During a recent Draper City Council meeting, public comment highlighted community concerns regarding housing shortages and urban development. Resident James Longstaff addressed the council, advocating for the construction of dense housing alongside a new school planned for the former eBay building site. Longstaff emphasized the need for affordable housing options, particularly for younger residents facing a housing crisis.

He urged the council to consider loosening zoning restrictions to facilitate the development of more housing in the area, which he noted is currently dominated by an underutilized parking lot. Longstaff acknowledged the council's previous efforts in promoting housing development but stressed the importance of maximizing the potential of the site, especially given its proximity to public transportation.

In response, council members clarified that the area is already zoned for high-density development, with no restrictions on height or density. They indicated that market forces ultimately dictate what gets built, and encouraged Longstaff to direct his concerns to the Canyon School District, which controls the property.

The meeting also included the approval of several consent items, including the appointment of Mike Barker as the new city manager and the renaming of the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee to the Community Engagement Committee. The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, reflecting a collaborative approach to governance.

Additionally, the council addressed ongoing infrastructure concerns, with a resident inquiring about the timeline for paving Walden Lane, which has been a source of dust and disruption. City officials committed to providing updates on the matter as they work to resolve the issues.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's responsiveness to community input while navigating the complexities of urban planning and development in Draper.