residents gathered to comment on a zoning change request by Charles
Pipkin for his proposed 33 home Sunrise Hills subdivision behind the
Mountain View residential area. Pipkin has already received a
preliminary plat hearing which has been conditionally approved. He is
requesting a rezone from Industrial-1 to R-2 for a 15.15 acre portion
which contains all or portions of seven of the 33 lots. Approval of the
zone change is necessary before the plan can move on to a final plat
stage. The zone change will be voted on at the next city council
meeting on March 14. The city will accept additional written comments
until then.
A few people spoke in favor of the rezone but most
were opposed. In favor was Janie Tuft who said that housing was a more
compatible use in the area then any future industrial development.
Dwight Johnston, who is the developer of the adjacent proposed Allen
subdivision, also spoke in favor of the rezone. He said the two new
subdivisions will improve water drainage for the entire area, protect
against rock fall and increase the value of existing homes in the
Mountain View area.
However, the bulk of citizen comments were against
the rezone. Bruce Hucko said that many of the Mountain View residents
did not want to sound like NIMBY’s (Not In My Back Yard) and had
attended meetings to discuss their common concerns. These concerns
include the danger of disturbing the shallow gas pipeline running
through many of the properties, storm water drainage and the granting
of a variance for block length. Peggy Nissen and Bette Stanton both
asked the council to use extra caution and move slowly while
considering the safety issues and increased impact this plan will have
in their neighborhoods.
Ken Galyean was worried about the danger from the
overhead power lines and the block length variance. He wants to see
smart planning and believes the city should adhere to and enforce the
existing building codes. Sue Phillips complained of the loud noise and
dust raised by the already heavy ATV use of the utility corridor
directly behind her house. She fears that increased development will
bring even more of this activity which, although not permitted there,
is a daily occurrence.
Other citizen concerns include the issues of
increased traffic, continued access to the BLM public lands and
protecting the privacy of Mountain View homes. Kara Dohrenwend, who is
a member of the City Planning Commission, spoke in opposition to the
rezone saying that, in lots that have the gas pipeline running through
them, fencing requirements will result in substandard size lots. She
feels this may set a dangerous precedent.
In other business, Mayor Dave Sakrison presented the
student citizenship of the month award for February to Helen M. Knight
6th grader Shalece Guerrero. David Olsen reported the resignation of
planner Robert Hugie and complimented him on the work and contributions
he had made to the planning department. Council approved a rate
increase for solid waste collection which will bring the residence rate
up to $16.00 per month for a once-a-week pickup of a single 95 gallon
approved container. Approval of a zone change from R-3 to C-3 for
the McDonald property at 488 North Main Street will clear the way for
construction of an 80-room Hampton Hotel.
Council also gave approval to a moved-on structure
permit for the annual City Market garden center, for a special event
license for the Canyonlands Half Marathon race on March 18, 2006, and
for a temporary class three beer license at the Canyonlands Campground
convenience store at 555 South Main.