During a recent government meeting in Moab, residents expressed significant concerns regarding ongoing urban planning and safety issues, particularly related to flooding and traffic safety.

One resident raised alarms about the Moab small area plans for East and West Center Street, noting that the proposals mirror discussions from nearly a decade ago. The resident emphasized the urgency of addressing existing flooding problems on West Center Street before initiating new projects, questioning the rationale behind planning additional developments amidst unresolved issues. \"We have a major flooding problem... let's fix some other problems that we have before we start proceeding with these plans,\" they stated.

Heather Taylor, another local resident, sought clarification on a separate study funded by the city, which focuses on the area between 100 West and 500 West. She expressed confusion over whether the $189,000 budget discussed in the meeting was for this ongoing study or a new initiative. Taylor also voiced concerns about prioritizing trail projects in light of recent tax increases and widespread flooding issues affecting multiple neighborhoods.

Kevin Dwyer, a Moab resident, highlighted safety concerns on Highway 191, citing a study he conducted with former city council member Karen Guzman Newton. Their analysis revealed that Moab has the highest fatality rate of any city in Utah, a finding corroborated by a subsequent study from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). Dwyer urged the council to take immediate action to address these alarming safety statistics.

The discussions underscored a growing frustration among residents regarding the city's planning priorities, particularly in the face of pressing infrastructure challenges. As the council navigates these complex issues, community members are calling for a more focused approach to resolving existing problems before embarking on new projects.