St. George council approves bike-safety project, vacates easements and OKs zoning changes

The St. George City Council on an evening agenda approved a state grant-funded bike-safety project on 700 East, voted to vacate several public utility and drainage easements for new development, and advanced multiple zoning updates including reapproval of the Flats at Grandview and an amendment to the Devario development.

The council’s most contested vote centered on the 700 East cycle track and traffic-calming project, which drew extended discussion about parking loss and pedestrian safety. Councilmembers debated a staff-recommended grant that would pay most construction costs while the city would provide a local match. After public discussion among council members, Councilwoman Danielle Larkin moved to approve the consent items that included the project; her motion passed after Mayor Bridal cast the tie-breaking vote when two council members opposed the measure.

Why it matters: the 700 East project changes parking, adds a separated cycle track and bulb-outs at intersections, and is intended to reduce pedestrian crossings and conflict points near the university. The project is tied to a state grant and a local matching obligation that will affect the city budget.

Most important facts - 700 East project: city staff described the grant as “up to $2.27 million,” with the state share as much as $1.362 million; staff said the project is estimated at about $1.45 million and the city expects to use roughly $580,000 in local funds for the work. (City staff Lloyd provided the cost figures to council.) - Design elements described by staff include concrete bulb-outs at intersections, a buffered cycle track along the east curb, a landscaped median buffer between the cycle track and travel lanes, and irrigation/landscaping in medians. The university has agreed to maintain landscaping in perpetuity, according…