Snyderville Basin residents expressed their discontent regarding the Dakota Pacific Real Estate project in Kimball Junction during a public hearing before officials approved the development for a second time within seven months.
On Monday, Summit County Manager Shayne Scott granted an administrative development agreement for the mixed-use project at the Park City Tech Center, a decision following the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission’s positive recommendation made earlier this month.
The project, which consists of 885 residential units, includes 160 units designated for county-owned affordable housing, along with a new transit center, civic buildings, and commercial spaces.
Scott and the Planning Commission were mandated to follow the stipulations of a new state law, Senate Bill 26, which shifted the approval process from a legislative one to an administrative one.
This law compels the county to approve the “state-imposed entitlement” without introducing any obstacles to the development.
Despite these constraints, four community members voiced their opposition during the required public hearing.
Kathy Mears, a Park City-area resident, highlighted her long-standing involvement with the Dakota Pacific development, dating back five years.
Mears criticized the development firm for attempting to alter local laws by seeking intervention from the Utah Legislature to override local land use authority.
She stated, “Nobody here really wanted Dakota Pacific’s development, and they still don’t.”
Robert Phillips joined in the opposition, questioning the rationale behind Summit County officials’ partnership with Dakota Pacific.
He expressed concerns over his tax dollars being utilized for the project and referenced Elliot Richardson’s resignation during the Watergate scandal, urging Scott to consider a similar course of action.
Colleen Connelly, a resident living near S.R. 224, pointed out that only a few community members took the opportunity to speak at the public hearing; however, she emphasized that the community had consistently opposed the development.
Pinebrook resident Ed Rutan directed his frustration toward both county officials and Dakota Pacific, noting their lack of acknowledgment to the ongoing opposition.
“My wife Lynne and I were two of the thousands of Summit County residents who signed the referendum petition,” said Rutan.
He expressed a hope that the ordinance supporting the development would be on the ballot in November, suggesting that a more resounding public opposition could emerge.
A court hearing to determine whether the ordinance will appear on the ballot is slated for August 19.
Meanwhile, Dakota Pacific CEO Marc Stanworth stated that the firm chose to pursue the administrative development agreement to mitigate uncertainties associated with the referendum effort, aiming to expedite the agreement approved by the County Council.
Scott justified his approval by highlighting the significant efforts county officials had dedicated to negotiating the project with Dakota Pacific over the months and years.
He acknowledged the feelings of many residents who believe their voices have not been heard, yet emphasized their feedback had been integrated into the project, resulting in reduced density, traffic solutions, and additional community amenities.
Scott expressed optimism about the project’s alignment with the Kimball Junction Neighborhood Plan, which advocates community connections and was unanimously adopted by the County Council prior to Dakota Pacific’s proposal.
“I hope that there’s a moment in my life where I come with my loved ones, and I stand in this area and I see some activity that worked,” Scott remarked.
He envisioned a future where locals could walk to work or access transit options, reducing the need for commuters from the Salt Lake Valley.
The plan includes 385 market-rate units and 275 affordable housing units on the property’s rear section along with a proposed public-private partnership.
This partnership aims to establish 225 workforce housing units and a senior living facility surrounding a public plaza integrated with mixed uses.
Representatives from Dakota Pacific reiterated their commitment to providing housing options for local seniors.
The approved project also involves the construction of a new transit center, structured parking, and a pedestrian bridge connecting to the east side of S.R. 224.
Additionally, the existing Kimball Junction Transit Center and the Richins Building will be demolished to accommodate the development.
Notably, the project approved this week comprises five fewer units compared to the December approval and introduces a revised phasing plan designed to better align with the Utah Department of Transportation’s S.R. 224 improvement project.
Scott modified phase six of the project, extending its duration from five months to nine months.
image source from：parkrecord
