Council approves vicinity plan change at 23100 North and 100 East amid neighborhood safety concerns

Pleasant Grove City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance amending the official vicinity plan for property at approximately 23100 North and 100 East in the rural residential (RR) zone, replacing a planned connection to First East with a cul‑de‑sac and pedestrian access.

Director Neil Winterton told the council that the vicinity plan change is intended to improve safety and reflects discussions with the developer. He stressed that the amendment is not a site plan or building permit and that any development will require further engineering and review.

Multiple residents spoke during the public hearing. Jared Such raised technical concerns he said he found in city code and federal guidance, noting that "the maximum length for a cul de sac is 650 feet, and the maximum length for a temporary dead end road is 700 feet," and that the proposed termination would measure about 1,100 feet from the entry point on 180 West. Such also questioned sight‑distance and safety on Canyon Road.

Jan Chatterley, who lives on the street near the proposed access, told the council: "It just feels very dangerous to me," citing the lack of sidewalks and street lighting and saying the extra traffic would increase hazard, especially for children.

Winterton and council members responded with clarifications. Winterton said the dedicated roadway length for the single access point would be within the city's cul‑de‑sac standard and that the vicinity plan before the council now shows 13 home lots, not the larger number previously discussed. He also described a planned pedestrian walking path from the cul‑de‑sac to Canyon Road to provide foot access and a potential evacuation route.

Councillors discussed tradeoffs between limiting access to Canyon Road and providing additional vehicular connections. Several members said limiting access to Canyon Road was preferable for safety and access management. The council and staff discussed sidewalks and lighting: staff said sidewalks and lighting are typically required for new development and that existing streets without sidewalks remain the homeowners' responsibility unless property owners dedicate right‑of‑way or propose improvements.

Council member Anderson moved to approve the ordinance amending the vicinity plan; Council member Limon seconded. The council conducted a roll call vote: Anderson, Rogers, Jensen, Lamone and Williams voted yes. The motion passed.

Staff said the city will pursue opportunities for pedestrian and safety improvements, including potential street lighting and striping already added to the corridor. Staff also encouraged residents to coordinate if they want sidewalks installed on existing private frontages.