Water's Edge & Parks And Trails Master Plan Recommendations

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times 

GARDEN CITY, Utah.  December 4, 2013.  Kathy Hislop, the City Clerk, reported to the Planning and Zoning Board that an Appeals Board has been created.  The City has never had such a committee in the past.  The first meeting of the Appeals Board was December 4, 2013, Wednesday morning, at 9 a.m. in the City Offices.  She wanted the members of the Planning and Zoning Committee to know that they are a body that makes recommendations to the City Council except for conditional use permits.  They are solely responsible for conditional use permits.  

When individuals fell they need another opportunity to develop property and have been turned down by Planning and Zoning, they can go to the Variance Committee (sometimes called the Board of Adjustments) asking for an exception to the City ordinances.  They can then continue to the City
Council.  Again, if they feel they need another opportunity, they can go to the Board of
Appeals and on to District Court. 

Norm Mecham asked for approval on his Water’s Edge Development plan.  It is a preliminary plan to develop property at 50 South Bear Lake Blvd.   There was an issue with the number of parking spaces.  Several plans have been submitted.  The one that appeared to be the most aesthetically pleasing and safest doesn’t meet the parking requirement of the city ordinance.  After much discussion, the committee decided to use the present plan. 

The Planning and Zoning members walked through almost every item on the plans.  They discussed open space, they asked about what was public and what was private land, and they questioned the studies that are required such as traffic numbers, traffic flows, water usage estimates, and the Army Corps of Engineers for wet land permission.  They noted that an easement for public access to the lake will be needed.   

Building height was also a problem.  However, it was said that this item was not something that Planning and Zoning had the authority to negotiate.  Planning and Zoning members felt they needed to follow the city ordinances and finally gave approval to the Development plan with the stipulation that building height ordinances be followed.  In the commercial area, the buildings can be up to 35 feet high, and in the beach area height can be up to 25 feet. 

Danny White, the City Administrator, asked members of Planning and Zoning to give some suggestions of things they would like to see concerning the Parks and Trails Five-Year Master Plan.   Heritage Park needs a lot of work.  It needs to be landscaped around the pond and parking areas.  The irrigation system for the park needs to be installed.  Play ground equipment needs to be purchased and put in place.  Disability access and making handicapped compliant needs to be kept in mind as these items are constructed.  Perhaps a soccer and softball field could be fit into the park as well. 

It was suggested that a lift for the pool be purchased and put in place to give handicapped access there.

Beach access and parking will continue to be a high priority.  It appears that the State has set aside about $100,000 to help with this goal.  This amount, however, needs to be voted upon by the State Legislature.

A bike trail through Buttercup and along Paradise Parkway would be great.  It was noted that developing trails along the banks of the canals would make wonderful walking opportunities.  A walking trail around Heritage Park would also be nice.  The City Park needs more parking.  The parking along the south side of the park needs to be widened and more parking is going to be added on the east side of the park.  With the widening of the parking on the south, new restrooms will also be needed. 

White asked that as members come up with more suggestions and ideas, that they get them to him.  He is working on the plan and would appreciate the committees’ help.