Preliminary plans submitted by the developer show a pair of two-story hotels, each with about 200 rooms. They also show 25 single homes that will cost upwards of $1 million. Condominiums had been considered but have been ruled out due to density concerns, Harrison said.

Public comment on the zone change will be allowed until Aug. 6, when the Planning Commission will again hear the issue. The commission will then make a recommendation to the City Council, which has final say. The council will hold another public hearing.

If the zoning is ultimately changed, the development will need site plan approvals plus traffic and geological studies. Construction could begin as early as summer of 2009, Cottonwood Heights planners predicted.

If his hand is forced, Harrison will put retail on the property, he said. But so far he's sold on the hotels and houses.

"We'll make it very attractive," he said. "It's a great piece of property and it's a boon to the town."

Information on zoning and the city master plan can be found at cottonwoodheights.utah.gov.

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E-mail: rpalmer@desnews.com