Park City on Tuesday hosted an event designed to showcase the municipal government’s broad work plan. The event, held outside the Park City Library, provided information about topics as diverse as the wildfire season, snowplowing, housing and trails. But, as was expected, many in the crowd were particularly interested in the future of municipal acreage in Bonanza Park. Leaders are pursuing an ambitious development concept that would involve a large bloc of housing on land stretching inward from the southwest corner of the intersection of Bonanza Drive and Kearns Boulevard. The concept involves the development of up to 106 units of workforce or otherwise income-restricted housing, along with restaurants, art studios, a community plaza and 2 acres of open space. Organized opposition has materialized, and there has been a recent push by some in the community to instead create a park on the ground after the housing idea was crafted over several years. The municipal government initially acquired the land with the intention of creating an arts and culture district anchored by the Kimball Art Center and the Utah offices of the Sundance Institute. That plan was scrapped as the art center instead opted for a location in the Snyderville Basin and Sundance moved the film festival to Colorado. The concept for the 5 acres was highlighted at one of the stations on Tuesday and drew attendees seeking to learn some of the details. Park City Councilor Molly Miller spent time at the station talking to people about the concept. Some of the people at the station said in interviews they have concerns about the municipal concept. “It’s apartment-block housing. It’s going to take away much of the beautiful mountain views,” Dianne Walker, who lives in Park Meadows, said, explaining the concept would not solve Park City’s housing issues and calling the concept an “urbanization.” Walker said housing is important and noted there are other locations where a project could be located. She suggested a park with an amphitheater could be developed, with the possibility that future leaders could reassess the need for housing in 10 to 15 years. Another Park Meadows resident, Jimmy May, also expressed concerns at the event. He said housing could be developed elsewhere. “It completely blocks our gorgeous mountain views,” he said about the concept. He also outlined concerns about traffic increases should the municipal concept be developed. May, like others, preferred for a park to be created on the land temporarily and the possibility of development being revisited later. “To the extent that we need affordable housing, there are other places to do it,” he said, explaining development elsewhere, as he understands, could also cost less than a project on the five acres. A crowd gathered outside the Park City Library on Tuesday to learn about the municipal government’s broad work plan. The event included stations covering topics like transportation, housing and the Park City Ice Arena. Credit: Jay Hamburger/Park Record The municipal government distributed materials about the acreage, outlining the vision and frequently asked questions. The materials listed what are considered to be community benefits, such as designs that include a mix of uses like local retailers, a public gathering space and a focus on the arts. Other community benefits highlighted on the sheet include parking that is underground, a pedestrian-friendly design, an arts pavilion and transportation improvements. The frequently asked questions sheet argues the project reflects the “original vision” for the land, a reference to the arts and culture district once desired. It says: “While specific partnerships and concepts have evolved over time, the core community goals for the site have remained consistent. For more than a decade, planning efforts for the Bonanza 5-acre site have emphasized arts and culture, community gathering spaces, transportation improvements, walkability, and housing.” The sheet adds: “The original Arts and Culture District concept included partnerships with the Kimball Art Center and Sundance Institute. While those organizations are no longer part of the project as anticipated, the broader vision of creating a place that supports creativity, community gathering, and a vibrant neighborhood continues to guide the design of the Bonanza 5-Acre Site.” Miller, after the event, said in an interview she wanted to be available at the station dedicated to the land out of concern that there would be argumentative people engaging with city staff. She said she received two positive comments about the concept while at the station. She also spoke to approximately five critics of the concept, describing there being “coordinated opposition” in attendance at the event. She recounted a conversation with a young couple pleased with the possibilities that the housing would present for families of varying income levels. The post Park City receives more criticism of Bonanza Park housing concept, described as ‘urbanization’ appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less