Development OK in Provo irks neighbors
Panel approves plans for west Provo homes
The commission voted 4-2 to pass the concept plan for a 33-acre tract of land — located generally at 890 S. 1600 West — where developers plan to build 41 large single-family homes, 32 medium-size single-family homes and 64 townhouses.
Sunset neighborhood chairman Brian Taylor said most people moved to that area because of the wooded areas that shelter quail and wildlife. Now they're upset about the proposed high-density development.
"Our little slice of heaven is turning into townhouses," he said.
The neighbors aren't opposed to change, Taylor emphasized, they just think that kind of development is too much, too fast — considering most of the land is zoned agricultural. Taylor also said he doubts the current infrastructure in that area can handle a neighborhood like the one proposed.
Kody Kay, the property developer, said he's met with the heads of Provo's public works, and they feel like they've taken care of any concerns about water and sewers. He also said he sympathizes with the neighbors' situation.
Sunset neighborhood residents are also concerned about the potential spike in traffic and the inadequacy of current roadways — especially during softball season. Lori Stubbs said she lives near the softball fields at 1150 S. 1300 West, and the traffic is "bumper-to-bumper" on game nights.
"I won't let my kids play outside after 5 p.m. because of the games," she said.
Bruce Gammon said he expects a new Polynesian Stake Center that will go in on 1150 South will also overcrowd the roads in their neighborhood. He said Kay has been cordial to the neighbors but that they don't want the development.
"I don't think it's time," he said.
Kay said he'd originally drawn up maps for a development with no unit smaller than a quarter acre, but city staff asked him to increase the density.
"We felt like this is the route Provo wants to go," he said.
Discussion among the Planning Commission was divisive. Commission member Ron Phillips said he was uncomfortable voting on the concept plan without additional information on the impacts to the current infrastructure. He tried to table the item for 90 days, but that motion failed in a 2-4 vote.
After extended discussion, the commission voted 4-2 in favor of the plan — commission members Coy Porter and Phillips voted against it. But the commission suggested Kay shave down the lot density.
After the meeting, Taylor said he felt commission members contradicted themselves because they approved a general plan amendment that required public works to confirm that current infrastructure could absorb a new development right before they discussed and approved the concept plan. He said Sunset neighborhood residents plan to petition their City Council members.
"To take that (property) from what it is now to the density proposed is just crazy," he said.
E-mail: jdana@desnews.com
Recent comments
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