Neighbors object, so Orem Council denies 800 N. office project

OREM (Daily Herald) -- An insurance office building proposed for a perennially vacant lot at 825 E. 800 North failed to get the Orem City Council's approval Tuesday as residents once again opposed changes to the area.

After making efforts to address residents' previous concerns, the council became frustrated with the continuing opposition and denied a zoning change that would have allowed the project to proceed. In a rare instance, Councilwoman Margaret Black initially voted in favor of changing the General Plan land use designation on the site from low-density residential to professional services to greenlight the project. But then moments later she asked to change her vote.

The motion to approve the zoning change was defeated 4-3. Voting against the measure were council members Black, Shiree Thurston, Dean Dickerson and Mayor Jerry Washburn.

"A zoning change is a serious matter," said James Jacobs, an area resident, during a public comment period. "Once a zone is changed, it doesn't ever go back."

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