During a recent meeting of the Eastern Summit County Planning Commission, community members voiced strong support for the proposed overlay master plan, emphasizing its potential to address critical housing needs in the area. One notable speaker, representing Mountainlands Community Housing Trust, highlighted the importance of thoughtful planning and the need for affordable housing that truly serves local residents.

The speaker, who has personal ties to the region, shared their experience of growing up in Western Summit County and the challenges faced by families like theirs, who have been pushed out due to rising housing costs. They expressed gratitude for the overlay master plan, which aims to create a more integrated and accessible community, contrasting it with their own living situation in Park City, where they reside in affordable housing.

A key point raised was the necessity of prioritizing the needs of Eastern Summit County residents in future housing developments. The speaker advocated for the implementation of provisions that ensure affordable housing is genuinely accessible to local families, rather than catering primarily to the workforce of nearby Park City. They urged the commission to learn from past mistakes in housing planning and to consider the significant differences in area median income (AMI) between the eastern and western parts of the county when making decisions about housing affordability.

The discussion underscored a collective desire for a more inclusive approach to community planning, with a focus on creating sustainable and affordable living options for current and future generations. As the planning commission moves forward, the insights shared during this meeting will be crucial in shaping policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of Eastern Summit County residents.