I'm not sure if this is a power grab by Anderson Development or not. It has all the makings of one though.
Anderson appears to be doing an end run around Vineyard to develop the old Geneva site. The way Anderson is going about things makes it seem a little suspect. Basically, the development company is asking Utah County to create an RDA (Redevelopment Agency) - even though Vineyard claims it can handle it. An RDA is kind of like a separate governing/taxing entity so it would essentially limit Vineyard's say in what and how Anderson develops the property.
Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs not withstanding the old Geneva site is really one of the last prime development opportunities in Utah County. So this is a big deal. It's important that it be done right. By right I'm including proper transportation infrastructure - can you imagine '000s of homes right off of 1600 North in Orem with cars all trying to get on and off I-15 during rush hour? It needs the right mix of industrial and commercial zoning, residential zoning - multi-unit/single unit mix, ect...this is a big deal for our neck of the woods in Utah County.
My question is why is Anderson treating Vineyard like a pebble in its shoe? I realize its a tiny city but why not engage and be good corporate citizens? I think transparency in government is the best practice and in this case a little transparency into the motives behind the move towards a county level RDA would go a long ways. Is it for financing purposes? infrastructure? planning? what?
There may be very good reasons for the County to do this versus Vineyard, but I have yet to see Anderson Development make the case - at least publicly.
No comments:
Post a Comment