Cottonwood Heights proposes transformative town center bond

In a recent city council meeting, Cottonwood Heights officials expressed strong support for a proposed town center, dubbed \"The Heights,\" which aims to transform the old Hillside Plaza Shopping Center into a vibrant community hub. Mayor Mike Weakers and the city council highlighted the project as a significant opportunity to enhance community engagement and pride, emphasizing the importance of creating a space for local dining, shopping, and events for all ages.

The Heights, located at 23100 East and Fort Union Boulevard, is envisioned as a gathering place that will include open areas with scenic mountain views, holiday celebrations, farmers markets, and activities for seniors. The concept of a town center has been part of the city’s planning since its incorporation in 2005, and the recent acquisition of the Hillside Plaza property in 2023 is a crucial step towards realizing this long-term vision.

To fund the development, the city council is advocating for a bond that will cover essential components such as open spaces, parking, and public art, while private developers will contribute to other aspects of the project. The bond is projected to generate long-term economic benefits, including savings of approximately $1.2 million annually by paying off the city’s property purchase debt, potentially averting future property tax increases.

The council underscored that supporting the bond is an investment in the future of Cottonwood Heights, aiming to create a unique identity for the city and foster a sense of community. The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments, although no opposing arguments were presented regarding the bond proposal. The council remains optimistic about garnering community support for this transformative initiative.