The latest initiatives for a brand new stadium district in Salt Lake City's Fairpark neighborhood are making significant progress towards becoming a reality. This potential transformation holds great promise for the area and is set to bring about a series of changes that could shape the future of the city.

Transforming Salt Lake City's Fairpark Neighborhood with a New Stadium

Planning and Enthusiasm

In a public session held on Tuesday, a diverse group of neighbors and business leaders expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity to transform the industrial area along North Temple by the Jordan River. They envision it becoming a west-side gem, with a focus on home construction for all income levels. This approach is expected to bring essential amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and other services, creating a vibrant and sustainable community.Intense discussions are currently underway between the city and the developer, The Larry H. Miller Co. Regarding a set of custom-made zoning rules mandated by state law for developing the 93 acres of fairgrounds, utility yards, and the river corridor. The Miller company aims to overhaul this area just west of downtown, transforming it into a more walkable, mixed-use community that integrates retail, entertainment, and residential elements, all centered around a future baseball stadium nestled along the refreshed river.

Community Benefits and Concerns

The council has taken steps to set aside up to 18% of the land as open space and establish design standards for new buildings along North Temple and Redwood Road. They are also working to ensure added community benefits are documented before the state deadline expires. Council member Alejandro Puy emphasized the shared goal of providing an economic boost to the area, adding more housing for families of various incomes, and ensuring the safety and accessibility of the neighborhood for all residents.However, there are also concerns. Longtime west-side resident and former council member Carlton Christensen believes these plans could help realize long-held dreams of revitalizing and overcoming development barriers that have existed for nearly a century. But he also warns that time alone may not be enough to correct all mistakes.Businesses along the North Temple corridor have shown significant interest in the plan. Many point out that this area and its gateway between the city and the expanded Salt Lake City International Airport have been economically stagnant for decades. Lucy Cardenas, co-owner of the popular Red Iguana Mexican restaurant, expressed her eagerness for dynamic businesses to move into the neighborhood and make it a place to be proud of.Søren Simonsen, head of the Jordan River Commission, views these plans as a multigenerational opportunity to transform one of the more industrial parts of the Jordan River.

Planning Commission's Views

The planning commission gave a mixed review to an earlier version of the rezone. Two members warned of the need for vital changes. Bree Scheer, a professor emeritus of architecture and city and metropolitan planning at the University of Utah, suggested adding a clause to the development agreement with Miller in case the company scraps its stadium plan. She emphasized the importance of not giving up all oversight on the 100-acre site.Fellow planning commissioner Brian Scott noted that while the Miller vision is great, the zoning is very thin and allows for a wide range of possibilities. He pointed out that Miller already has an abandoned baseball stadium and is now moving forward with the Power District and a new stadium. The most concerning aspect, according to Scott, is a key portion of HB562 that automatically gives the same zoning to properties within 200 feet of the district's boundaries upon purchase by the Miller company. This could lead to a significant increase in land prices and accelerated development, potentially pushing people out of the area.Construction of the new Bees ballpark in Daybreak is also a reminder of the changes happening in the city. It shows the potential for growth and transformation in different parts of Salt Lake City.Overall, the new stadium district in Salt Lake City's Fairpark neighborhood is a complex project with both opportunities and challenges. It has the potential to bring significant benefits to the community but also requires careful consideration and planning to ensure a sustainable and inclusive development.