By Rachel Jefferies

NORTH LOGAN -- A decision to approve expansion of Utah State's "Innovation Campus" was tabled by the City Council because of neighbors' concerns with potential traffic and noise issues.

In a public hearing this month, neighbors of the site disapproved of the campus's request to rezone 125 acres of USU property between 1400 and 1800 North and 600 to 1200 East. The proposal would change the current agriculture and single-family residential zones to a high technology and research zone (M-2) expansion.

Teresa McKnight, Innovation Campus manager, said expansion of the campus would maintain its ability to be "state of the art and innovative."

"We're not happy this is going to happen in our community," resident Val King said, representing citizens on 1000 East. "We're concerned with companies bringing traffic and noise pollution."

Craig Loosle, who lives above the subdivision, said that noise from the campus's air conditioner and ventilation system is "bothersome to our neighborhood."

When there is a problem, "we try to rectify it as quickly as possible," said McKnight. She said $35,000 was used for a sound wall and no complaints have been given since. Large acreage exists between the development area and homes, making noise issues minimal.

Located on 38 acres, the campus has room to expand in excess of 3,150 acres--an unfavorable aspect for residents that bought homes in the city because of the "openness" of agricultural land.

"I love the university and what it does for the community," resident Alan Spendlove said. "I'm just concerned about the property value changing with this new zoning structure. I'm not concerned about what goes in--just that it all goes in as stated."

Loosle said that expansion would fail to generate tax revenues and benefits for the city, but McKnight pointed out that tax revenue would be given to the city through university and payroll taxes.

There was some trepidation by the council about the permitted and conditional land uses placed on the proposed additions, something they agreed needed to be re-evaluated. Conditional use allows the planning commission to place restrictions on the area. Councilman Trent Wentz suggested that certain proposed additions with permitted uses (a pet hospital, museum and university) be changed to conditional uses.

"I think any discomfort [from neighbors] is because of a lack of acquaintance [with the master plan]," Councilman Gordon Younker said.

Residents were encouraged to attend presentations on March 18 for more information regarding the Innovation Campus expansion plan. McKnight welcomed everyone to call 797-9610 to get presentation times and places.

Councilman Lloyd Berentzen said the council would like the public to see the presentation before taking any action. A continuation of the public hearing will take place March 20.

"I've worked with the university a long time," Mayor Val Potter said. "I think [rezoning] would be good for the university, for North Logan and for the valley."

The campus's intention is to further the use of research development and education, McKnight said. "We want something to be proud of."

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