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Neighbors press Midvale City to buy 0.6‑acre lot for pocket park; council and staff outline process
Summary
Residents urged Midvale City to pursue purchase of three parcels totaling about 0.6 acre to create a neighborhood pocket park. Council members said the land is zoned single‑family and any rezone would trigger notice requirements; staff offered follow‑up meetings with planning.
Residents of a Midvale neighborhood told the city council on Sept. 2 they prefer a pocket park or community garden over new housing for a 0.6‑acre property that has been used as pasture for many years.
Several neighbors, speaking during public comment, said they had discussed buying the parcels as a community and estimated acquisition at about $740,000. Speakers described the lot as a long‑standing open space that contributes to neighborhood character and said a park would increase property values, provide shade and gathering space, reduce traffic impacts compared with infill development and create opportunities for neighborhood events. Among those who spoke in favor were Aubrey Earl (resident and organizer of the effort), Deborah Webster, Brian Van Steenkist, Sawyer Jacobs, Mary Anne Kosinski and others. One resident, Marbella Sharp‑Newbold, said she wanted the area to remain single‑family and expressed concern about tax impacts if the city purchased and maintained the land.
Mayor and council responses Council members and staff told the group the parcel is currently zoned single‑family residential and that a rezone would require public notice by statute; the council said there were no current plans to change the zoning. The mayor said planning staff had received an emailed presentation from the neighborhood and had forwarded it for staff review. Planning director Adam Olsen offered to meet with neighbors in the Dahl Conference Room to walk through zoning, process and feasibility. Staff also clarified that TransJordan’s new 700 West transfer station (opening Oct. 1 in phases) will offer an additional glass drop‑off point for residents.
What residents asked the city to do Speakers asked the city to evaluate buying the land for a park or community garden and to provide information on process, costs and water rights. Residents asked the council to consider whether the city could hold the property as permanent open space and to outline next steps if the community organized financially to support acquisition or maintenance.
Next steps Council and planning staff invited interested residents to meet with Adam Olsen and city staff to discuss options, timing, water‑rights questions and potential funding. The mayor and council said they value citizen engagement and will consider neighborhood proposals; any purchase, rezone or formal city acquisition would be subject to further staff analysis, public notices and council approval.
