A small number of residents voiced their concern this week about the proposed commercial zoning planned for 11060 North and Alpine Highway - more commonly known as Four Corners.
While most residents at the Planning Commission meeting Tuesday night supported the proposal, they did have concerns."I have a problem personally locating in that (Four Corners) area," a resident said. "We will attract the type of businesses I would not want in the city."
Ed Scott, who is chairman of the Planning Commission and mainly responsible for the commercial zoning report, said a survey showed that 70 percent of the citizens wanted the zoning only at the Four Corners area.
He also said that businesses were interested in the area and that a study done by a Brigham Young University student said Four Corners would be the only feasible area to zone commercially.
Another resident mentioned increased traffic congestion in the intersection. He wanted to know who would be responsible for widening the highway if that becomes necessary.
"The commercial developer wouldn't be responsible for widening a state road," Scott said. "It isn't in their jurisdiction."
However, Councilman Glen Thurgood said, "We do require developers to submit a traffic impact statement." That would allow the city assess future traffic.
A resident asked the commission why the proposal prohibited light industry and restaurants. The resident said Highland's younger residents would benefit from the jobs.
Scott again referred to the survey that showed 55 percent were in favor of small businesses such as ice cream parlors or yogurt shops. But 76 percent were opposed to a restaurant.
"Even when we distinguished between fast-food restaurant and a sit-down restaurant, the people were opposed to it," Scott said.
On the issue of group homes, Scott reaffirmed the commission's belief that they "are setting aside an area but are not going to zone it for commercial until we have a planned proposal from a developer."
By doing this, the city will be able to keep all the zones in the city single-family dwellings - which exclude group homes.
One resident said the city has the responsibility to allow group homes.
"That's fine - they can go next door to me. I'll sell them a lot," he said.
Gaylene Rogers lives at the Four Corners area and, according to Thurgood, would be affected the most by the proposal.
"I moved out here 19 years ago and built my own place and planned to live there until they planted me in the ground," Rogers said. Rogers also said people in Highland have a "not-in-my-back-yard attitude" but for some reason, the commission chose his back yard.
Scott said he was "surprised about the low turnout. I expected a lot more opposition." The proposal will now go back to the Planning Commission for any revisions and then be presented to the City Council.