North Center Revitalization Assoc. (NCRA)

Cornerstone withdraws application to build under WGA flight path

Cornerstone withdraws application to build under WGA flight path

For Release: April 25, 2006
Contact: Heather Gray
Acting Public Information & Communications Director
480.644.3332 Tel
heather.gray@cityofmesa.org

Cornerstone withdraws application to build under WGA flight path

Cornerstone Homes announced today that it will withdraw its subdivision plat application to build homes on a 75-acre panel in the flight path of Williams Gateway Airport.

The announcement came after Cornerstone CEO Todd Tucker and Mesa Mayor Keno Hawker met to discuss the vision for the Williams Gateway regional job center and corresponding General Land Use Plan approved by Mesa voters in 2000. That plan identifies the parcel for employment uses -- a key component in creating what the Maricopa Association of Governments projects will become the state's 4th largest job center.

"The events of the past two weeks, with Phoenix becoming a partner and passenger service finally taking off, have convinced us that Williams Gateway really will become a reliever to Sky Harbor," said Tucker. "We at Cornerstone offered to withdraw the application because the vision for the job center is becoming a reality, and that's something we support."

"Cornerstone Homes has built a solid reputation as a quality homebuilder in Mesa," said Mayor Hawker. "The company cares about the future of the East Valley and wants to see the Williams Gateway Airport become a success."

Vice Mayor Claudia Walters, a steadfast advocate for the Williams Gateway Airport said she wasn't surprised with Cornerstone's decision to withdraw its application. "Cornerstone has always been a top-notch developer dedicated to the success of our community," she said. "They weren't going to sacrifice the viability of a burgeoning regional job center to turn a quick profit."

Last week, the Planning and Zoning Board also unanimously approved the City's application to rezone the parcel to correspond more closely with Mesa's General Land Use Plan. The new zoning, which will be considered by the Council in June, would permit commercial and employment uses compatible with the job center.

If you have questions concerning the application withdrawal, please contact Cornerstone CEO Todd Tucker at 480-505-1900.