Hooper council tables request to open general plan for large subdivision, asks developer to return with refined concepts

The Hooper City Council on March 6 declined to open the city—s general plan for a proposed development on a 90-acre parcel, voting to table the request until the developer brings more detailed concepts.

The matter came before the council as a public hearing. Developer representatives described two alternative plans: one with minimum half-acre lots and a simpler layout, and another that would include smaller (roughly one-third-acre) lots in exchange for a large public amenity maintained by the homeowners association. The developer said the amenity concept would be —a 20-acre park with pickleball, disc golf and other features— and that it would be maintained by the HOA at no cost to the city.

Why it matters: Opening the general plan is the first step required under the city—s process before a rezone can be considered. Council members and residents raised concerns about infrastructure costs, long-term maintenance and the limited property-tax revenue the city receives from new homes. Several speakers said the city should not amend the future…