David Lillywhite can start work on an 8-unit townhouse style apartment complex at 600 West. Wednesday night the city council approved changing the property zoning from general commercial (GC) to residential multiple (RM). The change finalizes the allowed uses of the long-disputed property.

“Apartments bring a lot of problems,” said Sharon Meikle who addressed the council during the public hearing. Meikle, a Salt Lake City resident, owns and rents the house directly west of Lillywhite’s property. She said she didn’t think apartments were compatible with the nearby single family homes.

Amber Griggs told the council that she’d much rather have it be residential multiple than general commercial. “There’s a lot less that can be put there,” she said. “It’s more compatible to the housing in that area.”

Mayor Simmons asked if Lillywhite considered selling the property. Lillywhite said there was an offer but he’d have to pay half of the money in taxes. He’d rather keep the property and do something worthwhile with it.

Ginger Hoffman pointed out that Lillywhite could push for the 24-unit extended stay motel. It is an allowable use under general commercial. That Lillywhite would come back to the council with only 8-units showed his willingness to accommodate his neighbors.

Hoffman also pointed out that if Lillywhite sold the property, it’s still zoned GC and the new owners might not be as accommodating.

The council members present — Brent Buttars, Michael Oliverson and Barbara Kent — voted to change the zoning to RM. Kris Monson and William Wood were absent.

Summit Drive Safety

Several citizens asked the council to consider improving pedestrian safety along a portion of Summit Drive. They expressed concern that the curving road, lack of sidewalks, and the speeding cars were a great danger to their children.

They made several suggestions including adding speed bumps, increasing police patrols, adding sidewalks. These ideas are difficult at best. Speed bumps make snow removal almost impossible, the police don’t have the manpower to monitor only one street, and sidewalks would require drastic changes to yards along the street.

Another option suggested by the citizens is to stripe one side of Summit Drive. Make the area a no-parking zone. And use it as an implied pedestrian path. Also paint large 15 MPH signs on the road.

Michael Oliverson said he would meet with the group and discuss ideas on how they can help increase safety on Summit Drive.

Skyline awarded design contract

Skyline Architects of Logan were awarded the contract to design the new Smithfield Police Station. A small committee had met with Design West, Skyline and other firms in the area. They felt that Skyline had the best history of building affordable structures (around $100 per square foot). Chief McCoy and the council all said they don’t need to build a landmark building. Just a functional structure is necessary.

The council approved Skyline Architects to design the new building.

Salaries approved

The salary schedule for city officials and employees was approved.