Gilbert Daily: Water Rate Hike Fallout, Cooley Station Apartments, Weekend Events

Water rate hike sparks concern across Gilbert

Gilbert residents are still reacting to the Town Council’s recent decision to approve steep water and solid waste rate increases. After weighing two options, council members narrowly backed a single 25% water rate hike to take effect this year, along with a smaller bump for trash service. Town staff cited rising Colorado River and Central Arizona Project costs, higher prices for treatment chemicals and electricity, and major infrastructure work — including reconstruction of the North Water Treatment Plant and new wells — as key reasons for the increase.

On local forums, some homeowners say their monthly bills have already doubled over the past few years and worry this latest change will squeeze family budgets even further. Others argue that paying more now is necessary to keep the system reliable in the long run. Residents can review detailed calculators on the town’s site to see how the new structure will affect their specific usage.

568-unit apartment project reviewed at Cooley Station

Growth in the Cooley Station area continues, with a new 568-unit apartment community under review by Gilbert’s Planning Commission. The proposal covers just over 20 acres near Williams Field Road and Verde Drive, on the edge of the existing retail and commercial hub.

The plan calls for a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units wrapped around a structured parking garage and an array of outdoor amenities. Early concepts include two pools, multiple sport courts, dog parks, children’s play areas, and shaded ramadas, along with an indoor clubhouse featuring fitness and recreation spaces. Supporters say the project would add much-needed housing near jobs and shopping, while critics worry about traffic, density, and long-term impacts on nearby neighborhoods and schools. The proposal is still in the review stage, with opportunities for public input as it moves forward.

Weekend in Gilbert: markets and outdoor fun

Gilbert’s event calendar is busy this weekend for anyone ready to get outside or catch a show. The Gilbert Outdoor Expo at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is drawing families with fishing activities, wildlife encounters, goat yoga, camp cooking demonstrations, and more. Parking is being routed through the nearby Southeast Regional Library lot because the preserve’s main lot is closed for the event.

In the Heritage District, the farmers market continues to anchor Saturday mornings with local produce, baked goods, and food vendors. Over at the Hale Theatre, long-running productions such as musical comedies and tribute shows give residents another option for a night out without leaving town.

Together, these developments show a community balancing rapid growth, rising utility costs, and a full slate of local activities that keep Gilbert feeling connected.

Sources

https://www.reddit.com/r/Gilbert/comments/1r85iau/gilbert_town_council_approves_water_solid_waste/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/gilbert-considers-water-rate-hikes-000243653.html
https://www.connectcre.com/stories/gilbert-reviewing-568-unit-apartment-complex/
https://www.discovergilbert.com/
https://allevents.in/gilbert/outdoor-expo/200029675482941