The Summit County Council convened on August 23, 2023, to address community concerns regarding a proposed development in the Cherry Canyon area. The meeting featured discussions on traffic safety, sanitation, and infrastructure related to the development, which aims to build 30 homes on a 40-acre parcel.

The session began with Steven Clark, a resident of Wanship, raising concerns about the speed limit on Cherry Canyon Drive, currently set at 25 miles per hour. He questioned whether this limit could be lowered for safety reasons, particularly given the road's proximity to residential areas. John Angel, the Public Works Director, clarified that the speed limit is based on engineering standards and that 25 miles per hour is the minimum for residential roads, while lower limits are reserved for school zones.

Clark also sought clarification on the relationship between the proposed emergency access road and the sewer system. Staff explained that the sewer system would run alongside the emergency access road, with plans to manage wastewater for the entire subdivision through a large underground system, which is deemed safer than individual septic systems.

Community members voiced significant opposition to the development, citing concerns over water resources, sanitation, and emergency access. Jeffrey Johnson, representing the Homer family, emphasized the potential impact on local wells and sanitation, referencing previous denials from the health department for similar projects due to sanitation issues. Other residents echoed these sentiments, expressing fears about the adequacy of emergency egress in the event of fires and the potential contamination of their water supply.

Vern Williams raised concerns about the placement of leach fields in relation to nearby wells, suggesting that they should be relocated to mitigate risks. Wade Homer and other residents highlighted the importance of wildlife habitats in the area, questioning the environmental impact of the proposed development.

The council encouraged residents to submit their comments and questions, assuring them that all input would be considered in future deliberations. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address the community's concerns regarding water quality and infrastructure as the development proposal moves forward.