Council narrows option for new roadway, approves amendment to transportation master plan amid business concern

The Brigham City Council on July 16 approved an amendment to the city's general plan — specifically the transportation master plan — to show proposed future roadways that would preserve options for a north–south connection (100 West/700 South to Fishburne Drive) and an east–west link (Lakeview Drive to Main Street).

Mark Bradley, who presented the continued item, told the council that adding a dashed master-plan roadway preserves the city's option for future redevelopment-driven connections, but it does not require that the city build the road or force construction on existing uses. "Drawing a road on a general plan doesn't mean that that road is going to be built by Brigham City Corporation or forced to be built by Brigham City Corporation on an existing use," staff said.

Council and staff repeatedly emphasized the conditional nature of the change: if a property changes use (for example, redevelopment of a school site to residential), the city can require road improvements as part of future development approvals, following traffic studies and design review. Staff and the mayor said the city would negotiate with developers and only require improvements when redevelopment or a change-of-use makes them appropriate.

Several business owners and a downtown restaurant operator told the council they fear the map change could reduce their ability to sell or operate their businesses. Janae Worthy, who identified herself as a long-time Brigham City business owner, said the amendment "locks us in a spot where we can't sell the property" and described concerns about drive-through access and lost customers if the roadway were later constructed through commercial parcels.

Council members said staff had engaged property owners and that opinions varied among neighbors. After questions about specific segments, the council voted to approve the transportation master plan amendment. No immediate construction funding or schedule was adopted; staff indicated the next steps would include follow-up with affected business owners and, if redevelopment occurs, traffic studies and design review before any road construction would be required.

Council members who supported the amendment said it preserves options for future circulation and potential developer-financed road building; opponents cautioned about potential impacts to existing businesses and asked that staff continue outreach and clarity on triggers for requiring a road.