Are the modified plans for pedestrian-oriented development at Park City Tech Center in Kimball Junction, enough to overcome long-standing community concerns about density and traffic – as well as new ones about the cost to taxpayers?

There has been clear opposition to Dakota Pacific Real Estate’s mixed-use development plan since it was proposed five years ago. Still, the Summit County Council is investigating whether the revisions have swayed public opinion.

Community members are invited to share their comments on the development application at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Newpark Hotel Conference Center.

The last time Summit County officials held a public comment session on the Dakota Pacific project, more than 900 people attended.

The development company has made several changes to its plan since December 2021, including an approximately 31% reduction in residential units and total square footage. They could also bring several community benefits, such as a public square designed for gatherings and events, county-owned affordable housing, improved transit options, senior care or medical facility, green space and provisions for a future gondola.

Dakota Pacific and the County Council discussed the Tech Center proposal, going so far as to take the case to Third District Court for answers in March 2023. The parties agreed to suspend the trial to determine whether they can reach an agreement.

In January, the development returned with its “Option C” plan: a 727-unit mixed-use development on the 50 acres west of the Skullcandy building in Kimball Junction. The project was the subject of nearly twenty meetings this year: on January 17, 23 and 15; February 1, 7, 8, 13 and 22; April 4; May 8; July 10; August 7; September 18 and 25; and October 2, 9, 23 and 30.

The departmental council has regularly expressed its concerns regarding this development. Dakota Pacific was informed of a project involving more than It was unlikely that 500 units would be approved. The development company came back with a proposal for approximately 700 units. Summit County countered with 600 and provided that half of the housing is affordable.

A the subcommittee met at the end of April to determine what type of mixed-use development would be economically viable at the Tech Center. The county council also indicated it would be willing to allow more units to be built if the community could also benefit from additional amenities.

Elements of the new mixed-use zone master plan revealed after 12 weeks of discussion. The idea was to build a 750-unit residential neighborhood around a community benefits hub, and the county council continued negotiations with the development company over the details of the project.

County Councilman Roger Armstrong expressed the most skepticism about the entire project. No member has given a firm “yes” or “no” on how they plan to vote, likely waiting to hear what the public thinks before making a decision.

Dakota Pacific CEO Marc Stanworth and Director of Business Development Steve Borup plan to make a presentation on proposed changes to the development agreement at the public hearing. Then it will open to comments.

Community members are encouraged to attend in person or online via Zoom to give your opinion. Comments are accepted by email until noon on the day of the meeting. The meeting will also be streamed live on the Summit County, Utah Facebook page.

No decision will be made Thursday regarding the development agreement. A separate vote would be held to finalize details of the public-private partnership if the project is approved.