Planning commission recommends 150-unit townhome project near Lakeview Parkway with conditions tied to Walmart build-out

The Provo City Planning Commission on Oct. 22 recommended approval, by 5–2 votes on each item, of three related applications from developer James (Jamie) Chapman and Folger Pratt: a general-plan map amendment, a zone map amendment from FC-3 (Freeway Commercial 3) to LDR (Low-Density Residential), and project-plan approval for a 150-unit townhome community on roughly 12.56 acres near 1870 South 500 West.

Aaron Ardmore, planning staff, told commissioners the project is an unusually detailed submittal at the project-plan stage and that the parcel has a history of prior applications, most recently a site plan tied to a large retail pad (a Walmart). Ardmore said staff supports the three applications provided several conditions are met to mitigate the risk that approving residential would remove commercially valuable land if the adjacent commercial site fails to proceed.

Why staff recommended conditions: Ardmore highlighted that the townhome plan is intended to function as a buffer between a large commercial pad and an existing single-family neighborhood. However, he warned that if the adjacent commercial development (the Walmart site and associated pads) does not move…