Neighborhood Districts

Neighborhood District 3 Meeting Minutes – May 7, 2025 Attendance: Neighborhood District 3 Board Members – John Wight, Matt Peterson (Zoom), Haley Glenn, Andrew Terry, Brooke Barnes, Derek Ney (Zoom). City Councilors – Becky Bogdin, Katrice MacKay State Representatives – Lisa Shepherd (current), Marsha Judkins (prior) Total Meeting Attendees – 41 (31 in person, 10 on Zoom) Conducting: Andrew Terry, Neighborhood District 3 Chair Provo Airport Expansion Update – Jared Penrod, Airport Engineer Jared Penrod, the Engineering and Planning Manager for Provo Airport, presented an update on the airport expansion. He discussed five main topics: commercial operations, construction updates, master plan, noise reports, and noise concerns. Penrod reported that the airport currently has three carriers: Allegiant, Breeze, and American. He noted that the commercial ramp is often full, especially at night and early morning, with approximately 775 commercial operations happening every month. The airport services 16 non-stop destinations with 19 total routes. Penrod presented the master plan forecast, showing a significant increase in enplanements since the new terminal opened. In 2022, enplanements jumped to 211,000, and in the most recent year, they increased to over 448,000. He mentioned that the airport has maxed out its four gates at peak times. Regarding construction updates, Penrod discussed the expansion of the terminal building and the addition of a temporary fifth gate. He showed renderings of the future expansion, which will include a two-story structure with jet bridges, increased ticketing counters, and improved baggage handling systems. Penrod also mentioned that the airport is updating its master plan and noise contours. He encouraged residents to report any noise concerns through the airport's website or by calling the administration number. During the discussion, John Wight, a Neighborhood District 3 representative from Lakeview North, expressed concerns about noise from flight schools, particularly from instructional flights using the diagonal runway. Penrod acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the importance of reporting specific instances of noise violations. Residents also expressed frustration of not knowing when the Airport Open Houses were happening. Code Enforcement (Zoning) Update Scott Johnson, the Zoning Administrator, and Kendra Herbert, the Code Compliance Officer for the west side, presented an update on code enforcement. Herbert discussed common violations in District 3, including landscaping issues, overgrown fields, inoperable vehicles, trailer parking, trash and junk storage, and unpermitted accessory dwelling units in the SDP5 zone. Johnson explained the code enforcement process, which includes receiving complaints, issuing notices of violation, and potentially pursuing criminal charges or civil fines for non-compliance. He mentioned that the city has recently reintroduced the use of civil fines to increase pressure on properties that are unwilling or unable to come into compliance. Residents asked questions about the appeal process, the maximum fines, and how the city handles repeat offenders. Johnson clarified that there is an appeal process and that the new code allows for escalating fines without a maximum limit. Herbert shared her personal goals as a code enforcement officer, which include being proactive in neighborhoods, building relationships with community members, and scheduling neighborhood blitzes to address areas of concern. Trees in Provo Neighborhood District Coordinator Rachel Breen provided information on behalf of Chaz Addis, the city forester, who was unable to attend. She shared details about various free tree programs available to residents, including: ● Forestry, Fire, and State Lands grant for new tree plantings ● Trees for Energy and Water Conservation giveaway ● Thousand Trees Initiative ● Park strip tree replacement program Rachel explained the process for requesting trees and emphasized that they must be planted in irrigated areas. She also shared information about plans for trees along the Provo River, stating that there are currently no plans to plant additional trees along the river trail as it is considered a natural area, but that very few trees are being removed. Off-leash Dog Park Hours Questionnaire – Melia Dayley, Council Office Melia Dayley from the Council Office presented information about a potential policy for off-leash hours in city parks. She distributed surveys to gather feedback from residents and explained that the results would be presented to the City Council in their June 17th work meeting. Dayley clarified that this initiative is separate from Parks and Recreation's plans for creating new fenced dog parks. She encouraged residents to complete the survey either on paper or online and to provide additional comments about the proposal. Residents expressed concerns about safety issues with off-leash dogs and suggested considering fenced areas instead. Dayley mentioned that the Council is researching policies from other cities in the Intermountain West and welcomes creative suggestions from residents. Proposed General Plan Map Amendment for 12.56 Acres of Land to Reclassify from Commercial to Residential to Develop 150 Townhomes at 1870 South 500 West in the Lakewood Neighborhood Proposed Zone Map Amendment from the FC3 (Freeway Commercial 3) Zone to the LDR (Low Density Residential) Zone for 12.56 Acres of Land to Develop 150 Townhomes at 1870 South 500 West in the Lakewood Neighborhood Jamie Chapman from Foulger Pratt presented a proposal for rezoning approximately 12.56 acres of land from FC3 (Freeway Commercial 3) to LDR (Low Density Residential) to develop 150 rental townhomes. The proposed site is located near the recently approved Walmart site on Lakeview Parkway. Chapman explained that the development would serve as a buffer between the single-family neighborhood to the north and the commercial activity of Walmart. He described the project as "build for rent" townhomes, targeting young families and retirees who may not be ready to purchase a home but want a single-family-like living experience. The site plan included 150 rental townhomes with garages, ample parking spaces, open green spaces, a dog park, and a clubhouse with fitness amenities. Chapman emphasized that the development would exceed the minimum parking requirement and that residents would be required to park in their garages. Residents raised concerns about the lack of homeownership opportunities and the potential impact on the community. They also inquired about the target market, amenities access, and property management plans. Chapman addressed these questions, stating that the development would be professionally managed and that amenities would primarily be for residents but not gated. Some residents expressed disappointment that the units would not be for sale, citing the need for increased homeownership opportunities in the area. Chapman explained that his company specializes in multifamily apartment developments and that the financing mechanism for rental properties differs from for-sale developments. Questions were also raised about drainage, the existing pump house, and the potential for a trail along the property line. Chapman acknowledged these concerns and mentioned that they were working with Provo City Engineering to develop solutions for drainage issues. Update on the Provo River Channel Rachel Breen provided a summary of a presentation given to the City Council by Michael Mills of the Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission. Key points included: ● Most of the Provo River Delta work was completed and opened to the public in October 2024. ● The focus has shifted to improvements along the original channel between Lakeshore Drive and Utah Lake State Park. ● A minimum flow of 10 cubic feet per second is dedicated to this channel for recreational and ecological benefits. ● A new diversion structure was built in early 2025 to handle both low and high flows more effectively. ● Aeration systems have been installed to maintain oxygen levels and support a community fishery. ● A new small dam is under construction to stabilize water levels, expected to be completed by the end of July 2025. ● Two non-motorized boat launch ramps and three fishing platforms will be added. ● The area is now a designated community fishery, with recent stocking of rainbow trout. ● Mosquito monitoring and control measures are in place. ● The trail from Lakeshore Drive to Utah Lake State Park will be repaved in early 2026. ● Provo City will open the new Delta Gateway Park on June 20, 2025. Rachel also provided information on how residents can report mosquito concerns to the Utah County Health Department. Update on UDOT's Geneva Road Project Rachel provided an update on the Orem Geneva Road project and the Lakeview Parkway expansion, that the Lakeview Parkway would eventually connect to Geneva Road via 2000 North, creating an intentional left-hand turn to redirect traffic from Geneva Road to Lakeview Parkway. Residents expressed concerns about the lack of plans to widen Geneva Road and improve pedestrian safety. Councilor Becky Bogdan, Representative Lisa Shepherd, and former Representative Marsha Judkins explained that funding has been reallocated, and UDOT currently has no plans to widen Geneva Road or add sidewalks. They encouraged residents to continue advocating for improvements and suggested that Provo City might need to take the initiative to address safety concerns along Geneva Road. Update on District 3's Matching Grant and Service Projects Neighborhood District 3 Secretary Brooke Barnes provided an update on the matching grant project for District 3 - improvement of the South Frontage Road near the freeway underpass. The project aims to address issues with dumping and improve the appearance of the area by adding gravel to the shoulder. Brooke also mentioned ongoing efforts to clean up the area and encouraged residents to report their service hours to help meet the matching grant requirements. Public Comment Rachel spoke about the new UTA On Demand service in Neighborhood District 3. Councilor Bogdin encouraged residents to use it so they could get bus service to their area. Rachel spoke about the detour at 600 South for utility improvements and to install a sidewalk. Residents expressed frustration that Public Works decided to do this project now when they could’ve waited two weeks for school to let out, as this is disrupting access to the school. During the public comment period, residents expressed concerns about the lack of progress on improving Geneva Road. They discussed the need for safer pedestrian and bicycle access along the road and suggested that the community should work together to advocate for improvements. Councilor Bogdan and other city representatives acknowledged the frustrations and explained that while Provo City is actively working to address these issues, funding and prioritization at the state level have been challenges. They encouraged residents to continue voicing their concerns and suggested exploring alternative funding sources for safety improvements. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned, with the chair thanking everyone for attending and encouraging continued communication on the issues discussed.