As expected, the project (Villages at Celebration - it's funny how not even the developer likes this name, he told us that Provo City gave it that name) is a go. The city council approved all 3 parts (annexation, and changing the zoning twice) last night.
I find it interesting several of the city council members (both from the stand and after it was done) addressed us saying we need to watch this project in the future, to make sure what was agreed upon tonight is really what happens in the future.
The two things I am most worried about is crime and traffic. Crime because they are building out in fields at the edge of town. The traffic, because I'm worried about the kids that walk and ride to school on the main road (the only road for a few years) to get to the development. I am so happy that they changed the size of the homes that will go next to me (they now have bigger lot sizes) and that they took all the town homes off the street with the school. However, the developer's traffic study said that once the whole thing is built, the development will have 25,000 vehicle trips a day, which is the same as 900 East (4 lane road). He told us this was the traffic projection once the whole project is built. I realize not all of this traffic will go on 1390 N., but a lot of it will, not to mention that the high school will be built just south of this development which will bring even more traffic (that wasn't studied) down this street also.
Now that they are moving forward with this, I hope that it is as grand as everyone claims it will be! I'm thrilled to have new neighbors across my street. Hopefully more youth will move in that are my kids ages! My older kids seem to be the oldest by far, in the streets around us.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
West Side Development
Tonight is supposed to be the final city council meeting about the Villages at Celebration development. The city council, all along has been in favor of this development, and I am sure they will pass it tonight.
The developer came up with a revised plan to try and make some of the people happy, which I am grateful that at least we were able to make some difference. I am happy with most of the changes. Please don't get me wrong, I think development is a good thing, as long as you do it right and I don't think that right now is the right time to be spending so much money on a project at the edge of town.
The parts that have irritated me, are how much everyone (the city council and neighborhood chair) seems to think there are so many people, who live here, that are in favor of this development. I have yet to hear more than a handful, but they keep telling me there are soo many out there. Many people have come to me saying they don't want this development at all. A few neighbors went around one night, just in the few streets right next to the development are were able to get 40 + signature to petition the development, 17 people emailed me saying they were opposed to this development right before the last city council meeting. About 16 people addressed the city council in opposition to the development at the city council meeting. Not to mention anyone that emailed their concerns over the development directly to the city council members and the mayor.
I realize that this development is a shoe in (read the following 2 messages).
From Cindy Clark (this was not sent to me, but forwarded on):
Sorry for the delay in contacting you. I understand the feelings that you have--I think I know your concerns--they are the ones that I would have too if my neighborhood was involved with this kind of development. I believe you are right when you say this will probably pass tonight. After discussing it and trying to come to grips with the issues on the westside, it seems that this will be the best opportunity for the right kind of growth that most of you living in the area will want eventually. Yes it will be expensive and the city needs to make sure the infrastructure will be there first. We've been assured it will-without it there could be no project. Hope to see you tonight. Allison, are you still willing to help Steve in your area?
Cindy Clark
-------------------
From Sherrie Hall Everett:
Dear Neighbors,
-------------------
Cindy seems a bit patronizing, telling us that eventually we will want this (we just don't know it yet) and Sherrie doesn't seem to remember that the we had a neighborhood meeting where about 100 people were there and overwhelming (I'd guess 95%) were there because they completely disapproved of the project.
Oh well! I guess I'll be living in a construction zone for the next 15-20 years! I will add the new development plan to my google group site.
The developer came up with a revised plan to try and make some of the people happy, which I am grateful that at least we were able to make some difference. I am happy with most of the changes. Please don't get me wrong, I think development is a good thing, as long as you do it right and I don't think that right now is the right time to be spending so much money on a project at the edge of town.
The parts that have irritated me, are how much everyone (the city council and neighborhood chair) seems to think there are so many people, who live here, that are in favor of this development. I have yet to hear more than a handful, but they keep telling me there are soo many out there. Many people have come to me saying they don't want this development at all. A few neighbors went around one night, just in the few streets right next to the development are were able to get 40 + signature to petition the development, 17 people emailed me saying they were opposed to this development right before the last city council meeting. About 16 people addressed the city council in opposition to the development at the city council meeting. Not to mention anyone that emailed their concerns over the development directly to the city council members and the mayor.
I realize that this development is a shoe in (read the following 2 messages).
From Cindy Clark (this was not sent to me, but forwarded on):
Sorry for the delay in contacting you. I understand the feelings that you have--I think I know your concerns--they are the ones that I would have too if my neighborhood was involved with this kind of development. I believe you are right when you say this will probably pass tonight. After discussing it and trying to come to grips with the issues on the westside, it seems that this will be the best opportunity for the right kind of growth that most of you living in the area will want eventually. Yes it will be expensive and the city needs to make sure the infrastructure will be there first. We've been assured it will-without it there could be no project. Hope to see you tonight. Allison, are you still willing to help Steve in your area?
Cindy Clark
-------------------
From Sherrie Hall Everett:
Dear Neighbors,
Many of you have been very involved in the ongoing discussions regarding the large planned development that is being proposed in our neighborhood. These discussions began prior to my being the Neighborhood Chair and prior to being elected to represent this District on the Council. After a long protracted process this issue is finally before the Council for a vote this evening.
Many of you have been very supportive over the years of creating a plan that allows the remaining land to develop in a way that makes sense and creates what I personally believe could be a real gem for our city. However, in recent months we have heard some opposition from a group of neighbors that do not want anything developed and want to preserve open space.
While open space would be great, there is not funding in the city to purchase property and keep the land in open space. The priorities of the city are far greater on essential services.
What you should know is that the majority of land owners support the annexation and planning process. There is no effort to end the opportunity to farm or maintain agricultural lands, only to plan for the future and avoid the kind of piecemeal development that has occurred typically on the West side of the city. This development will build out over the next 15-20 years and is a plan for how that development will occur. It is important to have this vision as part of the General Plan so that transportation, infrastructure and planning needs can be addressed. It is also important to have this plan articulated to help us work on funding for critical future road plans that increase connectivity and safety for our residents west of I-15. The School District is also very interested in this type of planning for them to anticipate the needs for elementary schools, middle schools and high schools in the city. Also without such plans, retailers will not consider providing shopping to the West side. They want to be able to look at demographics and rooftops in the overall plan before they will commit to come.
In an effort to alleviate concerns and help work toward a good outcome, I'm attaching the latest round of adjustments to accommodate the neighbors, closest to the development.
In the neighborhood meetings that I have led and also the ones led by Don Allphin, there has been an ongoing majority of support. It would be important to show the continued support of our neighborhood for this planning and forward-thinking effort. Please come tonight to Council and help represent the entire neighborhood on this important matter.
If for some reason you are unable to attend, please send your thoughts, comments, support via email to me.
Thank you for your interest,
Sherrie
-------------------
Cindy seems a bit patronizing, telling us that eventually we will want this (we just don't know it yet) and Sherrie doesn't seem to remember that the we had a neighborhood meeting where about 100 people were there and overwhelming (I'd guess 95%) were there because they completely disapproved of the project.
Oh well! I guess I'll be living in a construction zone for the next 15-20 years! I will add the new development plan to my google group site.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Yahoo!!!
The results aren't official yet, but the report for my precinct came in and I'm so happy to report that 219 people voted. Nice Job! Way to Go! I'm so glad that so many were willing to exercise their freedom today, with their right to vote!
:) I think that number will go up because provisional ballots aren't recorded yet. Early ballots might not be in that number either.
GO VOTE TODAY
Just a Reminder: Tuesday, September 15th is Provo’s Municipal Primary Elections. Please Go VOTE! Good Luck to all the candidates!
New this year – you must provide identification when you vote (valid ID includes a photo ID issued by the state or federal government, such as a Utah driver license or US passport; or two other forms of ID showing the voter’s name and address, such as a current utility bill or bank statement).
Following is a list of candidates pertaining Precincts Provo 20 & 24 (west of Geneva Road & north of the river) – also Precincts 31 & 23:
*PROVO MAYOR CANDIDATES*
* Don Allphin — www.donallphin.org
* Steve Clark – www.stephendclark.com
* Ammon S. Cunningham — provomayor2009.blogspot.com
* John Curtis — johncurtis.org
* Neil Mitchell — neilmitchellforprovomayor.com
* Andrew P. Thompson — 801-373-4834 (*WITHDRAWN*)
*PROVO CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES (CITYWIDE 1)*
* Laura Cabanilla – laura4provo.com
* Carl Mayo — carlmayo.com
* Coy Porter — www.coyforcouncil.com
* Howard Stone — www.howardstone.org
* Lindsey Wiblin — wiblin@cougar.netutah.net
For your information there are 2 candidates running for office from precinct 20 – Carl Mayo for City Council & Don Allphin for Mayor.
The primary election will whittle the field of candidates down to two candidates per open seat. The General Election will be Tuesday, November 3, so mark your calendars! Remember that federal law requires employers to allow employees time to vote.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Precincts 20 & 24 - vote at Lakeview Elementary (2899 W 1390 N), in empty classroom down the west hallway of the school (by kindergarten classes).Precinct 31 (east of Geneva Rd & north of 820 N) - vote at Westridge Elementary (1720 W 1460 N).
Precinct 23 (east of Geneva Rd, south of 820 N, and north of the river) – vote at Freedom Academy (1190 W 900 N).
If you have any questions about where your polling place is, visit the Lt Governor's site at: https://gva1.utah.gov/elections/polling.aspx
If you are not registered to vote, Please go to the following web address, print the form and send it in.You won’t be able to vote on September 15th, but if you get it in by the deadlines you will be able to vote on November 3rd.You must be 18 years old by November 3rd to register. The last day to register by mail is October 5th. The last day to register in person at the County Clerks Office is October 19th. http://elections.utah.gov/VoterRegistrationForm.pdf
Monday, August 31, 2009
Villages at Celebration
There is a large amount of land that Provo City has asked a developer to make a concept plan, Specific Plan Development, as its called. This land is all part of Utah County (346.72 acres) and Provo wants to annex it. Part of the land is owned by Provo School District. Other land is owned by farmers, and the developer.
The Developer is Gardner, Plum & Associates. Apparently the city council really likes the work these guys do, so they want him to develop it. I along with many of my neighbors have been trying to fight it. Tomorrow night (September 1, at 7:p.m.) is the City Council meeting set to decide if it should go forward or not.
Here are all immediate problems I see with this development (it looks pretty on paper, for the most part, but here are some of the realities):
CRIME - This development would be out as far west as you can go at the north of Provo. The housing scheduled for the first 2 phases (which is all the developer's representative said they would build and leave it up to someone else to buy the land and build the rest) has already been approved, by the planning commission (which we felt like we were lied to about, because everyone kept saying it was a city council decision), to be smaller homes, on smaller lots, with the approval to have only 5 feet between each home - essentially adding 210 starter homes on skinnier streets. Also the only street in and out of the development (first 2 phases) would be lined with town homes. Police have told us that with higher density housing like this, our crime rates would go up, especially if it is tucked away in a corner like it is. Just last week a gang member tagged my neighbor's house. Can't imagine what they will do if this development gets to go forward.
SAFETY - This development (phases one and two = 200 homes) is only 1 block away from the Lakeview Elementary School. The street the school is on, is the only street that goes into this development. It's just a wide neighborhood street, not a major road. We already had a kid hit by a car last school year, just imagine adding 400 + more cars on this street.
COMPLETION - The developer's rep, has said that this entire plan is probably a 15 year project. I'm afraid that this will start like other projects and never get finished. They might get started, but that doesn't mean they won't stop at 3 years and not complete it. Or what many have done, is once the project is approved and they get the first few phases done, then they sell it and since it is already zoned for certain things it makes it easier for the new developer to make even more changes, that we might not like.
THE PLAN - Like I already mentioned basically what we are looking at is 200 started homes all wrapped up in a pretty bow. Everything else on the plan is not going to be built by this developer, according to their own spokesman. Every thing on the plan is likely to change since every step will need to be approved by the city council, so the new owners can come in with a different plan. This plan has already gone through some changes. They took out some of the green space, and a church, and added more houses. I'm sorry, but quality of life issues need to be addressed. Overall this plan would add around a 1400 houses. In that same amount of houses from west of I-15, from the river to 2000 N. there are 4 churches (3 LDS and 1 other).
Long term issues with this plan, if it goes through:
UNIVERSITY AVE. SIZE ROAD - The road through the middle of the plan is a University Ave. sized road, which is approx. 2 blocks west of the school. It really divides this development in half. If put in, it would also force the school district to have another situation like Provo High, where kids have to cross a major road to get to their ball fields. Which by the way, the developer's rep. told the planning commission that the school will just have to sell their land, if they won't do it that way, because they will lose.
INFRASTRUCTURE - As of right now, there is not an approved plan to even have water out to this development (except for the first 2 phases, because they put the pipes in just a few weeks ago, before the city council meetings). It's absurd that the city would approve a project before they even have funding or a way to get the basics down. This water project is a $18 million project, that they seem to think 200 homes are going to pay for the whole thing, because they said it wasn't going to cost any of us any money. I highly doubt that a project this expensive will never cost any other property owners a cent.
I'm out of time for now. As you can see there are many issues with this plan overall, and I haven't even hit half of them!
Planning Commission report with latest site plan (it's on the very last page, page 31):
http://provo.org/downloads/comdev/pc_staff_report_august_12_2009_-_item_1.pdf
Phases 1 & 2 is what they are planning to go ahead with right away (possibly phase 3 also). The orange lots are smaller than the Cobblestone homes across the street to the east. You have to zoom in, but you can see all the town homes along 1390 North and so on.
The Developer is Gardner, Plum & Associates. Apparently the city council really likes the work these guys do, so they want him to develop it. I along with many of my neighbors have been trying to fight it. Tomorrow night (September 1, at 7:p.m.) is the City Council meeting set to decide if it should go forward or not.
Here are all immediate problems I see with this development (it looks pretty on paper, for the most part, but here are some of the realities):
CRIME - This development would be out as far west as you can go at the north of Provo. The housing scheduled for the first 2 phases (which is all the developer's representative said they would build and leave it up to someone else to buy the land and build the rest) has already been approved, by the planning commission (which we felt like we were lied to about, because everyone kept saying it was a city council decision), to be smaller homes, on smaller lots, with the approval to have only 5 feet between each home - essentially adding 210 starter homes on skinnier streets. Also the only street in and out of the development (first 2 phases) would be lined with town homes. Police have told us that with higher density housing like this, our crime rates would go up, especially if it is tucked away in a corner like it is. Just last week a gang member tagged my neighbor's house. Can't imagine what they will do if this development gets to go forward.
SAFETY - This development (phases one and two = 200 homes) is only 1 block away from the Lakeview Elementary School. The street the school is on, is the only street that goes into this development. It's just a wide neighborhood street, not a major road. We already had a kid hit by a car last school year, just imagine adding 400 + more cars on this street.
COMPLETION - The developer's rep, has said that this entire plan is probably a 15 year project. I'm afraid that this will start like other projects and never get finished. They might get started, but that doesn't mean they won't stop at 3 years and not complete it. Or what many have done, is once the project is approved and they get the first few phases done, then they sell it and since it is already zoned for certain things it makes it easier for the new developer to make even more changes, that we might not like.
THE PLAN - Like I already mentioned basically what we are looking at is 200 started homes all wrapped up in a pretty bow. Everything else on the plan is not going to be built by this developer, according to their own spokesman. Every thing on the plan is likely to change since every step will need to be approved by the city council, so the new owners can come in with a different plan. This plan has already gone through some changes. They took out some of the green space, and a church, and added more houses. I'm sorry, but quality of life issues need to be addressed. Overall this plan would add around a 1400 houses. In that same amount of houses from west of I-15, from the river to 2000 N. there are 4 churches (3 LDS and 1 other).
Long term issues with this plan, if it goes through:
UNIVERSITY AVE. SIZE ROAD - The road through the middle of the plan is a University Ave. sized road, which is approx. 2 blocks west of the school. It really divides this development in half. If put in, it would also force the school district to have another situation like Provo High, where kids have to cross a major road to get to their ball fields. Which by the way, the developer's rep. told the planning commission that the school will just have to sell their land, if they won't do it that way, because they will lose.
INFRASTRUCTURE - As of right now, there is not an approved plan to even have water out to this development (except for the first 2 phases, because they put the pipes in just a few weeks ago, before the city council meetings). It's absurd that the city would approve a project before they even have funding or a way to get the basics down. This water project is a $18 million project, that they seem to think 200 homes are going to pay for the whole thing, because they said it wasn't going to cost any of us any money. I highly doubt that a project this expensive will never cost any other property owners a cent.
I'm out of time for now. As you can see there are many issues with this plan overall, and I haven't even hit half of them!
Planning Commission report with latest site plan (it's on the very last page, page 31):
http://provo.org/downloads/comdev/pc_staff_report_august_12_2009_-_item_1.pdf
Phases 1 & 2 is what they are planning to go ahead with right away (possibly phase 3 also). The orange lots are smaller than the Cobblestone homes across the street to the east. You have to zoom in, but you can see all the town homes along 1390 North and so on.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Upcoming Elections
Apparently I took a summer hiatus! Now it's time to gear up for some up coming elections.
August 27, 2009 - election for county recorder and republican committees and legislative district officers (must be a central committee member to vote for this election). Candidates can be found here: http://utahcountygop.org/declared-candidates/
September 15, 2009 - primary election for non-partisan city races (mayor and citywide council member - also 2 districts). Candidates can be found here: http://provo.org/index.php?module=ibcms&fxn=elections.listofcandidates
November 3, 2009 - general election for non-partisan city races.
March 23, 2010 - precinct caucuses (Republican and Democratic parties)
August 27, 2009 - election for county recorder and republican committees and legislative district officers (must be a central committee member to vote for this election). Candidates can be found here: http://utahcountygop.org/declared-candidates/
September 15, 2009 - primary election for non-partisan city races (mayor and citywide council member - also 2 districts). Candidates can be found here: http://provo.org/index.php?module=ibcms&fxn=elections.listofcandidates
November 3, 2009 - general election for non-partisan city races.
March 23, 2010 - precinct caucuses (Republican and Democratic parties)
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