The non-profit pulled out. They published an article about this in Gilbert News newspaper a few months back. You can read about the story here as well if you like.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/joannaallhands/2019/10/19/gilbert-took-chance-build-welcome-home-veterans-park-stuck-mess/4026523002/

Sad. I know sometimes projects don’t work out monetarily, but something of so much importance should have had much more thought and financial planning in place prior to beginning construction. I hope someone steps up and gets this project completed.

Bruce,

Thank you for sharing that information. We agree that it is unfortunate that the organization was unable to complete the project. The Town was looking forward to having that facility to honor and support our veterans.

Unfortunately, the Town needs to return the site to a safe and appropriate condition. We are currently working to procure professional and construction services to effect that direction. We are anticipating that in the next few months that work will begin and will take approximately 6 weeks to conclude once begun.

Seriously why is the blue tarps still up, how about you get a bulldozer and just flatten the area for now. Eye sore. And did we loose the landscape crews GILBERT roads have never looked this bad with weeds etc

Thanks for reporting this issue to Gilbert 311! We are anxious to get the tarps and fencing down too. This situation is more complex than it appears it should be.

There is a large excess amount of dirt on the lot now that was intended for construction of the proposed park. That dirt needs to be removed. It has proven to be unsuitable for structural fill dirt which means it will be going to an inert landfill or to a need that is for landscaping. We had several projects that were interested in coming and getting the material if it was suitable for structural fill. Unfortunately that was not the case.

We are trying to find a project/projects that are happening in the community where someone would want to receive the dirt for their non-structural fill uses. If the Town is able to find a user for the material, the cost of removing it may be eliminated. If no user for it is found, we will be hauling it off.

Whatever the situation is, there should be some activity on that site within the next several months. The Town is in the design phase now for renovations, repairs and improvements in the Town Hall building. Current plans have that project starting around the end of 2020 or early 2021. Temporary accommodations for the staff in that building will be needed. This site will be used for those temporary working accommodations.

Is there an update that can be provided on this project? 19 months have passed since last status. The fence’s tarps are tattered and not connected due to monsoon winds. It is unfortunate that one of the most prosperous cities in the state allows this site to stay in the current condition.

I completely agree with Jon Holston's comment. Over the past year the amount of weeds and overgrowth are deplorable. Becoming a real eye sore.

Can we get an update? I know this is probably discussed in town meetings not everyone has time to attend. It’s been over 2 years since first status on this post.

Thank you very much for your inquiry. After much research and development, the Town plans to construct a Victims Advocacy Center on a portion of this site. This is a significant project for the community as it represents an innovative and holistic approach to better serve victims of certain crimes and ensure they receive services in a way that minimizes redundancy and additional trauma for themselves and their families. The project is preparing to enter design and construction is anticipated to begin in Fiscal Year 2024. When the project enters the construction phase the excess dirt will be removed and the site regraded at that time, however, the town is also exploring if there are any opportunities to facilitate the dirt removal and regrading in advance of the construction. If you would like more information on this project, please contact Jack Gierak, CIP Supervisor, (480) 503-6176.

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