Nibley
looks favorably on development and commercial rezones
By Kevin Nielsen
February 18, 2005 | NIBLEY -- After
years of taking a back seat, commercial development
could start to move to the forefront. At City Council
meeting Thursday night, roughly half the time was spent
discussing rezoning properties for commercial use. Overall
the council favored the types of proposed development.
The most discussed development was two and a half
acres on State Road 165 that Jim Ames would like rezoned
from residential to commercial. He brought the same
proposal before the council near the end of 2002. The
property is proposed to be used as a professional plaza
containing barbershops, doctor's offices, salons and
other such services, Ames said.
"I campaigned for development like this on 165 both
times I have run," Councilman Scott Larsen said.
Even though the council was in favor of the plaza
concept they didn't vote to rezone it because of the
loss of control that could result. Once zoned for commercial
use the property could be sold and if it wasn't subdivided
the developer could put whatever on it he wanted.
"If it's going to be a big gigantic store, that doesn't
meet our city's needs," Councilman Scott Wells said.
The lone citizen who commented on the proposal, Jeff
Nielsen, said the business park isn't full so this area
shouldn't be developed until the business park shows
commercial property is viable in Nibley. Nielsen also
said traffic could be a potential problem in that area
of town.
The council never voted on the zoning change but recommended
looking into a more specific commercial zone that could
be created or putting in a design review ordinance that
would give the council say in what happened to the property.
Councilwoman Dori Petersen entertained the idea of a
historical or downtown district being created.
On U.S. Highway 89-91 the council unanimously approved
rezoning 20 acres from agricultural to commercial, with
the only plans right now being a warehouse that would
ship orders from the Internet. This area is next to
the planned charter school that is slated for completion
this fall.
A local businessman was looking into using the open
5 acres on SR 165 south of 3200 South for his growing
plastics manufacturing company but the council didn't
think it would be a good fit for that area of town.
The council did suggest the manufacturer look into the
newly rezoned area on Highway 89-91.
It was also a busy residential night as five proposals
or public hearings regarding housing came before the
council. With regard to these and other items the council:
--Approved 3-1 (Larsen voted against the motion) Sunrise
Meadows Phase II at 1000 W. 2353 South, the average
lot size was the main topic of discussion.
--Approved 3-1 (Larsen voted against the motion) the
Sunset Park Planned Unit Development (PUD), the age
limits on residents in the PUD was the main concern
for the council.
--Approved unanimously the Summerfield Place Subdivision
at 2600 S. 1050 West.
--Approved unanimously phases III and IV of Clear
Creek subdivision at 770 W. 2280 South, after clearing
up concerns of water drainage that have come up in the
earlier phases of the subdivision.
--Excused Councilman Jim Waite from the meeting as
he is currently teaching at the University of Stockholm
as a guest professor.
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