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Planning and Zoning Board
Study Session Minutes
Mesa City Council Chambers – Lower Level, 20 E. Main St.
Date: March 11, 2026 Time: 3:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT
Benjamin Ayers Jayson Carpenter
Troy Peterson *
Jeff Pitcher
Genessee Montes
Jamie Blakeman
Chase Farnsworth*
(*Boardmembers and staff participated in the meeting through the use of telephonic and video
conference equipment)
STAFF PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
Mary Kopaskie-Brown
Evan Balmer
Cassidy Welch
Kirstin Dvorchak
Chloe Durfee Daniel
Cassidy Welch
Joshua Grandlienard
Danika Heying
1
Call meeting to order.
Chair Ayers excused Boardmember Carpenter and declared a quorum present the meeting was
called to order at 3:00 pm.
2
Review items on the agenda for March 11, 2026, regular Planning and Zoning Board
Hearing.
Staff Planner Chloe Durfee Daniel presented ZON25-00535 See attached presentation.
Staff Planner Chloe Durfee Daniel noted the application was submitted prior to the data center
text amendment and follows previous warehousing standards. Ms. Durfee Daniel clarified a
modification to Condition of Approval No. 3 regarding the removal of a two-hour maximum for
generator testing. Boardmember Pitcher and Boardmember Montes requested clarification on
the testing schedule and potential noise impacts. The applicant explained that while weekly
testing is brief, annual commissioning requires longer windows. He cited a noise contour study
showing decibel levels at residential property lines in the 20s and 30s, which are below city
thresholds.
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 11, 2026, PLANNING & ZONING STUDY SESSION
*****
Note:Audio recordings of the Planning & Zoning Board Meetings are available in the Planning
Division Office for review. They are also “live broadcasted” through the City of Mesa’s website
at www.mesaaz.gov
Presentation and discussion only; no formal action taken by the Board
Staff Planner Joshua Grandlienard presented ZON25-00942. See attached presentation.
Staff Planner Joshua Grandlienard explained that the residential units are intended for Chicago
Cubs player housing. He noted a staff modification to Condition of Approval No. 7 to allow for a
lot line adjustment. Chair Ayers and Boardmembers Pitcher and Farnsworth discussed the
parking reduction. Pitcher noted that minor league players often lack personal vehicles during
training, reducing parking demand. Chair Ayers inquired about off-season occupancy. The
applicant, Brennan Ray, stated the facility would be used year-round for the Arizona Fall League
and player rehabilitation.
Presentation and discussion only; no formal action taken by the Board.
Staff Planner Cassidy Welch presented ZON25-00917 on behalf of Staff Planner Mallory
Ress. See attached presentation.
Staff Planner Cassidy Welch noted a revision to the conditions of approval to include Condition
No. 8, requiring a shade structure covering at least 75% of the 1,800 square foot turf area on
the south side of the site. Boardmember Pitcher questioned if the parking reduction accounted
for future restaurant use on the commercial pad. Ms. Welch stated a shared parking study
confirmed the 131 proposed spaces would meet the needs of both the hotel and future
commercial users.
Presentation and discussion only; no formal action taken by the Board.
Staff Planner Joshua Grandlienard presented GPA26-00147. See attached presentation.
Staff member, Joshua Grandlienard, presented the amendment as the companion to case
ZON25-00942, stating the Urban Center designation is consistent with the compact, mixed-use
nature of the surrounding baseball district. Boardmembers had no questions for staff.
Presentation and discussion only; no formal action taken by the Board.
3
Planning Director Update:
Principle Planner, Evan Balmer, briefly updated the Board on the recent approval of the
administrative text amendments from City Council that will go into effect in 30 days. The
update will change the internal review process and the procedural steps for how staff and
the Board review site plans.
4
Adjournment.
Chair Ayers motioned to adjourn the study session. The motion was seconded by
Boardmember Pitcher.
MINUTES OF THE MARCH 11, 2026, PLANNING & ZONING STUDY SESSION
The study session was adjourned at 3:29 pm.
Vote (6-0; Boardmember Carpenter, excused)
Upon tabulation of vote, it showed:
AYES -Ayers, Peterson, Pitcher, Montes, Blakeman, Farnsworth
NAYS-None
Respectfully, submitted,
&n
Planning and Zoning Board Chair
*****
Note:Audio recordings of the Planning & Zoning Board Meetings are available in the Planning
Division Office for review. They are also "live broadcasted" through the City of Mesa's website
at www.mesaaz.gov