W.V. to updae city plan

Since West Valley City last updated its general plan, its population has grown by about 11,000, nearly 7,000 new homes have been built and plans have emerged for a new highway through the city.

The planning document, city officials say, is in need of an overhaul.

West Valley City officials have started the process of updating the general plan to anticipate and prepare for growth and development. That effort, called "Vision West 2030," will take about two years to complete. The document then will be used as a guideline for land-use policy in the city for the next 20 years, officials said.

The Mountain View Corridor west-side highway, a light-rail line and the widening of 3500 South are among the expected changes that will affect planning for West Valley City. Homes are already being proposed in areas of the city that were not anticipated by the existing general plan, according to city spokesman Aaron Crim.

The city also has seen "significant demographic changes" and the development of new commercial corridors, Crim said. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates West Valley City's population at 119,841, and city planners project that number to hit 190,000 by 2030.

A steering committee has been set up to assist in the updating process. The group is made up of the city's planning division and other city officials, the Planning Commission and City Council, as well as business, civic and religious leaders, Salt Lake County officials and other regional stakeholders.

The West Valley City Council and Planning Commission have established and prioritized issues they want to see addressed in the plan, with the goal of establishing a unified vision of the city's future. Among the topics of focus are annexation, community services, economic development, existing neighborhoods, financial-impact analysis, new housing, sustainability, transportation and urban design.

To help shape the plan, city planners are seeking public input and feedback from residents on cultural values, diversity, preferences for business and residential development, as well as internal transitions within West Valley City.

Several public meetings have been scheduled for September.

Residents and interested parties are encouraged to visit West Valley City's Web site, www.wvc-ut.gov, to learn more about the update process, share suggestions and ideas or request to talk with a city planner.

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