Riverton plans to split controversial project

RIVERTON — The city of Riverton has petitioned to have more than 300 acres in the divisive Hamilton Land development split into four parcels, effectively taking the project back to rezone hearings.

In doing so, however, the four new parcels would require four separate new ordinances to replace the original zoning ordinance passed by the previous City Council last January.

The new proposed parcels are:

• A 79-acre piece at 13400 S. 2700 West to be rezoned with a four-units-per-acre density.

• A 79-acre piece at 13400 S. 3200 West to be rezoned with an eight-units-per-acre density.

• A 79-acre piece at 12200 S. 2770 West to be rezoned with a four-units-per-acre density.

• A 105-acre piece at 13400 S. 3600 West to be rezoned for commercial development.

A public hearing on the proposed rezones is scheduled for Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., at the Riverton Civic Center, 12830 S. 1700 West.

Riverton City Administrator Mark Cram said the possible solution was developed in the wake of residents' efforts to reverse the original zoning decision on what would be one of the biggest commercial and residential developments in Riverton's history.

"What I see the council doing is they have heard the concerns of the people and are therefore acting to avoid further litigation and other legal action," Cram said.

There has been tension between the city and some citizens over the actions of some former City Council members who were accused of railroading the zone change to allow the project.

Outgoing council members voted to approve the rezone on a Saturday morning, just days before the newly elected council members were to take office.

In reaction, several residents, including a state representative, took out a petition for a referendum to overturn the zoning ordinance.

Recently, Salt Lake County verified that the required 2,844 signatures were obtained. In fact, more than 5,000 Riverton residents signed the referendum petition.

Rep. David Hogue of Riverton said there are enough signatures to put the referendum on the June primary ballot. However, Cram said if the council splits the project, it would make the referendum moot.

Hogue said he and other residents who worked to gather the 5,000-plus signatures remain wary that the move is an attempt to thwart their effort to control the Hamilton Land project.