Residents raise safety, traffic and noise concerns as developer seeks PIC rezone near Treeside Charter School

A Provo City planner told attendees at a March neighborhood meeting that an applicant is seeking to rezone a vacant field near Treeside Charter School from agricultural to PIC (Planned Industrial Commercial) to allow a mix of commercial and light-industrial uses.

Mary Barnes, a city planner, said the application is still in the first review stage and that “this is a preliminary plan.” She told the neighborhood the rezone would align with the Provo City General Plan future land‑use map, and that uses allowed in PIC could include “restaurants, retail, services… light industrial, office.” Barnes said a traffic study will be required if the rezone advances and that the developer is already in talks with UDOT and city engineering about access.

Neighbors, the developer and a teacher from Treeside Charter School described concerns and potential mitigations. A teacher who identified herself as Duaa said her classroom is adjacent to the site and noted the proximity of “kindergarteners, first, second, third graders,” asking how large trucks and construction activity would affect student safety and daily classroom operations.

The property owner,…