Park City residents urge council to reject Dakota Pacific development proposal

Concerns over a controversial development project dominated the Summit County Council meeting on March 8, 2023, as residents voiced strong opposition to Dakota Pacific's proposal. Community members expressed fears that the project would exacerbate existing traffic issues and fail to deliver on promises of affordable housing.

Bridal Moran, a resident of Thames Canyon, highlighted the ethical implications of partnering with Dakota Pacific, citing concerns over the integrity of their traffic studies and the potential for the project to worsen community conditions. "The traffic study is insulting," Moran stated, urging council members to reject the proposal based on the developer's track record.

Vicky Gwen, a long-time Park City resident, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the project to be entirely designated for affordable workforce housing if it were to proceed. "If I'm going to suffer through a nightmarish traffic that this project will create, then at least I'll feel better knowing that the sacrifices are for a worthy cause," she remarked.

Alan Levy from Jeremy Ranch also raised alarms about the project's impact on traffic, describing his own struggles navigating the area. He criticized the timing of the traffic study, suggesting it was conducted during a period of low traffic, which misrepresented the project's potential effects.

The council's deliberations reflect a growing concern among residents about the balance between development and community needs. As discussions continue, the council faces pressure to prioritize ethical considerations and the well-being of Summit County residents in their decision-making process.