Planning Commission approves consent agenda; neighbor urges preservation of old-growth trees at 707 S. 400 E.

The Salt Lake City Planning Commission approved its consent agenda, including meeting minutes and modifications to a planned development at approximately 707 South 400 East, and voted to close the public hearing after a resident spoke about trees on the site.

During the consent-item public comment period, neighborhood resident Gregory Roth spoke at the mic and said he is “a little concerned” about the fate of old-growth trees around the property. “There are a number of old growth trees that surround this property and around many of them are on the boundaries of the property and I'm a little concerned as to what their fate might be,” Roth said. He urged that “everything be done to preserve them.”

The chair asked for a motion on the consent agenda. A motion to approve the consent items was made and the commission voted to approve. Commissioner Lila Rosenfeld abstained from approving the minutes because she was not present for the May meetings but voted yes on the remaining consent items; other commissioners voted to approve. The chair announced the motion passed, 5 to 0. Planning staff noted there were no emails to read into the record and that the project planner was available after the meeting to discuss landscaping and perimeter trees with concerned neighbors.

Why it matters: The consent agenda included a modification to a development where nearby residents identified potential impacts to mature trees; commissioners and staff provided a post-meeting contact option for neighbors to review landscaping plans and preservation measures.

No formal amendment or other action specific to tree protection was made at the meeting; staff offered to meet with concerned residents to explain the landscaping plan and any protections that may apply.