Townhome project hearing canceled

HIGHLAND (Deseret News) — Hours before a public hearing regarding a controversial townhome project, the meeting was canceled because some City Council members felt they did not have time to review an appeal.

Toscana at Highland is a 162-unit townhome project set to be built in Highland's Towne Center. The Planning Commission approved plans for the 7.14-acre subdivision in December, but City Councilman Brian Braithwaite filed an appeal against the commission.

Braithwaite argues the Planning Commission "acted beyond their authority" and that there is a "compelling, countervailing public interest."

The city's Board of Adjustment listened to a hearing earlier this month. Their decision was expected to be announced at the meeting Wednesday, but as of that evening, the board had not reached a decision.

Residents have been vocally upset that they did not get a chance to voice their opinion over the subdivision, the first affordable housing project in Highland.

Developer Grant Gifford of Flagship Homes said the units would have an Italian-country design, each three stories tall with a two-car garage.

Original Article