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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Powder Mountain Memo of Understanding available - UPDATED

The Powder Mountain Memo of Understanding is now available for downloading at:

http://www.co.weber.ut.us/commission/public_hearings.php

While we have not had a chance to dissect or digest it completely,  we wanted to make sure our expert readers have a chance to analyze the MOU.  Our preliminary analysis indicates they are asking for substantially more than double the current zoning (housing units).

We will highlight three important sections:

2.1 Phase 1: 

1,477 units, meaning single-family dwelling units with hotel
rooms being counted as the equivalent of one-third 1/3 of a single family
dwelling unit. In other words, a 100 unit hotel would count as 33 units.
Commercial development is not included in the density number.
Recreational and commercial uses shall be developed as needed to
support the resort (ski lifts, lodges). Phase 1 may proceed in
accordance with this Memorandum and adoption of the DA, which shall
not otherwise impair, burden or delay implementation of Phase 1 as long
as the development complies substantially with the approved concept
plan.


2.3 Phase 2 Density. 

Upon meeting the requirements specified in 2.2 above
and the conditions and benchmarks to be specified in the DA, WAH shall
be entitled to proceed with Phase 2, an additional 1323 units, which
shall include SDUs, MDUs, and hotel rooms. Hotels, commercial and
recreation uses shall count as described in 2.1 above.



7. Eden Heights and Additional Powder Mountain Zoning. Eden Heights
consists of approximately 1,500 acres, as more specifically described in Exhibit
B to this MOU. Eden Heights is adjacent to Powder Mountain and has certain
common ownership with Powder Mountain. The Parties anticipate that Eden
Heights will be filing an application for rezoning
with Weber County in the near
future.

In 1998, Ogden Valley residents forfeited 2/3's of their development rights when Weber County changed minimum zoning from 1 acre to 3 acres.

Snowbasin is using the Resort zone to preserve open space on the valley floor while gaining extra density at the resort.

Powder Mountain is agreeing to release the "Powderville hostages" in exchange substantial increases in density.

Two things appear obvious:
  1. Powder Mountain doesn't really want to force incorporate a small group of hostages who don't want to be forced into a company town.
  2. Powder Mountain is wary of the outcome of the Supreme court case.
The June 1 public hearing is likely just a formality of a deal done long ago, but if ever there was a time for our ELECTED officials to draw a line in the snow, the time is now!

What say ye, Ogden Valley?

UPDATE:  5/21/10 @ 8 am

The Weber County Forum  has some interesting posts and comments about the contentious Powder Mountain issue.

We suggest that you check it out in preparation for the June 1st meeting in the
Commission chambers. 


Be sure to read the analysis by Frankc.
Frank C. comments 5/20/10

2 comments:

Zipper said...

Wow, one thing jumps out of the text. Eden Heights.

This area was not part of the original incorporation boundaries and should not be part of any settlement agreement unless density numbers for the entire development are within the original zoning numbers that exist now.

If they want Eden Heights included, they should restart the incorporation under the new state rules and that will give the homeowners the right to vote if they want to be part of any town incorporation.

Ron Gleason said...

To those trying to follow this circus there is an UPDATED version of the MOU, A FAQ and copy of the original concept plan now on the web site.

The so called negotiations appear to be ongoing.

These actions show that both parties appear to be desperate to make something happen.

While changes are nice and important I cannot support this MOU due to the willy nilly granting of development rights and the lack of support of the general plan.

Ron Gleason