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Hyde Park may use overlay zoning to pay closer attention to rezone requests

October 29th, 2009 Posted in Opinion

By Dana Ivins

HYDE PARK–Instead of mixed-use zoning, the City Council said Wednesday that it is now considering overlay zoning for property west of Cache County’s 200 East. Overlay zoning would create guidelines that apply to just one property, whereas a mixed-use ordinance applies to the entire city.

The property in question belongs to Glen Thompson and Jon White, who have plans to develop multi-family dwellings along with some small retail businesses, things that Councilwoman Carol Johnson said would “horrify” residents. With much of the community uncomfortable with the growth of Hyde Park, the council discussed the need to survey its residents before decisions are made.

Councilman Brent Kelly said he doesn’t think the city is ready for an overlay, and that he personally isn’t ready to approve any plans. He added that he wouldn’t move forward without first receiving survey information and knowledge of residents’ feelings about growth in Hyde Park.

Due to the pressing need for community input, the council discussed different surveying programs the city could use.

Kelly looked into a $2,500 program that Mayor Kooyman recommended, and said that using it for one survey in the city isn’t worth the cost of the program. He suggested a less expensive program that isn’t as “robust,” but would fulfill their needs for the time being.

Other council members had similar feelings. Councilman Charles Wheeler said the city should “use the cheaper survey now an use the other program when we’re more flush with money and have more projects.”

Kelly said the council should collaborate with the Planning and Zoning Commission to educate the community about what Thompson and White have planned for the property, and inform residents of the city’s options and the implications therein. “We have a job to educate the community,” said Kooyman.

In other business, the council unanimously approved a resolution that established a schedule for the monthly reading of the city’s water utility meters. Kooyman said the benefit of having meters read often is to ensure the “exactness of bills.” Previously, meters had been read four times a year.

The council also looked at a draft of a proposed graffiti ordinance that Councilman Bryan Cox said “has some teeth.” Kooyman said he hopes the ordinance will be ready for approval by the next council meeting Nov. 11.