Draper's character as a city has already been called into question, Hodges said, by the city's approval of townhome developments across South Mountain. Those past approvals in spite of citizens' protests don't bode well for residents in Thursday's decision, he said.

"We don't feel Lowe has a right to do this. But what I honestly believe will happen is that they will let him get away with it one way or another," he said.

Bill Rappleye, planning commission chairman, said the development has become emotional and personalized for residents who don't understand the legal guidelines that constrain the planning board. Simply because the town center was part of the master plan does not bind the city to that idea if a more feasible option pops up, he said.

The planning commission vote comes on the heels of an appeal to the City Council on Tuesday by Draper residents concerning a similar townhome development only 1.5 miles east of the proposed Montclair Village. The Draper City Council approved the 11 acres of townhomes and single-family homes in August despite protests by residents who said they were promised the land as open space.

"There's been a lot of concern about Draper's tradition of doing Cracker Jack-box projects," said Draper resident Matt Haines. "Draper is simply not doing a nice job with its high-density housing."

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