A recent government meeting highlighted plans for a new concrete retaining block production facility located at 43100 South Commerce Drive, a 3.82-acre site currently zoned for light industrial use. The property, which has remained vacant for several years, is positioned just south of the Humane Society and is set to undergo development pending approval from the planning commission.

The proposed site plan includes several key areas: a stone strong inventory area in the northeast, a casting and production area in the northwest, and a batch plant with storage bins centrally located. Additionally, a temporary mobile office and employee parking will be situated in the southern half of the property. The facility will feature two drive approaches from Commerce Drive, each measuring 30 feet wide, in compliance with local regulations.

The applicant plans to erect an 8-foot chain link privacy fence along the northern boundary and a 6-foot chain link fence with barbed wire along the eastern frontage, both of which meet the city’s fencing regulations for manufacturing zones. The mobile office, measuring 700 square feet, is permitted to remain on-site for up to six months unless a permanent structure is approved.

Despite the application being submitted in May, the approval process has faced delays due to the applicant's unauthorized operations on the property. City officials have temporarily halted these activities until all necessary approvals and conditions are met. The facility is expected to employ ten workers and will not have restrictions on hours of operation, although noise levels will be regulated under the adopted Salt Lake County noise ordinance.

The planning commission has mandated that the applicant submit a dust control plan, which has yet to be received. Furthermore, landscaping requirements along Commerce Drive will necessitate the planting of several trees and shrubs to enhance the property’s appearance.

Community response has been significant, with over 200 emails received from surrounding property owners expressing various concerns regarding the development. The planning commission will continue to review the application and community feedback as they move forward with the approval process.