Neighbors press city and developers on pests, traffic and homelessness during Midvale P&Z meeting

Several residents used the public comment periods on April 9 to press the city and developers for mitigation of pests, traffic safety measures and issues related to homelessness and loitering around vacant parcels.

Residents reported increased vole, gopher and ant activity and asked the developer and city to address yard damage and vermin control. Jodi Winegar submitted digital comments and in-person testimony describing pest problems; applicant representative Paul Ranstrom responded that an exterminator would be provided and that fencing and setbacks comply with city code. Multiple residents also asked about traffic at the intersection of Cottonwood Street and 7200 South; Duck Johnson requested a left-turn lane or signal, and others asked about on-street parking and winter parking enforcement. Community Development Director Adam Olsen said the city can reassess and reach out to UDOT regarding a left-turn lane; Vice Chair Candice Erickson recommended residents contact Code Enforcement and the Traffic Committee for parking issues.

Residents additionally raised concerns that the vacant building had become a congregation point for people experiencing homelessness; Chair Robyn Anderson said construction and occupancy could reduce that problem. Petitioned neighborhood requests included higher fences (residents asked for 8-foot fences even though code allows six feet), more buffering and attention to property impacts during construction. No formal mitigation timeline was recorded in the minutes; actions recorded were staff direction to evaluate turn-lane needs with UDOT and the developer’s statement that pest control would be provided.