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Public urges WFRC to study Rio Grande downtown redevelopment in regional planning
Summary
Two public commenters asked WFRC to consider the citizen-proposed Rio Grande redevelopment and east–west connections in the regional transportation plan; WFRC staff said the plan is under consideration alongside other concepts.
Public comment speakers on Thursday urged the Wasatch Front Regional Council to formally consider the citizen-proposed Rio Grande redevelopment plan and east–west connectivity projects in the regional transportation planning process.
Zach Scriven, a downtown Salt Lake City resident, called the Rio Grande area a “gold mine of opportunity” near the downtown transit station and urged WFRC to be “ambitious” and to spearhead redevelopment. Frederick Jenny, a downtown resident, told the council the Rio Grande plan offers solutions including grade separations for railroad crossings and cited a potential 2,500 new housing units in the proposal. Jenny said several agencies and community groups support the plan and asked WFRC to move beyond last year’s language and give the plan formal consideration in planning documents.
Andrew Gruber, WFRC executive director, thanked the commenters and said the Rio Grande concept is among many ideas being evaluated during development of the next regional transportation plan. Gruber noted Salt Lake City is leading a companion study called the “We Connect West East Connection” to evaluate east–west transportation options and that WFRC staff are giving the Rio Grande plan consideration within the broader regional planning process.
Council members did not take further action on the comments during the meeting. Staff said the Rio Grande plan and other concepts will continue to be evaluated as part of regional plan development.
