Provo City Council reviews agreement for Mountain Vista Business Park property transfer

Provo City Council members are gearing up for a pivotal decision regarding the future of the Mountain Vista Business Park, as they prepare to vote on a resolution that would allow the Provo City Redevelopment Agency (RDA) to approve a memorandum of agreement with BCP Ironton Lehi. This agreement is crucial for ensuring the continued remediation of contaminated land in the area, which has a complex history tied to previous ownership and environmental cleanup efforts.

During the recent council work meeting, RDA Director Melissa McNally outlined the terms of the agreement, which would enable the sale of property previously owned by Hall Property Holdings. The land, once an iron mill, has undergone significant remediation since 2016, but the current owners have struggled to complete the necessary cleanup. The new buyer is expected to assume the obligation to continue this work, with costs estimated at around $1.9 million.

Council members expressed concerns about the lack of a sunset clause in the original agreement, which could leave the city vulnerable if remediation efforts stall. The council debated whether the new buyer would be financially incentivized to complete the cleanup, given the rising costs associated with remediation. Some members voiced skepticism about the fairness of allowing Hall Property Holdings to transfer the property without renegotiating terms, especially since the original deal was made years ago.

Despite these concerns, the consensus among council members seemed to lean towards allowing the sale to proceed, as rejecting it could result in the property remaining in its current state, with no remediation taking place. The council is expected to revisit this issue in a few weeks, with the hope that the new buyer will bring a viable development plan that prioritizes environmental cleanup.

As the council prepares for the upcoming vote, the implications of this decision could significantly impact the future of the Mountain Vista Business Park and the surrounding community, highlighting the delicate balance between development and environmental responsibility.