Council advances zone-change ordinances for 175 Wasatch Drive; debate centers on access and density

The Evanston City Council on May 6 approved two ordinances on first reading that would change zoning for roughly 16.31 acres at 175 Wasatch Drive to higher-density residential classifications, advancing a proposed subdivision that includes multifamily and attached two-family dwellings.

City planner/Staff member Jacobson (identified in the meeting as the presenter) described the site's history and the proposed changes: portions along Wasatch Drive currently designated for community and highway business would be rezoned to high-density residential developing; northern parcels would change to medium-density residential developing. The presenter said the Planning Commission, after a public hearing on April 7, unanimously recommended the change as compatible with surrounding uses.

A resident, Greg Wilson of 104 Bridal Circle Drive, asked how many units would be included; staff replied that unit counts will be finalized during the subdivision process and are not set by the zoning vote. Council Member Schmidt sponsored the ordinances. Council Member Perks moved to approve Ordinance 25-02 on first reading and Council Member Welling seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote. Council later approved Ordinance 25-03 on first reading.

Staff outlined the proposed development concept: larger lots fronting Wasatch Drive intended for multifamily buildings (one example lot cited at about 29,169 square feet) and smaller interior lots (roughly 8,000 square feet) for single-family or two-family attached units. City code parking and open-space requirements were discussed: the city requires two on-site parking spaces per dwelling unit, and staff noted the usable open-space requirement in the high-density residential zone is 2,000 square feet per dwelling unit and may constrain large multi-unit buildings on some lots.

Neighbors and council members raised concerns about access and safety. Staff said the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) will permit only a single access on Wasatch Drive; residents asked about a second access and emergency access off Constitution Avenue and about traffic speeds on Constitution. Council members also discussed utilities: staff said the development will require new water and sewer mains built to city standards.

Staff said a master-plan amendment will be brought forward if the ordinances reach third reading. The council advanced both ordinances on first reading and the item will return for further review and final readings as the subdivision process continues.