Summit County Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing moderate income housing in the region by approving amendments to the Snarville Basin and Eastern Summit County housing plans during a public hearing on July 26, 2023. The council's decision follows a compliance report submitted to the state, which confirmed that Summit County meets the necessary requirements for priority funding consideration.

Jennifer Strader, representing the county, outlined that the Snarville Basin plan includes nine strategies, while the Eastern Summit County plan contains six. Although the state issued a notice of compliance, it highlighted specific deficiencies in the Snarville Basin plan, particularly regarding the alignment of strategy language with state code and the need for more detailed implementation timelines.

In response, county staff made the necessary amendments to ensure compliance. While the Eastern Summit County plan required only minor adjustments, the Snarville Basin plan faced scrutiny over a strategy concerning rezoning for moderate income housing. The Planning Commission expressed concerns that the original language could imply indiscriminate rezoning. However, after discussions emphasizing the importance of considering infrastructure and environmental factors, the commission supported the revised language.

Both planning commissions had previously held public hearings and recommended the proposed changes to the council. The council's approval marks a proactive approach to addressing housing needs while ensuring that development aligns with community standards and environmental considerations. This decision is expected to facilitate the production of moderate income housing in a responsible manner, reflecting the county's commitment to sustainable growth and community welfare.