Developer proposes 26 units of workforce housing in new redevelopment project

The Snyderville Basin Planning Commission convened on January 10, 2023, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on workforce housing in the area. The meeting began with a review of previous discussions regarding the need for affordable housing, particularly in light of ongoing redevelopment efforts.

The primary topic addressed was the potential for constructing workforce housing within a new development project. Although the current redevelopment does not legally require the inclusion of affordable housing, the developer expressed a willingness to incorporate it into their plans. The commission highlighted the pressing need for workforce housing in the region, prompting the developer to explore various options for its inclusion.

During the meeting, the developer presented a proposed location for the workforce housing, which was illustrated on a map shared with the commission. They considered placing the housing above a nearby Harmon's grocery store but determined that the existing height restrictions and design features would not accommodate this option. Instead, they identified several alternative locations on the large property that could effectively house the proposed units.

The developer committed to constructing 26 unit equivalents of affordable housing, which aligns with the requirements that would apply if the project were subject to current housing codes. They proposed to include a condition in the development agreement that would ensure the completion of these units within 30 months of receiving a certificate of occupancy for the Harmon's application. The developer has already begun preliminary discussions and design work with architects to visualize the housing project.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to revisit the proposal once the Harmon's application is approved, allowing for further discussion on the specifics of the workforce housing design and implementation. The commission emphasized the importance of addressing the housing needs in the community and looks forward to the developer's forthcoming application.