City Council debates proposed development overlay zoning for 23 acres on Highway 89

During the Perry City Council meeting on May 22, 2025, a proposed ordinance to adopt a new compensation schedule for elected officials was a key topic of discussion. The ordinance suggests a 2.8% pay increase for elected officials, while the city attorney's salary remains unchanged. This adjustment aims to align compensation with market surveys and cost-of-living increases, although the council clarified that this ordinance does not lock them into any specific pay increase, allowing for flexibility in future decisions.

Another significant agenda item was a zone change request for a development overlay zoning district. The proposal involves a 23-acre area near Highway 89, currently zoned for neighborhood commercial and half-acre residential use. The developer's initial concept included plans for 44 single-family lots and 24 multifamily units, which raised concerns among council members regarding density and community impact. The Planning Commission had previously recommended denial of the application, citing a lack of community interest in the proposed density increase.

In response to feedback, the developer submitted a revised concept featuring 31 multifamily units and 34 single-family lots, along with a commitment to preserve approximately 10 acres of orchard land. This preservation effort aims to maintain the area's agricultural heritage and provide a buffer along the highway. However, council members expressed skepticism about the proposal, particularly regarding access issues and the adequacy of infrastructure to support the increased density.

The council debated the merits of moving forward with a development agreement, weighing the potential benefits of preserving the orchard against the need for more concrete proposals and infrastructure planning. Ultimately, several council members indicated a preference to deny the application until further details could be clarified, particularly concerning access and the overall impact on the community.

As the meeting concluded, the council recognized the need for ongoing discussions with the developer to address these concerns and ensure that any future development aligns with the community's vision and infrastructure capabilities.