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Planning Commission grants preliminary approval for 64‑unit Cottonwood Creek townhome PUD despite neighborhood concerns
Summary
The Planning Commission granted preliminary PUD and subdivision approval for Cottonwood Creek Townhomes (64 units) at 825–865 and 787 East 4800 South, with nine conditions; neighbors voiced concerns about density, tree loss, traffic and a retaining wall.
MURRAY, Utah — The Murray City Planning Commission granted preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD) and subdivision approval May 1 for Cottonwood Creek Townhomes, a proposed 64‑unit, three‑story rear‑loaded townhome project on roughly 3.93 acres at 787 and 825–865 East 4800 South.
Staff said the site meets PUD acreage requirements and conforms to development standards in the Murray City Land Use Ordinance, including parking (2.5 stalls per unit) and open‑space provisions. The proposal includes on‑site amenities (a playground and a detention basin as usable open space), internal sidewalks and parking accessed from the rear of units. Staff recommended approval with nine conditions.
Several residents spoke during public comment. Rob Benedict thanked staff for retaining a buffer zone but asked whether an existing fence would be replaced, whether an existing impromptu pond would be left or replaced by a detention basin, and whether construction could damage neighbor retaining walls. Maren Christiansen submitted an emailed comment read into the record stating, "This project is far too dense for the area," expressing concern about loss of mature trees, increased traffic on the nearby curve on Van Winkle and the effect on neighborhood views and privacy.
Applicant John Blocker of Brighton Homes said they intend to preserve trees outside the project boundary (many north‑side trees are on Salt Lake City property and will remain), will include a replacement fence per prior obligations, and plan detention basins rather than permanent standing water to address stormwater and mosquito concerns. Blocker said grading plans and final engineering would be coordinated with the city engineer; he estimated construction could begin later in the year, after tenant leases expire on portions of the site.
Commissioners discussed traffic mitigation, tree preservation and phasing. Commissioner Ned Hacker moved to approve the PUD and grant preliminary subdivision approval subject to the nine conditions shown in staff materials; Commissioner Katie Rogers seconded. Roll call recorded approval with Commissioner Peter Kling voting no and the motion passed.
The preliminary approval is valid for one year; the applicant must satisfy the nine conditions, coordinate final engineering and grading with city staff, and return if an extension is needed.
