15 June 15th–June 21st, 2023 phoenixnewtimes.com phoenix new Times | cONTeNTs | feeDBacK | OPiNiON | NeWs | feaTuRe | NighT+Day | culTuRe | film | cafe | music | doesn’t track religion, and neither does the town of Gilbert. The media specialist for the Metro Phoenix Area for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a written statement that membership numbers are tracked by geographical boundaries that don’t line up with city boundaries so obtaining “even a semi-accurate number would be an onerous process.” However, various reports estimate LDS membership at 6.4% to 13% of Gilbert’s population of more than 271,000 — neither as large as perceived. Their civic involve- ment in school boards and government positions makes their presence seem larger, Johnston explains. Still, the notion that Gilbert is domi- nated by a faith that shuns alcohol provided understandable pause for restau- rateurs whose revenue relies heavily on the sales of wine, beer and spirits. “Everyone told us we are crazy for going out there, that people don’t drink out there,” Bailey says. “But Craig and I felt there are a lot of great customers living out there.” Since it opened, Postino’s Gilbert location is consistently in the top three among Postino restaurants for wine sales, Bailey says. “Annex and Gilbert are always neck and neck with each other,” Bailey says, referring to Postino’s location in downtown Tempe. Downtown Gilbert stays packed until 2 a.m., when the bars close. At that time, a mass exodus occurs with patrons heading to parking garages or queuing at ride- hailing spots. A combination of police presence and proactive measures — such as a 25-mile- per-hour speed limit and a bike patrol unit focused on downtown — helps keep the Heritage District safe, according to Levi Leyba, a public information officer for the Gilbert Police Department. “Often, the people who do come down here are respectful to our laws. A majority of the time, people that are pulled over are outside of that area. We have strict enforcement and people are aware and adhere to it,” Leyba says. Do unwanted behaviors fueled by a good- time vibe, liquid courage and crowds occur? Sure. But typically, officers respond to tamer calls, such as graffiti or making sure the public restrooms are safe, police say. Sticking to the plan The way the Heritage District was created also distinguishes it from party districts in Tempe and Scottsdale. The seed was planted in 1989 when downtown Gilbert was designated as a redevelopment area. The designation includes a redevelopment plan that, by statute, must be updated every 10 years. Since 1991, it has seen four updates with the most recent in 2018. In conjunction with this plan, the town purchased property to address blight. Today, more than 50 percent of non-resi- dential downtown land is owned by the town, according to Dan Henderson, Gilbert’s economic development director. Efforts to attract investors have shaped the area into an economic driver. Gilbert also moved into culinary tourism, which attracted restaurants and then bars, even though the latter may not have been intentional. “A commitment to not creating a bar scene, but a truly nighttime economy paved the way,” Henderson says. “There was a relentless pursuit to create a place where people can be comfortable.” This meant making the district walk- able with ample crosswalks, aesthetically appealing and showcasing public art. A redevelopment commission composed of volunteers advises the town council and ensures the plan is executed and stays true to what the community wants. TJ Claassen, a Scottsdale real estate broker who lives about a mile northeast of the Heritage District where his wife owns the Dog Spaw, is the commission chair. A third-generation Phoenician who grew up in Arcadia, Claassen was an early skeptic. Georgann Yara Long lines like this one outside of Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row are routine at the country bar. >> p 16
