Community advocates push for affordable housing in Snyderville Basin zone change

In a recent meeting of the Eastern Summit County Planning Commission, community members voiced their concerns and hopes for the future of housing in the region. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as discussions centered around the pressing need for affordable housing and sustainable development.

One speaker, reflecting on their own experiences growing up in the Snyderville Basin, emphasized the importance of planning that prioritizes local residents. They shared their personal journey of living in deed-restricted affordable housing, highlighting how crucial such options are for maintaining community integrity. “I wish we had it in place when I grew up,” they remarked, underscoring the need for proactive measures to ensure that future generations can afford to live in the area.

The speaker expressed support for a proposed zone change and the village overlay plan but urged developers, specifically the Larry H. Miller Group and Ivory Homes, to focus on affordability. They suggested implementing strategies that prioritize the local workforce, such as requiring homes to be primary residences and preventing the influx of investment properties. “If you look at area median income, $500,000 for a home is not affordable in this area,” they cautioned, warning that without careful planning, the region could see an influx of vacation homes that would further displace local residents.

The call for sustainable growth resonated throughout the meeting, with participants acknowledging that while growth is inevitable, ensuring it is sustainable and affordable is not guaranteed. The speaker concluded with a hopeful note, urging developers to present plans that not only address housing needs but also consider the impacts of climate change, advocating for a development approach that is more sustainable than past efforts seen in other parts of the county.

As the commission continues to deliberate on these critical issues, the community remains engaged, eager to see a future where affordability and sustainability go hand in hand.