Micron Area Plan Concept

The reduction in open space is concerning. The density plan isn't outrageous, but the existing plan had more (~150 vs 95 acres). Doesn't seem unreasonable to retain that? Counting open space along Timp Area is a fallacy. Might as well count "open space" as the median in-between the highway. Get in amongst the community, not on the fringes. What about the Elk migration area, is that preserved? It seems that "estate" area in the north end of the new plan would essentially cut that off even if it was preserved. DR Horton has done some awesome developments, the one in Mapleton had larger lots. It'd be great to have more in that realm rather than a significant amount of townhomes / high density. - Brian Brown

As a Highland Resident of the Ivory Dry Creek neighborhood, I commented earlier in regards to my concern of the high density housing and lack of open space designated in the Eastern portion of the Micron City plan (which is right behind my property). I also reached out to the Highland City Mayor and the Highland City council with my concerns. Both Mayor Mann and Kurt Ostler commented that the area you plan to develop behind our homes is not Lehi land as of yet and would have to be formally annexed. Furthermore, they both stated there is a written contract from 2014 that states that if the land is developed by a city other than Highland it can only build 1-2 homes per acre. More so, both the Mayor and city council said as of date they had received no formal proposal from Lehi City and were also frustrated when I sent them the current plans. You can find both Mayor Mann's and Kurt Ostlers comments below.

Mayor Mann:

"The land is presently in the county. The land was originally planned to go into Highland. Micron asked that it be in Lehi so that all their property would be under a single jurisdiction. Highland did sign a letter, years ago, saying we would not contest an annexation into Lehi provided that property adjacent to Highland was developed at a 2 lot per acre density.



I’ve heard that DR Horton would like to develop the property at a density similar to Skye Estates but have not seen a draft plan. So we really can’t comment on what the proposed project would look like until we have something from DR Horton. Our staff has requested a plan from them.



If the planned density adjacent to Highland is more than 2 homes per acre then I would expect a request from DR Horton for Highland to revise the annexation constraint letter. "

Kurt Ostler:

"Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with the Micron/DR Horton proposal.

Currently in Lehi City General Plan updated Feb. 13, 2018 - it shows this area as "Environmental Sensitive Area" and designated as "Very Low-Density Residential".

The property jurisdiction currently along Highland Blvd is also shown in Utah County.

In order for Micron/DR Horton to build residential units, it will need to make an application with Utah County for a city boundary adjustment. Micron has asked in the past that all of their property is in one jurisdiction, being Lehi City.

As Mayor Mann has stated Highland City does have a letter between Lehi City and Highland City mayors from 2014 - stating Highland City would not contest the annexation into Lehi City if the property along Highland Blvd is developed 2 units per acre. "

It seems a bit devious to me that Lehi is already proposing high density housing when first, they don't even own the land and second, even if they do get the land they have an agreement to only build 2 homes per acre. Even knowing all of this, Lehi City decided to go ahead with plans to build 4-6 homes per acre. Why?

We are very concerned about the triangular parcel of land between Belmont Elementary and the new middle school next to Belmont. This parcel of land is currently marked for open space but under DR Horton's plan it would be "mixed use." Belmont Elementary children that live in the Crossings development are required to cross from the Belmont Elementary sign over to the sidewalk that runs next to this parcel of land. It is already a precarious walk since cars speed due to traffic going downhill and due to the fact that the two-lane road has no shoulder which makes the cars close to pedestrians on the sidewalk. Adding more entrances and exits and traffic to this parcel will complicate an already less safe walk for many children. This area should remain open space as originally planned to ensure the safety and well-being of the children who live here.

I have been a resident in the Traverse area for just over a year. My comment on this matter will be more about facts than opinion. Lehi was planning on parks and houses prior to DR Horton's plan of high density housing. East Lehi is already over flowing with residents including and overflowing schools. The middle school is not even complete and there is already talk that portables will be needed. To get to the serious point; residents in this area have worked hard to build here. Homes in the 3/4 million dollar and up budget have no room for high density apartments or town homes. High density low income housing will only bring a rise in crime and overcrowding to the area. I am in law enforcement and have seen first hand where crime is abundant. I have taken more burglary, robbery, assault, mail theft and several other reports in high density areas. Town homes and esp. apartments bread crime. Check any crime area database. Unfortunately the truth is that you wont see a single family in an town home or an apartment. Other family, friends, couch surfers and subletting will illegally occur. A 2 bedroom will turn into a 5 and vehicles will quadruple in the area. Parking on roads will create not only a hazard but a low income vibe. I can't imagine anyone would like to sit outside of their million dollar home and stare at a complex of 2000 people with vehicles in the road and junk on the porches. I just hope others can be honest about it and not fear hurting someone's feelings. If this plan is approved, everyone will have to secure there belongings more then usual and make sure their packages are picked up quickly before the porch pirates take them. This may sound bias and harsh. However, I assure you this is fact and not opinion. I understand that not every person in a high density setting is bad or a criminal. Yet, every city that had done this has seen this happen. Sandy for example, used to be a beautiful, safe, desired area. High density housing has only brought crime, drugs, violence, transients and negativity to the city. We don't want that here. The truth may be hard to swallow and accept, but I assure you it so. Rules will be ignored and a once new looking building will turn out like all the rest. Do not be fooled by the nice exterior of high density housing. The interior will tell the truth. I have worked far too long and too hard to live amongst low income high density housing. I believe everyone in this area will agree. Perry Homes has already ruined this side of Traverse with the large apartment complex that is going in. Not to mention the existing complex and town homes. There is a place for high density housing, and this is not it. Builders see the all mighty dollar with high density housing and do not care about what it does to the community or the residents. Please do not approve this plan. Bring parks and beautiful homes to keep the look and safety of the area. Put your bank account to the side and be the builder that beautifies and uplifts Lehi and what is was meant to be. I moved here because it is a desirable and safe area. Lets keep it that way.

I have been a Lehi resident for ten years, both on the west side of I-15 and currently on the east side. For seven of those years, I have been a mother. We frequent the Lehi Recreation Center, Thanksgiving Point, the restaurants in the area, and Lehi’s parks. It is often surprising to me how far we have to drive in order to reach open recreational space. It seems the majority of Lehi’s parks are located on the west side of 1-15, which is at least a ten-minute drive from the residents in north Lehi. The number of parks created in Lehi has not been proportionate to the volume of homes and extremely excessive high-density housing that has been approved in north Lehi. Please take this into consideration when approving the new DR Horton development.

When we bought our home in Canyon Hills, we reviewed the Lehi area plans and saw that there was supposed to be a large park in the North West portion of the Micron land. DR Horton is proposing to replace that park area with high density housing with minimal open or park space in their plan. I understand they are trying to maximize profit, but this is not good for the residents of North Lehi. This area is in desperate need of Parks, Trails, Open Space, Basketball and tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, etc. Lack of planning now will hurt all residents in the near future. Please urge DR Horton to return to the original plans, that were designed for this area.

Thank you for allowing us to comment.

My wife and I moved in the week before everything shut down for COVID in March 2020. Before buying in Canyon Hills I had reviewed the Lehi City General Plan on the Interactive Zoning map and reached out to the Lehi Planning and Zoning Office concerning the land designated as “Public Facilities” on the map. At that time there was no information on the use of the land besides a park, but I felt assured that if there were to be any plans made to change the zoning we would get an opportunity to review those plans and provide input. I received my notification in the mail and appreciate the opportunity to provide input.

We have seen this past year an increase in traffic along Rt. 92, an increased use of our community park, including by those not in Canyon Hills, and now grand plans to remove the planned public space in favor of housing development above the school.

This is the opportunity for our public officials to say enough is enough. Please take care of your responsibilities for the environment, the students, and the residents. Let’s move forward with plans that ensure all of these concerns are addressed before any more development happens.

Let’s have more local parks and schools in place before more houses create a burden that could take years to address if not planned properly. Let’s use resident’s input to plan the parks and trails with sufficient parking to support what is actually happening in our community, not just some plan that is provided by a developer or an afterthought. Let’s make sure what has been intended and advertised over the years for growth in Lehi is what is planned and approved.

I want Lehi to be a place which families can be proud of, not a place that others say, ‘oh yea, they just support the developers and not the residents.’ Let’s make this side of Lehi a place that others see is as much of an interest to the community planners as the other parts of Lehi. We are all in this together, so let’s work together to make it right!


Sincerely,
Brent and Belinda Frampton
Homeowners in Canyon Hills Community

By removing green areas/parks from the new development, your not allowing areas for residents to enjoy there neighborhood and gather. You’re also putting stress on other parks to have more (at least double) what they have now. This is not right. You removed the park in the Perry Homes planned community north of Timp Hwy and they use the PRIVATE park and field at Canyon Hills. Now to remove parks and fields from another planned community in the area is just not right. Communities need parks as many children live in the homes and need an area for children to play. This will force Lehi residence to again, use the PRIVATE park at Canyon Hills as no park/fields are close by. Lehi city needs to stick with the original plans set in place so the new development has their own parks and open areas for wild life like originally planned. Putting more housing on the land will only make more problems for everyone living there and the surrounding area. Help the wildlife loosing soace to live, help the children and community have parks to play at and enjoy and also help the schools from over crowding by staying with the original plans. In the end, this is only good for the developer, not Lehi city and it’s residents. Please help our city be the wonderful city it is and stay with the original plans and make everyone happy.

I have the same concerns as the majority of the current residents of this area. Why isn't there any green spaces or parks in the plan. What will the wildlife do with the changed ESA? How will the schools support the large influx of residents?

Please do not approve the construction of more townhomes. That is not what this area needs. I understand that there is a housing shortage but building more high density housing is the wrong approach for this area of Lehi.

I have lived in the Crossings subdivision in Lehi for 3 years now. We love it but my biggest concern is that there are no parks near us. While we occasionally use the Canyon Hills community park, it is an HOA park so we are not supposed to be using it. The next nearest park is across Timp Highway. With no green space near where will my children be able to play?

My other concern is with a large amount of high density housing how will our local schools be able to handle that surplus of students, are there plans in the works for new schools to accommodate that amount of immediate growth?

I like the wide open space and views on that side of the neighborhood. Call me selfish, I’d prefer to keep it that way.

After reviewing the proposal my concern is the high volume of homes being entered into the area with little to no open or green space. Also, the local schools are already close to capacity and adding such a high volume of houses, puts unnecessary pressure on the school system. I'm strongly of the opinion the proposal needs to scale back the number of homes, add green space and provide reasons for why the ESA is changing. Has new info come to light to not make it an ESA anymore?

I have owned my home in Canyon Hills for the past six years and really enjoy icing in Lehi. I am very concerned with the proposed changes. The current DR plan does not have any programmable park space (soccer fields, tennis, basketball, baseball, etc) and very little general park space which will put further strain on the current parks we do have in our area. And with almost double the residential capacity than what Micron originally proposed, this will strain our schools as well. Thanks for considering these facts in your deliberations. Gary Martin

We recently purchased a home in the neighborhood of D.R Horton/Micron site. We already feel the lack for open programmable space for our kids all-round development. We were so looking forward to the planned BIG park. This proposed park was one of the reasons we bought a home with our hard earned money in this neighborhood.
With new changes by D.R.Horton plan how does the city plan for an all-round well being and development of the kids of this neighborhood.

I request you to not alter the plan in a way that hinders the development of the kids of Lehi.

The eastern development of this proposed plan literally takes place right in the backyard of many Highland City Residents and impacts Highland residents far more than Lehi residents. Why are Highland residents not being considered or included in this decision-making process?

As a resident of the Ivory Dry Creek Neighborhood in Highland, the eastern development of this proposed plan is directly in my backyard. For the following reasons, I greatly discourage and reject this proposed plan:

On the Lehi City Website and the Utah County Website, the proposed area of development is listed as an Environmentally Sensitive Area. Each winter migrating elk roam to these lower foothills. Coyotes, deer, and hawk are also frequent visitors. This area has already experienced so much growth, and this proposed development quite literally strips the wildlife of their home. On the comment board, a Lehi public official states that although it is listed as an ESA, it is technically “open space” and therefore not under the same restrictions’ as an ESA. This is a technicality and seems to me a way to get out of properly caring for this unique ecosystem. This area needs to be protected so I propose: 1. More open space and trails 2. Lower density housing 3. Do not carve out the mountain for the Estates Neighborhood.

More so, the most recent Lehi general plan found on their city website states, “Environmentally Sensitive Area; Very low density housing.” The homes in the Ivory Dry Creek Neighborhood currently all reside on ¾ acre lots. This proposed plan puts most of the eastern proposed development on 4-6 DU’s per acre. This is not “VERY LOW residential housing!” That would mean that our neighborhood would have 5 homes along each individual back fence. I propose that you match the lot size of our current neighborhood and build 1-2 homes per acre behind our neighborhood.

In addition, Highland Boulevard is already overcrowded and quite frankly unsafe. Adding in this large development only makes matters worse and safety more hazardous. Just several years back, a young girl was killed while crossing Highland Boulevard. Adding in this overcrowded development will only make an already existing problem worse. Several things can be done to improve the outcome: very low density housing needs to be met to avoid overcrowding and a light needs to be added at the intersection of Highland BLVD and 11800 N. Since this annexed area is to become Lehi, they have a responsibility to help Highland both fiscally and physically to make these changes for the safety of the community.



Furthermore, the foothills surrounding the Dry Creek Neighborhood are filled with seasonal streams and the community already has a high water table. The neighborhood has already encountered several flooding and settling issues. This high density development you have proposed will only make matters worse and the proposed development does not adequately account for this storm drainage area. For current homeowners and future homeowners, new plans need to be made to adjust for these storm drainage areas.

Lastly, this proposed development was not communicated to Highland residents even though the development is quite literally taking place in our own backyard. The current plan offers no trail system for any of the Dry Creek Neighborhood residents and removes our access to the series of trails offered through these foothills. I propose that a trail is added along the perimeter of our backyard fence line (up from the public water treatment facility) so that the residents can continue to have access to the outdoors as they should.

For these critical reasons, I strongly discourage the current proposed plan and encourage the new plan to protect the surrounding environment by offering more open space and trail systems as well as reducing overcrowded by limiting lot sizes to 1-2 homes per acre. I understand growth in Utah is inevitable, but the cities need to find a way to moderate and balance human impact on the environment. If we cannot develop Utah in a way that allows for coexistence, you will strip Utah of the unique wildlife and landscape that makes it so beautiful and unique.

Sincerely,

Lynne Oldham

Hi, I really like the open space allotted at the North West area of this plan. Lehi City has a Bonneville Shoreline Trail planned above this land that will connect Lehi natural trails to Draper trails. When this trail is built the demand on the existing trailheads in Traverse Mountain will increase dramatically. There needs to be another trailhead in the DR Horton greenspace to alleviate overuse on the other trailheads. This space is the perfect spot for another trailhead as all city residents who do not live in Traverse Mountain will access the trails in this area. Also, people outside of the city will also use this trailhead as it will be the most convenient to access.

When we bought our home in Canyon Hill we look at the micron plan and bought because of all the open space the plan had. Now all that is going to be changed with 2000 more units. It was so difficult to leave our mountain in the fire last summer with all the traffic to add 2000 more car is very short sight of someone.

What about the elk who live in this area every winter to survive? The environmental impact report from before said nothing about the animals who live on this land.