Keep Upper Creek/Wasatch Neighborhood Green

294

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The Issue

Our community thrives on its green spaces, and we are a community that values the outdoors. Our neighborhood is where our children play, families gather, we have peace from the city, and the mountains breathe alongside us. 

But the impending sale of 28 acres at the foot of the Wasatch threatens this. What developers build here will shape our streets, our views, and where our kids can play. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is selling a large plot of land in Cottonwood Heights at 8282 S Wasatch Blvd (MLS# 2188017). This is currently open, undeveloped land. The lot was listed on September 29 and the church is accepting offers up to October 28th. The decisions made by the developer, whomever purchases this land, will affect EVERY STREET in the Upper Creek/Wasatch neighborhoods. 

  • We are asking developers, with the assistance of the city, to keep this land as green as possible: open space, trails, and pathways.
  • We are asking for no increase in density, beyond current zoning.
  • We are asking for thoughtful traffic plans that keep our surrounding streets quiet, and safe for kids, the elderly, dogs and other residents and pedestrians. 

We know, as current residents, that turning this land into a park offers numerous benefits to our community,  promising a sanctuary for local flora and fauna and a safe haven for residents to engage in recreational activities. According to the National Recreation and Park Association, access to parks and green spaces is directly linked to improved mental health, increased physical activity, and overall community well-being. These benefits should not be underestimated, especially in our rapidly developing city, where such spaces are increasingly scarce. Importantly, the City of Cottonwood Heights public engagement exercises, including those towards an updated General Plan, consistently identify expanded parks, trails, and open spaces as an overwhelming priority of the community.

However, we also realistically recognize that development and growth is inevitable. We are urging the community to engage in this process so that this development can be done in accordance with our community's values, and in a way that respects our above stated goals.  By signing this petition, you are adding your name and voice to this collective request.

If you want to be involved: 

Email: 8282wasatchneighbors@gmail.com to stay updated on next steps and future meetings with your neighbors.

Speak up: Cottonwood Height City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, with public comment at 7 PM

The Decision Makers

Cottonwood Heights City Council
4 Members
1 Responded
Ellen Birrell
Cottonwood Heights City Council - District 4
“Thank you to everyone who has signed the Change.org petition regarding the 28 acres for sale at 8282 S Wasatch Blvd. As your District 4 Representative, I hear your concerns about dense development overriding our green spaces. While Cottonwood Heights has historically punched above its weight in securing parks and open space—such as 2020 26-acre SR-210 parcel (east side of SR-210 aka "Wasatch Blvd"), 2022 Ferguson Park, 2024 Hillside Plaza for a town center with open space and 2026 Summer Hills Park — municipal budgets for land acquisition are finite. To explore every avenue, I am coordinating with Mayor Bennion and have reached out to Salt Lake County's Open Space & Parks division to see if a regional partnership is possible. At a minimum, the city can advocate for designs that include non-motorized, serene pathways and access for all residents to keep neighborhoods walkable and peaceful. Ordinance and policy improvements don't happen in a vacuum—they are driven by active citizens. Your five elected representatives are here to serve you, but we need your sustained presence to push these initiatives forward. Please voice your expectations directly to each of your five elected representatives. You can also join us at upcoming City Council meetings held the first and third Tuesday of each month/7PM is public comment time. (Unfortunately, the normally scheduled October 6th council meeting was cancelled.) Keep holding us accountable to the community you want to build. In community, Ellen Birrell Council Member District 4 [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]”
Suzanne Hyland
Cottonwood Heights City Council - District 2
Matt Holton
Cottonwood Heights City Council - District 1
Gay Bennion
Cottonwood Heights City Mayor
Jared Gerber
City Manager

Petition Updates