West Valley council weighs buying former church properties for community resource centers
February 23, 2025 | Events, West Valley City, Salt Lake County, Utah
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West Valley City council members spent part of their Feb. 2 budget retreat discussing an informal proposal to acquire three soon-to-be-vacant church properties and convert them for use as community resource centers (CRCs).
A council member introduced the opportunity, describing one parcel with a gym and roughly 6.5 acres and saying early talks with the church board indicate the buildings could be acquired on a favorable schedule. Greg, a program representative for My Hometown (the nonprofit operator discussed during the meeting), told the council the organization aims to train resident leaders and recruit volunteers so centers can be managed increasingly by local residents.
The group discussed a rent-option approach that would begin with modest monthly payments and stagger purchases over two to three years rather than buying all three immediately. Council members and staff flagged repair needs including plumbing and other maintenance; participants estimated some repairs might range from about $50,000 up to $100,000, with larger operational costs to come. A council member said the churches would remove religious fixtures but might leave usable equipment such as pianos and audiovisual gear, which could reduce upfront costs.
City staff said the acquisition could create park and recreation opportunities — including fields and pavilion space — in areas where land values make new park land costly. Supporters argued that removing denominational branding would broaden participation in programs now limited by faith-affiliated space. Opponents and some council members raised concerns about long‑term funding and whether the city should assume responsibilities currently provided by volunteers.
No formal action to purchase property was taken at the retreat. Staff said they would perform a maintenance and cost assessment and return with more detailed financing options, while some council members suggested staggering purchases to spread costs.
The matter remains at the discussion stage; council members said next steps would include staff analysis of maintenance needs, a clearer financing plan and follow-up at a future budget meeting.
A council member introduced the opportunity, describing one parcel with a gym and roughly 6.5 acres and saying early talks with the church board indicate the buildings could be acquired on a favorable schedule. Greg, a program representative for My Hometown (the nonprofit operator discussed during the meeting), told the council the organization aims to train resident leaders and recruit volunteers so centers can be managed increasingly by local residents.
The group discussed a rent-option approach that would begin with modest monthly payments and stagger purchases over two to three years rather than buying all three immediately. Council members and staff flagged repair needs including plumbing and other maintenance; participants estimated some repairs might range from about $50,000 up to $100,000, with larger operational costs to come. A council member said the churches would remove religious fixtures but might leave usable equipment such as pianos and audiovisual gear, which could reduce upfront costs.
City staff said the acquisition could create park and recreation opportunities — including fields and pavilion space — in areas where land values make new park land costly. Supporters argued that removing denominational branding would broaden participation in programs now limited by faith-affiliated space. Opponents and some council members raised concerns about long‑term funding and whether the city should assume responsibilities currently provided by volunteers.
No formal action to purchase property was taken at the retreat. Staff said they would perform a maintenance and cost assessment and return with more detailed financing options, while some council members suggested staggering purchases to spread costs.
The matter remains at the discussion stage; council members said next steps would include staff analysis of maintenance needs, a clearer financing plan and follow-up at a future budget meeting.
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