Planning commission recommends approval of RC residential overlay at 7001 S. 900 E.; neighbors urged additional studies

The Midvale City Planning Commission on a 5-0 vote recommended approval of a zone map amendment to add the Regional Commercial–Residential Overlay (RCRO) for the property at 7001 South 900 East, moving the decision to the City Council.

Neighbors and several residents told the commission the proposal lacks site-specific traffic, infrastructure and pedestrian-safety studies and would be incompatible with nearby homes. “There has not been a substantial traffic study, no infrastructure review, and no pedestrian safety assessment,” a resident who spoke during public comment said. Several speakers said existing turn movements on Ninth East already create unsafe conflicts and that adding more units would compound risks.

The recommendation followed a presentation by planning staff and legal briefing by the city attorney explaining the planning commission’s role. Van der Linde, the city attorney, told commissioners the commission’s decision is advisory and that a development agreement — a contract that runs with the land — is an…