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Fairfield council hears planning commission concerns over general plan, airport and future road alignments
Summary
The town council received a planning commission update on the draft general plan, including public comment about the airpark’s role, concern about growth and proposed road realignments tied to UDOT and a possible east–west expressway.
The Fairfield Town Council received a planning commission briefing on updates to the town’s draft general plan and debated future road alignments and the role of the privately owned airpark at its May 21 meeting.
Planning Commission member Wayne summarized a May 7 public hearing and the commission’s review of the draft. He said public commenters included a resident worried about partnering with a port authority and attracting developers “because it feels like we’re trying to give away our small town,” and representatives of the airpark who asked for clearer recognition of the airport in the plan and a reevaluation of road alignments near the strip.
Sean Hill, who presented the staff planning update, said staff removed references to negotiating public access at Big (Fairfield) Spring after landowner discussions and that the planning commission had directed a series of edits. Hill said the commission tabled adoption of the general plan and will revisit it at its June meeting; if the planning commission recommends approval, state statute requires a 14‑day waiting period that will likely push council consideration to July.
Council discussion centered on whether to endorse a proposed east–west expressway alignment and how that routing should tie into Highway 73 and a proposed Cedar Valley expressway. Hill said UDOT is securing right-of-way for a north–south Cedar Valley alignment, and staff are proposing a southern connection so heavy truck traffic would use Allen’s Ranch Road and remaining industrial routes instead of cutting through town.
Planning commissioners and council members repeatedly urged proactive planning for growth while noting that preparing infrastructure does not equal endorsing accelerated growth. Transportation advisory member Kent said proactive planning for likely growth “is in the best interest of the town.”
The planning commission unanimously forwarded several items to the council for consideration: an ordinance amending sign rules (Title 10.21.21), the Wade Carson lot line adjustment and a request to vacate a short north–south road adjacent to the Christiansen property. The commission tabled proposed changes to Title 10, Chapter 16 (special use regulations).
Council members asked for more alignment with UDOT and neighboring developments, including a requested overlay to show Firefly development roads and a proposed connection to Manning Canyon Road. Hill and Wayne said the general strategy remains focused on large lots and locating industrial uses outside the town core, with incremental implementation of the water and sewer master plans where service is needed.
The council did not adopt the general plan; staff will return with revisions after the planning commission’s June meeting and with the required notice period for council action.
