Commission recommends denial of city‑initiated Holden Street rezoning after business concerns

Midvale staff proposed rezoning a set of parcels on and around Holden Street from Clean Industrial (CI) to Main Street Form‑Based Code (MS‑FBC). After public comment from business owners and property representatives, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 14 to recommend denial and asked staff to revise the proposal with parcel exceptions.

Speakers representing businesses on Holden Street raised several objections. Justin and Robert Blackmore, through public comment exhibits, argued notice procedures were insufficient, that rezoning would undermine existing businesses that rely on rail spur access, and that the proposal could be counterproductive to local industry. Property owner Mr. Church (Home Again) asked about an accessory structure and whether he needed to move forward quickly; staff said incumbents would be grandfathered but that the proposed district could later affect uses if a business left or sold the property.

Planning Director Wendelin Knobloch said higher density buildings would complement the intended downtown area and that boundaries could be altered; Commissioners nonetheless favored excluding certain parcels and asked staff to rework the map. Vice Chair Robyn Anderson moved denial; the motion passed unanimously. Staff and commissioners noted a 30‑day period to act on the proposal and suggested staff return with a revised map that better accounts for existing businesses and rail access considerations.