The Chandler City Council voted to adopt new branding standards and launch the downtown master plan project in its regular meeting on Aug. 12.
Additionally, Ben Myers was sworn in as councilperson for Ward III after Greg Huffman stepped down because he relocated out of state.
Darrin Scott from Kimley- Horn and Natalie Nell, assistant to the city manager, presented the new branding for the city, which included an overall look, plus four logos/signs to represent the different districts in Chandler -- Lakes, Parks and Trails, Route 66 and Historic.
“(There are) Lots of opportunities there to create stuff and have citizens and whoever comes through to support our new brand,” said Nell.
In addition to the new look, the City Council approved a task order agreement with Kimley-Horn for $76,000 to launch the Downtown Master Plan Project. Similar to the Comprehensive Plan, it will focus specifically on downtown Chandler and search out ways to revitalize and preserve the historic area.
Mayor Kent McVey said one of the things that consistently came up on surveys done during the Comprehensive Plan was downtown and “the appreciation for it and the preservation of it,” adding that this plan falls in line with what citizens asked the City to do.
The project will create a committee of 10 to 15 people that will include business owners, residents, and city staff to come up with action items and priorities. They will conduct surveys and studies into retail and residential demand, infrastructure, and how to celebrate the architectural form and character of the area. They will specifically look at the region between 6th Street and 14th Street along Manvel/Route 66, going back into the residential areas on both sides. The project is estimated to last about six to nine months.
City Manager Jason Orr said one of the things they heard from the Comp Plan surveys was to create a vibrant downtown, and one way to do so is to get people livingdowntown.Headded that residents wanted more variety in housing as well.
“I think we can stand to build some housing downtown that would be more suitable for younger people, because I think they would love to live here, just like they would like to live in a bigger city,” he said.
The City Council also approved the final plat for Chandler Meadows Phase Two, a subdivision currently under construction off Sandy Lane. Phase One, approved on Jan. 1, 2024, has 59 lots. Phase Two has 106.
The Council tabled discussion and action on Mayor McVey’s nominations for the new Economic Development Authority Board of Trustees.
They agreed to hold a special meeting so they could enter executive session to discuss the nominations before voting. McVey nominated Todd Brown, Heather Ledford, Jason Thompson, Jeromy Clayton and Carl Martin.
The Council also tabled a proposed ordinance for Wind Energy Conversion Systems until their September meeting so Councilperson Robin Crouch could make some amendments recommended by other council members. Namely, they seek to make the setbacks and requirements stricter.