Officials Advance Major Development, Infrastructure Projects

Mesa’s development is anchored by existing investments and institutions in the Gateway area, including Mesa Gateway Airport, Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus, Arizona Athletic Grounds and State Route 24. An independent analysis projects approximately $58.8 billion in economic activity, more than 13,500 jobs and $1.4 billion in city tax revenue over 30 years.
Aberdeen’s additional consultation will involve South of the City community councils, Lochside Academy’s parent and school communities, and other affected groups, following what officials described as strong local opposition to the proposed road projects.
Atlantic Beach’s election-transfer decision follows a disputed 2023 mayoral race in which provisional ballots shifted the result from an 18-vote lead for Josephine Isom to a 65-64 loss; the South Carolina Supreme Court later ruled in Isom’s favor, and she became mayor in July.
Atlantic Beach officials said the Bike Week crowd incident began when someone started running, triggering a chain reaction, while county law-enforcement reports had previously warned that 30th Avenue was unsafe because of overcrowding.
Key Biscayne also delayed enforcement of its new swale regulations and considered the possible redevelopment of the Coral Reef property on Galen Drive; separately, council ratified a collective-bargaining agreement with the village’s police lieutenants and required the Harbor Drive project to reclaim its existing brick pavers.
Local governments across the U.S. and internationally are pushing forward with major development and infrastructure projects. Mesa, Arizona, approved roughly $3 billion in private investment through the Legacy Park and Gateway Crossing developments, Bisnow reported. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Cabinet designated a $112.2 million Colombo Port City waterfront project as a strategic business, and officials in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, approved significant municipal changes following a disputed election.
These initiatives signal sustained momentum in municipal planning and economic development. Mesa's projects alone are projected to generate $58.8 billion in economic activity, create more than 13,500 jobs, and bring in $1.4 billion in city tax revenue over three decades. Other communities are tackling infrastructure, elections, and regulatory challenges in equal measure.
Mesa's approved projects tap into existing economic engines in the Gateway area. The developments sit near Mesa Gateway Airport, Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus, and State Route 24. Bisnow noted the 197-acre Legacy Park will function as a mixed-use hospitality and retail hub, becoming one of the Phoenix metro's largest projects of its kind.
The independent economic forecast is striking. Over 30 years, the projects will generate approximately $58.8 billion in economic activity, Bisnow reported. The city stands to collect $1.4 billion in tax revenue while more than 13,500 jobs are created. This scale of investment underscores Mesa's position as a major growth corridor in Arizona.
Sri Lanka's Cabinet moved to accelerate development of Prime Melwa's Colombo Port City waterfront project. The $112.2 million mixed-use development received strategic business designation, making it eligible for valuable tax incentives. The project is expected to generate approximately 800 jobs for the local economy.
This designation reflects government confidence in the project's potential. Strategic business status streamlines regulatory approval and reduces the tax burden on the developer. The move positions Colombo's waterfront as a key economic driver for the island nation's capital region.
Atlantic Beach voters approved transferring future municipal elections to Horry County, pending county confirmation. The decision stems from a chaotic 2023 mayoral race where provisional ballots flipped the outcome. Josephine Isom initially lost by 65 to 64 votes, but the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled in her favor, and she became mayor in July.
The city is also revising Bike Week rules following a crowd incident that injured 19 people. Officials said the incident began when someone started running, triggering a chain reaction of panic. County law enforcement had previously flagged 30th Avenue as unsafe due to overcrowding during the event.
Key Biscayne approved a nearly $2.4 million Harbor Drive reconstruction project, requiring the developer to reclaim existing brick pavers. The city also greenlighted contracts for e-bike regulations, groundwater monitoring, and elevator maintenance services. Council ratified a collective-bargaining agreement with the village's police lieutenants.
Officials delayed enforcement of new swale regulations and considered potential redevelopment of the Coral Reef property on Galen Drive. These decisions reflect ongoing efforts to balance environmental protection, public safety, and economic development. The Harbor Drive project represents a significant infrastructure investment in the island community.
Aberdeen's Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee agreed to further consultation on proposed road projects. The additional review will involve South of the City community councils, Lochside Academy's parent and school communities, and other affected groups. Officials described strong local opposition to the original road proposals.
The committee also agreed to assess a potential new footway along Coast Road. This layered approach prioritizes community engagement before implementation. By widening consultation, Aberdeen aims to build consensus around infrastructure changes that affect residential and school areas.
Publishers
17
Articles
9
Reach
26