Planning Commission approves flex industrial campus on West Center Street

In the heart of Provo City Hall, the Planning Commission convened on March 12, 2025, to deliberate on significant developments that could reshape the Fort Utah neighborhood. As the evening unfolded, discussions centered around a proposed flex industrial campus, raising concerns about environmental impact and community aesthetics.

One of the primary topics was the fate of trees near the river, with commissioners emphasizing the need for adequate replacement foliage if any trees were to be removed. The sentiment echoed a broader concern for maintaining the natural landscape amidst urban development. "If they're going to take down all the trees, make sure that there's a replacement of the foliage," one commissioner urged, highlighting the delicate balance between progress and preservation.

The conversation soon shifted to the proposed buildings' size and their implications for parking. Some commissioners expressed unease over the vertical height of the structures, reflecting feedback from local residents who voiced worries about the scale of the development. "These are big buildings," one member noted, questioning whether the existing zoning requirements would sufficiently manage the project's intensity. The developers had proposed significantly fewer parking spaces than required, which raised additional flags among the commission. "I don't think I'm comfortable with what they're proposing," another commissioner remarked, stressing the importance of adequate parking in relation to the project's overall feasibility.

Despite these concerns, the commission moved forward with a positive recommendation for the zone map amendment, which would allow the development to proceed. The motion included several conditions aimed at addressing community concerns, such as ensuring public access easements along the river and the preservation of abundant trees in the area.

As the meeting drew to a close, the commission unanimously approved the concept plan for the new flex industrial campus, signaling a step forward in Provo's growth while acknowledging the need for careful consideration of environmental and community impacts. With the night winding down, the commissioners wrapped up their discussions, leaving the future of Fort Utah hanging in the balance, poised between development and preservation.