Residents urge commission to limit Wasatch Crest facility to 16 clients at hearing

Concerns over a proposed increase in client capacity for a treatment facility dominated the Snyderville Basin Planning Commission meeting on November 8, 2022. Community members voiced strong opposition to the application for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) that would allow the facility to operate with 24 clients, arguing that the original approval for 16 clients should remain unchanged.

Carrie Thompson, a local resident with extensive experience in mental health and substance abuse, emphasized the importance of adhering to the 29 conditions set forth by the neighborhood. She argued that the proposed increase would significantly impact the community, citing the need for more staffing and increased traffic associated with a higher client count. “If you are voting to approve this application, please approve it at 16 clients,” Thompson urged the commission, highlighting that the facility's financial viability should not dictate a change in capacity.

Another resident, Gavin Mains, referenced protective covenants from 1979 that restrict property use to residential purposes, warning that approving the increase could set a precedent for future expansions that might further disrupt the neighborhood. He expressed concern over potential future uses of the property if the treatment facility were to close, suggesting that it could lead to more disruptive developments.

The commission listened to these concerns as they deliberated on the application, with community members advocating for a cautious approach to ensure that the character of the neighborhood is preserved. The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between the need for treatment facilities and the desire of residents to maintain the integrity of their community. The commission's decision on the CUP remains pending, with significant implications for both the facility and the surrounding area.