Proposed zoning change has city residents speaking out

(South Salt Lake Journal) Residents of one South Salt Lake City neighborhood recently asked city officials for more say in how nearby properties are developed.

At a recent meeting of the South Salt Lake City Council residents voiced concerns over absentee landlords, vacant buildings and unkempt properties on a block located on the west side of the city between Main Street, West Temple, Whitlock Avenue and Stratford Avenue.

All of the properties on the city block are owned by Sorenson Lands, LLC. Representatives of the company have asked for a zoning change of the area from residential and neighborhood commercial to mixed-use.

The change could potentially allow developers to use the properties for more business and commercial activities.

Sorenson company representative Robert Smith said the owners would like to eventually have condominium-type units built on the block. The units would house commercial space on the first floor and residential space above it to create neighborhood properties in which residents could both live and work.

South Salt Lake City Director of Community and Economic Development Larry Gardner said property north of the area is already zoned for mixed-use and that a zoning change of the city block could lead to development that would improve the city tax base by attracting businesses.

Original Article