Sandy City’s Planning Commission meeting on July 17, 2025, spotlighted a significant proposal for a rezone that could enhance community services. The application, presented by Empowering You, seeks to transform a property at 11339 South 700 East from a Convenience Commercial (CVC) zone to a Professional Office (PO) zone, allowing for the establishment of an adult daycare program for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Jake Warner, the city’s long-range planning manager, introduced the proposal, emphasizing that the current CVC zoning does not permit the intended use, while the PO zone does. The applicant, Jane Telfa, along with her husband Peter Brown, outlined their mission to provide a supportive environment that fosters independence and social connections for participants. They assured the commission that operations would run Monday through Friday, with minimal noise and a strong focus on safety and supervision.

Public feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with local resident Morgan Bush expressing support for the rezone, highlighting its potential benefits to the neighborhood. However, concerns were raised about the possibility of future zoning changes leading to less desirable uses if the current proposal does not materialize.

The commission acknowledged these concerns, noting that the proposed PO zone is generally more compatible with residential areas compared to the existing CVC zone, which allows for a wider range of retail uses that could disrupt the community.

As the meeting concluded, the commission prepared to make a recommendation to the city council, which will have the final say on the rezone. The outcome of this proposal could mark a pivotal step in enhancing community services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Sandy.