guillen, the town’s intergovernmental relations director. “The town benefits from membership in the league in a number of ways.” He added the town continually evaluates the value of its membership in the league, which a group of mayors formed in 1937 in the hope that by banding together, they could preserve local decision-making over local matters. Gilbert has been a dues-paying member of the league likely since then. The annual dues for fiscal year 2019 is $97,000, according to Guillen. In return for its taxpayer-funded dues, Gilbert receives the league’s help in understanding the impact of passed and proposed legislation and help in a coordinated strategy on issues, he said. “Professionally, we work with the league when it comes to compliance with state law
see LEAGUE page 4
(Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)
Ryan Davies of Gilbert is partially blind, but his impairment isn't stopping him from training for this year's Boston Marathon in April. Nor has the tragic death of his 3-year-old son from a genetic disorder. The headband he holds honors that youngster. For a look at Davies, see page 17.