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Residents warn council of lawsuits, demand bigger buffer around proposed Farmington Technology Park
Summary
During citizen comment at the Aug. 18 meeting, residents urged the council to require larger buffers between a proposed technology park and nearby homes, warned of multiple lawsuits and said they felt ignored in the planning process.
Residents urged the Farmington City Council on Aug. 18 to require greater separation between homes and a proposed Farmington Technology Park and warned that continued approval of the project as presented would prompt lawsuits.
Jeff Schottler, who identified himself as a lifelong Farmington resident, told the council he and other residents are prepared to litigate to halt what they described as residential impacts from the proposed development. Schottler said a group of 12 people would support the first lawsuit and that hundreds could join a class action if the project proceeds without the changes they seek. He urged the council to require larger buffers — saying 40 feet or 80 feet would not be sufficient — and to engage with residents directly rather than leaving them feeling ignored.
Schottler said he understood the city attorney had advised that the project “fits” in the MUCI zoning designation, but argued the city should not allow that use so close to homes. He pressed the council for “guarantee of the impact” and said residents felt their concerns had not been adequately addressed by developers or city staff.
Acting Mayor Bernanke opened citizen comment time by explaining comments were limited to five minutes and that no official action could be taken on non‑agenda items. No council motion or action on the technology park was taken during the citizen comment period.
Another resident, Andy Clotter, used his five minutes to describe a personal assault and subsequent law‑enforcement interaction dating to 2010; Council follow‑up comments later in the meeting referenced that prior incident and the city’s records. Council member Amy (last name not specified in the transcript) said staff and the police department reviewed records and that an investigation of the 2010 complaint did not substantiate the claims Mr. Clotter made previously. She told the council the incident occurred Aug. 13, 2010, and that evidence and recording availability are limited by the passage of time.
The council did not take action on the Farmington Technology Park during the Aug. 18 meeting; citizen comments will be part of the public record and may inform future hearings or council consideration.
