SALT LAKE CITY — Dozens of people spoke out opposing the proposal in public comment. Many stated they were concerned about preserving the natural beauty of the area.
Prime real estate sitting next to Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City was the site of a proposed project that some claimed could have brought millions to the city. That was until the Salt Lake City Council voted down a rezoning, stopping it.
The battle between growth and preservation at 1300 East and 2100 South has been brewing for months. The site — once home to a Sizzler — was proposed for the 145-room boutique hotel. But to build it, the developer, Magnus Hotel Management, needed the city to rezone the property to allow a larger, denser project.
For some neighbors, that change was too much, with concerns about traffic, a changing skyline, and more density.
On Tuesday, more than a dozen people lined up to speak about those concerns to the city council last night, and in the end, councilmembers unanimously rejected the rezone request — pointing to the community pushback.
"Others spoke about long-term planning… honoring the community plan… and how today’s decisions shape our future,” said District 7 Councilwoman Sarah Young.
Council members explained the rejection was about more than one project, but what it meant for Sugar House long-term.
Magnus Hotel Management says the hotel would have brought millions through jobs and tax revenue, but understands community concerns.
“I respect the public opinions… it is a special place and deserves to be protected," said developer John Potter with Magnus Hotel Management.
Even with his project off the table, Potter said growth is coming, just differently. And with that pressure still building, Sugar House's future is far from settled.
“It’s great news," said one resident of the rezone rejection. "It’s a unique property, and it’d be a shame to turn it into something else.”
