Complaints against proposed apartments usually come from nearby residents who don't want increased noise and traffic congestion. But an entirely different argument was used Tuesday against plans for a 216-unit apartment complex in Clearfield.
Some residents don't want the 15 acres, near 580 S. State, west of Tom's Thriftway, rezoned from commercial to residential because they believe Clearfield needs the commercial land to retain viability as a business community.Councilman Don Ormsby agreed. He thinks the area is still suited for commercial growth and that, at most, only the north side of the property should have limited residential units.
The developer, Larry Taylor of LHT Properties, said he's tried for almost eight years to sell the property for commercial use and has attracted only Tom's and Layton Office Supply.
The City Council will continue the public hearing later because the issue is also compounded by a wetland area on the property that needs further study.
Taylor said Smith's Foods wouldn't build there and neither will other big companies. PayLess Drug said it would be interested in the site but couldn't build until the nearby Roy PayLess gets enough customer base to justify a new store in the area.
He said his proposal retains about three acres for limited commercial use. He said he'd prefer more lucrative commercial development, but that's just not possible now.
Taylor plans to spend $8 million on a 10-apartment-building complex, with a park, swimming pool, clubhouse, more than two parking spaces per unit and more than twice the usual landscaping budget.