Provo opens door to zoning change
With the Sept. 11 primary 35 days away, accusations and innuendo seasoned a two-hour debate on a proposal to change the designation of 10 acres of property on Provo's west side from agricultural to residential.
The proposal passed 4-2, opening the door for Anderson Development to return soon with a request to rezone the land. The company has been angling to build a subdivision on what is commonly called the Radio Tower Property for three years, even filing two lawsuits against the city for past denials.
One resident spoke against the proposal before the City Council on Tuesday night and said she would be available for private discussions with council members but wouldn't exchange e-mails. Her e-mails were subpoenaed by Anderson in a lawsuit.
That revelation was tame compared to the tennis match give-and-take between council members and at least one candidate for office.
Councilwoman Midge Johnson accused Council Chairman George Stewart of threatening her access to legislators.
One of Johnson's opponents in the primary, Melanie McCoard, confronted Johnson for voting against a minimum house size for the west side. Johnson represents the district where Anderson wants to build and she and McCoard clearly battled to show they were best representing the 15 or 20 residents who attended the meeting to speak against the proposal.
Others accused council member Steve Turley of a major conflict of interest with Anderson, and Turley recused himself from the vote.
Finally, having voted with the losing side, Johnson told residents they could lobby Mayor Lewis Billings to veto the resolution. It would take five votes to override the veto. Billings has 15 days to sign the resolution.
Cindy Richards also voted against the change. Stewart, Cynthia Dayton, Barbara Sandstrom and Cindy Clark voted for it.
Usually, changing an "A" for agriculture to an "R" for residential on a general plan map is fairly benign. The land still must be rezoned and even then a developer needs final approval for the exact development plan.
Johnson took issue with Stewart.
"I was told today I wouldn't be invited to any parties with the Legislature or the big guys if I didn't vote for this," she said. "I think there is something wrong in Provo if that is happening."
Stewart said he was kidding.
She also said Stewart told her two weeks ago he had four votes to pass the change.
"I felt this was a prearranged thing," she said.
Later, when he and Richards upbraided Johnson for the accusation, she refused to back down.
Comments
- Logan canal breaks; people missing 3:58 p.m.
- Man's body found 3:47 p.m.
- 'Love advocates' plan 'kiss-in' 3:46 p.m.
- Many-splendored container garden 3:29 p.m.
- California's $26B deficit 3:25 p.m.
- Eat your squash and blossoms 3:21 p.m.
- Searchers shovel seeking giant worm 3:18 p.m.
- Crash kills Arizona woman 3:13 p.m.
- Lost crab pots 2:56 p.m.
- Lightning delays shuttle launch 2:54 p.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Jazz rookies quiet Thunder youngsters
- 10 years after the flood
- LDS seminary principal arrested
290 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
183 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
143 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
140 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
124 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
99 - Fairness of BCS debated
83 - Letters: Single-payer system best
76 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
wow! i cant believe this! he was a great man and no one expected this. he...
Just another example of the skewed world of professional sports...true...
wow!! he lied to so many!!!!!!
I forgot what I was going to say. Let's go ride bikes!
I have had it up to here......next time I am voting for Prop Hate!
Everyone here blames the victim over the teacher in these cases...regardless...
"friend says..." dang typos.
LDS institutions will not crack down more on this issue...they tend to...
In economic bad times if your neighbor is out of a job, it's a recession. If...
Nice Turns, Tatiana! Nice behind too ;)


You can be the first to comment on this story.