Townhome development is stirring up Highland

HIGHLAND — Developers say that a townhome project is getting the runaround from elected officials.

After the Planning Commission approved the 162-unit project in December, the Highland City Council filed an appeal against the commission, arguing it did not have the authority to green-light the project.

Now, both the council and developers are waiting to hear back from the city's Board of Adjustment, which listened to complaints at a hearing last week.

"We were blindsided by this," said developer Grant Gifford, who presented the 7.14-acre subdivision, named Toscana, to the City Council on Tuesday. "I've never had this happen before. We're not afraid of the City Council. We were just firmly told, 'You've been approved.' "

City Council members, though, say they're concerned that residents didn't have a chance to weigh in on the subdivision.

Brian Braithwaite, the councilman who filed the appeal, said he's also concerned that sections of city code were violated when the commission granted approval.

"Mostly, what I'm concerned about is the process that got us to this point," said Councilwoman Kathryn Schramm.

In this Utah County suburb where the median home price is $430,000, some residents are upset that the council adopted an ordinance that allows townhomes in the Town Center.

Lonnie Crowell, community development director, detailed the ordinance's history Tuesday. Although specifics of the Town Center district date back to 1995, plans were updated in 2007, when residents were invited to public hearings.

"This wasn't something that just came to us and the Planning Commission and council approved it," Mayor Lynn Ritchie said. "What surprised most residents was they didn't know about it. It's not a surprise. It's not something that just came up."

State law requires that every municipality have moderate-income housing.

Gifford, a developer with Flagship Homes, originally wanted apartments on the site but switched to three-story townhomes after hearing feedback. Units will cost $174,000 to $205,000.

Councilman Larry Mendenhall offered his praise to the developer for drafting a project that brings "vitality" to the Town Center.

"This will certainly bring feet on the ground, and it will add to the population base that will patronize the fast-food restaurant, the grocery store," Mendenhall said. "It does meet the requirements of the ordinance."

The appeal authority has been asked to expedite the process. A decision is expected by month's end. The City Council plans to hold a special council meeting to discuss results.

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