What do I like abut the new general plan? The trails! I am excited to see so many of them be develop. My entire family loves our South Weber trails. I like the public survey and feel that it is a good way to organize a lot of information that the citizens want to get back to the public officials.
What don't I like about the new general plan? Well...that's a bit of a longer message.
The beginning message the general plan is one that I can align with fully. Lines 112-121 state that we should be *vigorously* pursue the retention of a small town charm that is our hallmark. Other paragraphs state protecting our slopes and sensitive areas. It speaks of leaving ample open space and keeping a small town feel. But then the rest of the draft....well-it seems to have a different idea.
Lines 492 speaks about the importance of keeping open space. It specifically mentions the wooded areas along I-84 and steep hill sides on the above and below the canal among others. But when you look at the projected land use map, the amount of open space is minimal. The slopes on the south side have been zoned for commercial recreation or business commerce. We have a major road that the majority doesn't seem to want going right up those steep, sensitive slopes they just mentioned must be protected. And while they tell us over and over it will be done safely and numerous studies will be done and the developer will pay for the road, I wonder who will pay for the numerous studies? How much will it cost taxpayers to make sure it will be done safely? And more importantly, why would we even go this far if the residents don't want it??
Line 592 says that single family dwellings on moderate lot sizes is desirable to maintain. Line 602 states that high density should be spread out as much as practical. And yet there are 18 commercial mixed use zones in our plan. 18!! That isn't even including the 5 High Density zones. Mixed use will always be high density. One of those zones alone is 250 acres. If all 18 zones are added to our plan, certainly single family dwellings will not be the majority. Line 740 states that in order to meet the demands of the moderate income mandates, as well as preserving open space and agricultural character multi family units will continue to be the primary type of housing for that range. So which is it? line 592, 602 or 740? Interesting agriculture is brought up again, because the land map use has VERY little agriculture. The next lowest zone appears to be open space...and this is when I go back, read lines 112-122 again and start to scratch my head. It is also bemusing to me that commercial mixed use is directly across from the posse grounds. Nothing says small town charm like some 100 acres of HDH next to our little buckaroo rodeo.
Furthermore, please know that what is proposed for to meet moderate income mandates has been highly exaggerated. There are many different options to meet these mandates and stay completely in line with the requirements of the state. And some of those options have very low impact; specifically options B, E and F.
So lets move back to possibly the most important lines which are lines 127-138: citizen involvement. "Participation and input from residents are imperative to acheive a plan that is reflective of the overall attitudes and desire of the residents." God bless America! WE HAVE A VOICE. Make it heard. Study the map, do the survey, attend the open houses and SHARE it with your neighbors. When it comes to this plan, let's learn from our mistakes and not be silent any longer. I want the public officials to have no doubt whatsoever what the residents of South Weber City desire for their city. #swmorethan20
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