General-plan workshop lays out future land-use scenarios, trails and transportation priorities

Consultants led a detailed workshop on Wellsville’s draft general plan on Feb. 4, presenting three future-land-use scenarios and two supplemental maps for transportation and active transportation.

John Jansen and Jake (consultant) described three scenario approaches for the next 15–20 years: (A) growth to the southeast with corridor-wide commercial; (B) focus on infill in the town core and commercial near Maverik; and (C) neighborhood open space with pocket parks and trails. The draft vision statement flagged preserving rural character while allowing a “greater mix of uses and housing types,” encouraging mixed use at major intersections and preserving open space on the bench.

Key concepts raised during council discussion: - Town-core activation: the city-owned “cheese factory” site could be redeveloped as mixed-use (attached housing and commercial) to generate tax base and activity, but may need environmental/structural remediation. - Bench conservation vs. clustering: the plan proposes conservation and cluster-development tools, including transfer-of-development-rights (TDR) to preserve views and open space while enabling development in other receiving areas. - Trails and active transportation: consultants recommended adding trails (canal trail, Bonneville Shoreline Trail) and separated pathways on Center Street, and flagged pedestrian crossing options at Highway 89 (underpass preferred for ADA and usability). Grants and state programs for trails were discussed as possible funding sources. - Transportation map adjustments: collectors and proposed streets (e.g., 4300 South alignment) were noted; showing proposed connections on the map gives staff leverage to require street construction with future development.

Council members raised implementation considerations: liability on private land, easements for trails, the need for ADA-compliant pedestrian connections, and coordination with UDOT and Cache County for regional routes. The consultant recommended an open-house public engagement event in late March to collect feedback before the drafting and adoption steps.

Next steps Council agreed to host a public open house in late March to present the draft maps and gather input. Staff will refine maps (including slope constraints and conservation hatch layers), pursue grant opportunities for trails/sidewalks and prepare draft language for the formal general-plan adoption process.