Planning commission backs recommendation for six workforce units at 41 West Main Street

The Midway City Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council adopt a Legislative Development Agreement to convert unfinished space at 41 West Main Street into six workforce housing units.

Commissioner Travis Nokes moved that the commission "recommend approval of the proposal of establishing six workforce housing units within the existing commercial building at 41 West Main Street, which is zoned currently C-2," and proposed adding occupancy limits consistent with building code; Commissioner Steve Farrell seconded. The motion passed with five ayes and no nays.

Staff said the building was plumbed for six residential units about 25 years ago but current zoning would only permit one residential unit without an LDA. Under the proposed agreement the six units would be restricted as workforce housing for 30 years, with incentives to extend affordability to 40 years. Rents would be set at 65% of Wasatch County area median income, with preference for local workers, and city incentives would include increased density, fee waivers, and leased M&I water. A third-party compliance monitor such as Mountainlands Housing could be required at the property owner’s expense, staff said.

Why it matters: The proposal aims to create long-term, deed-restricted housing targeted at the local workforce while using unfinished space in an existing building, which staff said aligns with Midway’s General Plan and documented housing need.

What’s next: The commission’s recommendation goes to the City Council; the motion included a request that occupancy limits be verified against building code before council consideration.