Apple Valley residents oppose new medium density plan for Fort Union Boulevard site

The Cottonwood Heights Planning Commission meeting held on May 7, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding a proposed development at 3526 East Fort Union Boulevard, which has been a contentious issue for local residents since 2022. The meeting began with public comments, where community member Mary Ellen Johnson addressed the commission on behalf of several residents from the Apple Valley area.

Johnson highlighted that nearly three years ago, residents signed a petition opposing developer Mr. Nash's plan to build medium-density multifamily units on the site. She noted that the Cottonwood Heights City Council had previously listened to community concerns and voted against changing the zoning from residential office to residential medium density, favoring the development of three single-family homes instead.

Despite this prior decision, Johnson expressed frustration that the same request was being revisited. She emphasized that the neighborhood's desire to maintain the development as single-family homes had not changed. Johnson questioned the authority of the planning commission to reconsider a decision made by the city council and urged the commission to uphold the previous agreement.

Robbie McFarland, another resident, echoed Johnson's sentiments, reinforcing the community's stance against the proposed changes. The meeting underscored ongoing tensions between local residents and developers, as well as the importance of adhering to previously established agreements regarding land use in the area.

The discussions at this meeting reflect the community's commitment to preserving the character of their neighborhood and their expectation that the planning commission will respect the decisions made by the city council in 2022. The outcome of this meeting and any subsequent actions by the commission will be closely watched by the residents of Apple Valley.