Planning Commission continues Avenues community plan hearing after public comment on preservation and growth

Planning staff presented a draft update to the Avenues community plan, describing goals, a future‑land‑use map, and implementation steps intended to guide growth and preserve neighborhood character. Staff said the draft is part of a broader Plan Salt Lake framework and remains in a 45‑day public engagement period, with anticipated additional reviews by the Landmark Commission and Planning Commission prior to City Council consideration.

The presentation laid out guiding themes — protecting sensitive lands, supporting walkable neighborhood businesses, targeted infill in appropriate locations and tools to preserve historic character — and highlighted the LDS Hospital campus as a potential location for larger‑scale redevelopment if and when it redevelops. Staff emphasized the draft seeks a balance between preserving existing housing and supporting neighborhood‑serving commercial activity.

Public commenters and neighborhood council representatives urged clearer protections for the Avenues’ historic district, caution about new mixed‑use designations, and a requirement that large redevelopments produce meaningful civic infrastructure rather than token plazas. "If we are going to add tens of thousands of residents to this area, we also need to invest in the civic systems that allow people to live healthy, connected lives," Emily Sloan Pace, chair of the downtown community council, said, urging a centrally located public recreation and wellness facility as part of any major redevelopment of the LDS hospital site.

After discussion the commission voted to continue the public hearing to a future meeting so staff can refine wording, address department comments and gather more public input.