Planning commission backs removing language that invited development near Slate Canyon Park

The Provo City Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve a text amendment to Appendix E of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan that removes language suggesting city‑owned parcels around Slate Canyon Park be evaluated for residential development to help fund park improvements.

Planner Diane introduced the item and Kevin Martens of the City Council office explained that the existing second bullet in chapter 7.1 reads — in staff paraphrase — to “consider all city‑owned land at Slate Canyon and evaluate select parcels that may be suitable for residential development and utilize proceeds for park development.” Martens said council members had unanimously forwarded the amendment after concerns that the language was being interpreted as an invitation by some developers and could be used to justify large projects in the foothills.

During commission questioning, members pressed staff on where alternate funding for park construction would come from if the proposal were removed; Martens said the council’s work meeting did not identify an alternate funding source and that removal was intended primarily to reduce the perception that the general plan supported large‑scale residential development at Slate Canyon.

Public comment was led by Catherine Hall, District 2 vice chair, and Angie Carter of the district neighborhood board. Hall said the district had organized strong opposition to prior proposals to sell or develop lands near Slate Canyon, cited infrastructure constraints (including inadequate water retention ponds and overhead utilities), and said the neighborhood prefers pursuing grants and local fundraising rather than land sales. Carter said she supported removal of the line so long as it is not replaced by a worse alternative than housing.

Commissioners debated whether a clearer map of the park boundaries should accompany the language change; staff said GIS maintains an official Slate Canyon Park boundary and parcel maps that the city can use for clarity. Lisa Jensen moved to recommend approval to the municipal council; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the next step is City Council consideration and formal adoption of the amendment if the council concurs.