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Council adopts economic development strategic plan after debate over 2550 area
Summary
After a detailed presentation by Community Development, the council adopted resolution 28-2026 approving an advisory economic development strategic plan. Councilors debated whether to include a 2550/2700 West opportunity area and discussed grocery-store demand and annexation planning.
The West Haven City Council voted to adopt the Economic Development Strategic Plan (resolution 28-2026) following a presentation from Stephen Nelson, Community Development.
Nelson told the council the plan is an advisory document developed through stakeholder meetings, data review and several planning-commission sessions. He described targeted opportunity areas — including the 21st Street interchange, 1900 West, 2550/2700 West, Midland/Hinkley and the Western Weaver Corridor — and highlighted barriers such as utilities, access constraints and floodplain that affect development feasibility. "One of the first items we really were set out to do is try to create a vision of what our economic development potential was," Nelson said.
The 2550/2700 West area generated the most public comment during planning commission hearings. Nelson said the planning commission asked staff to provide additional mapping and options after concerns were raised. He also said Jordan Valley Water District indicated it may surplus about 20 acres near the 2550/2700 intersection; staff’s draft would allow C-1 (neighborhood commercial) uses and treat a grocery store as a conditional use under a development agreement.
Council members traded views over whether to include the 2550 area in the plan. One council member urged removing that section, saying the city should focus on main corridors such as 4000 South and Midland. Another council member argued West Haven lacks a centrally located grocery and residents have repeatedly requested neighborhood grocery access. "A lot of people see Walmart different than a grocery store," Council member (voice 3) said, noting residents ask for a Smith’s or similar neighborhood grocer. Nelson said grocers that had spoken with staff typically seek roughly 3–10 acres depending on configuration.
Councilors clarified the plan is advisory and not binding; any rezones or annexations would require separate public hearings, planning commission recommendations and notices to affected property owners. After discussion and assurances that the plan would be used as a toolbox of strategies rather than mandatory requirements, a motion to adopt resolution 28-2026 passed on roll call.
The adopted plan lists five goals — diversify the economy, improve fiscal sustainability, manage growth, modernize planning processes and enhance community identity — and recommends strategies including business retention, fiscal-impact analysis for annexations, infrastructure readiness mapping and targeted zoning in high-visibility corridors.
Council members thanked staff, the planning commission and community participants for their contributions and noted that additional public input and implementation steps will follow the council’s adoption.
