way cleared for development of sprawling arizona farmland

Members of the Mesa City Council have given their approval to the rezoning of just over 1,000 rural acres on the southeast side of the city, in a move certain to spur future development.

In so doing, the City of Mesa is also annexing the land in question.

What is known as Hawes Crossing is made up of dairy farms, the owners of which in recent years have indicated an interest in selling their properties to developers.

But not until the vast acreage could be given a new zoning designation was it likely that any developer would want to purchase the land.

Last fall the Mesa Planning and Zoning Board signaled the way for the Council by approving a new zoning designation for the land.

The Council vote now opens the way in particular for mixed-use development, with just over 500 acres approved for residential construction; 204 acres designated as strictly mixed-use; 183 acres for commercial use; and 8 acres for office construction.

Because Hawes Crossing is located near the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport, any home development would first require the permission of the Federal Aviation Administration before permits can be issued.

Developers particularly feel bullish regarding the potential of the Hawes Crossing diary land because of the area’s substantial population growth and its ongoing need for new housing.
​
In just the last two decades, Mesa, located 18 miles southeast of Phoenix, has seen more than 110,000 people move into the area, for a current population of roughly 510,000, making it the third largest city in Arizona.

​By Garry Boulard

---