Lindon council hears Castlewood Development plan for 700 North; debate centers on housing, parking and public access

Castlewood Development representatives presented a draft master plan to the Lindon City Council on July 15, outlining about 87,000 square feet of commercial space and a mixed-use town center along the city's 700 North corridor.

Mayor Carolyn Lundberg opened the special meeting and framed it as an informational presentation: "This is a special meeting in the summertime... so welcome to this meeting," she said. The developer team said the plan still calls for the plaza and retail shown in earlier materials and that the disappearance of Costco as a prospective anchor was the main change since February.

Dwayne Rasmussen of Castlewood Development told the council the recent loss of Costco altered the leasing picture but not the core proposal. "There are no more units than we proposed then," Rasmussen said, adding the developer is seeking to maintain the retail and town-center concept. Partner Haley Pratt said the project will meet the city's parking standard, increasing from an earlier 1.8 stalls per unit to two: "We've heard that loud and clear, and we intend on parking at the 2 stalls per unit."

Why it matters: council members and many nearby residents said the project could define Lindon's long-term downtown identity, tax base and infrastructure needs. Council members repeatedly pressed the developer for details on apartment counts, phasing and who would bear costs and risks if the city buys the front parcel.

Key facts and commitments - Project program: developer presentation and staff summary described roughly 87,000…