A proposed master plan seeks to preserve this eastside community's single-family neighborhood atmosphere, suggests building a village square and recommends against further Murray annexation.
The master plan was presented by the South Cottonwood Community Council, and will be the subject of a public hearing before the Salt Lake County Commission on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. The proposal makes neighborhood stability a high priority.The South Cottonwood community is between Murray-Holladay Road (about 4800 South) on the north, I-215 on the south, and between 900 East and Highland Drive. According to the 1990 Census, the population was 20,440 and was expected to increase to 22,150 over the next decade.
Tied to maintaining the area's residential nature is a recommendation to limit further commercial development except in areas already designated for commercial growth.
"This master plan encourages the continued development of traditional subdivisions similar to existing ones," it reads.
At the same time, the plan also discourages additional duplex, apartment and condominium development.
The plan also tells Murray City to keep its boundary at 900 East.
"The identity and cohesiveness of South Cottonwood and its residents should be maintained. . . . The boundary of 900 East creates a logical and obvious physical line that should be maintained," the plan reads.
New commercial development will be allowed in areas that are already zoned commercial, and the plan encourages businesses to be re-established at the Spring Run Plaza before other development is approved.
The plan also recommends that a committee of the South Cottonwood Community Council and interested residents pursue the creation of a village square or community focal point. The project would be a private venture.
"The South Cottonwood area has a rich heritage and should be shared and seen," the plan says of the concept.
Other highlights of the plan include:
- Correcting pedestrian hazards at 5600 S. Van Winkle Expressway where Bonneville Junior High School students must cross to get to school. Priorities are needed for sidewalk construction, busing, speed enforcement and warning devices, the plan says.
- The plan calls for several road improvements, including the completion of a 900 East widening project, widening 1300 East from 4800 South to Vine Street, widening Highland Drive from 5000 South to Vine Street and widening Murray-Holladay Road from 900 East to 1300 East.
- The plan calls for sidewalk construction on 5600 South from 900 East to Highland Drive and on Vine Street from 900 East to Highland Drive.
- Construction of a 10-acre Woodland Park site located on Hyland Lake Drive.
- Ten acres of privately owned property at 900 East and 6600 South should be acquired and incorporated into the Wheeler Historic Farm to prevent development there, the plan says.
- Trails and paths should be developed along canals, flood plain areas and abandoned rights of way.
****Additional information
How to get copies
Residents can borrow a copy of the master plan or buy a copy for $5 at the Salt Lake County Planning Division office, County Government Center, N-3700, 2001 S. State.