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FAQ

What is the vision for the site?

The Block Residences is a thoughtfully planned residential community designed to help meet Mesa’s growing need for affordable and attainable housing while creating a vibrant, economically sustainable area for families, professionals, and local businesses. The proposal can accommodate over 1,500 new homes alongside neighborhood-serving retail, dining, entertainment, and commercial space.

Why is residential development being considered for this site?

Mesa and the broader East Valley continue to experience rapid population growth, rising housing costs, and limited housing inventory. The project directly responds to the community’s need for more attainable and workforce housing options while also supporting long-term economic growth for the City.

What kinds of housing are proposed?

The plan focuses on a mix of housing options, including lower-density residential neighborhoods and homes designed for families, young professionals, and longtime Mesa residents seeking housing opportunities within the city.

Will the project include retail, restaurants, or services?

Yes. The plan includes neighborhood-serving commercial space including a commercial component and a restaurant row with more dining options for date nights, entertainment, and family outings. 

This creates a walkable environment for residents while generating recurring sales tax revenue for the City of Mesa.

Does the community support residential development at the site?

Yes. A recent survey of likely Mesa District 6 voters found overwhelming support for residential development at the site.
 

Key findings included:

  • Over 91% support residential development at the site

  • Nearly 86% believe we have more than enough data centers and empty warehouses in our community.   

  • Nearly 82% believe more attainable housing is needed in the community

  • Approximately 75% believe there is currently a shortage of attainable single-family housing in the area

These results reflect strong and durable public support for thoughtfully planned housing opportunities.

How does this project benefit Mesa financially?

The project is projected to generate approximately $3 million annually in recurring fiscal benefits for public safety, streets, and other essential city services through property taxes, sales taxes, and economic activity.

Importantly, residential development is expected to begin generating these revenues within 1–2 years, compared to industrial development scenarios that could take decades to fully materialize.

Is the site suitable for residential development given its proximity to the airport?

Yes. Studies indicate that only a limited portion of the site falls within airport noise contours that may restrict residential uses. The project is committed to quality development that will help mitigate any noise and ensure that it fits in well with the airport as well as the surrounding community.

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Additionally, analysis of comparable residential communities near airports in the region found no meaningful long-term impact on home value appreciation due to airport proximity.

Will the project overwhelm nearby retail or infrastructure?

No. The commercial component has been intentionally scaled to align with the number of households expected within the surrounding area, and nearby residents are starving for more retail, restaurant, and commercial options.  Nearly 82% agree that we need more diverse development like retail, restaurants, and housing instead of more data centers and big boxes in our neighborhood.

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 A plan that can accommodate more than 1,500 homes will help directly support the neighborhood retail and service uses planned within the project, creating a balanced and sustainable community.

What if the city forgoes the project?

If the site remains vacant rather than being developed, the City of Mesa would forgo roughly $3.0 million annually in tax revenues that can be used to fund critical projects and services in Southeast Mesa. Over time, that represents a loss of approximately $60 million over 20 years and $120 million over 40 years.

Why not industrial?

How does the residential plan compare to industrial development?

While industrial development can provide long-term economic activity, current market conditions present significant challenges:

  • Industrial vacancy rates in the area are currently elevated

  • Large-scale industrial projects may take 20–40 years to fully absorb

  • Delayed absorption delays tax revenue generation and economic benefits

By contrast, housing demand remains strong today, making residential development more feasible, more immediate, and more likely to deliver near-term community benefits.

Would residential development eliminate jobs opportunities?

No. The site is currently vacant, meaning no existing jobs would be displaced.

Additionally, residential growth supports the local workforce by helping employees live closer to where they work, reducing commuter burdens and strengthening Mesa’s ability to retain spending and economic activity locally.

Why is “live-work balance” important for Mesa?

Many workers employed in Mesa currently live in neighboring communities such as Gilbert, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley. This means household spending often occurs outside Mesa.

By expanding housing opportunities within the city, Mesa can:

  • Retain more local spending

  • Strengthen neighborhood businesses

  • Reduce fiscal leakage to neighboring communities

  • Improve quality of life through shorter commutes

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