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River Heights to annex 10 acres of undeveloped property By
Leon D'souza RIVER HEIGHTS The city became a little bit larger this week when the City Council voted unanimously to annex about 10 acres of undeveloped property that borders River Heights and Providence. Under the new ordinance, the property of Stephen Roberts and Don Henderson was rezoned from Agricultural to PUD (Planned Unit Development), with plans underway to construct a higher density, planned community with open wilderness area along Spring Creek. "I really believe that this new development will be one of the nicest high density developments in all of Cache County," said Councilman Mike Jablonski, planning and zoning administrator. "It has the most innovative design I've seen and would fit in extremely well with the environment." "This land needs to be in River Heights," said Councilman Brent Greenhalgh. The project has brought out tensions between River Heights and Providence because $97,000 in conservation easements by the Quality Growth Commission may be granted for the open space preserved around Spring Creek. With the annexation, the development overlaps the borders of both cities, so River Heights and Providence applied for the easement jointly. Recently, though, Providence routed Spring Creek Parkway through part of the land that was designated for preservation, and that still needs to be cleared with the Quality Growth Commission. "Unfortunately, I think the grant is at risk, and I fear we will lose it," said Jablonski. "A deadline is fast approaching, and right now, the ball is in Providence's court to make sure it is all ready on time. Yes, I am harping on Providence without apology." Roberts assured the Council that the project will continue with or without the easements. According to Roberts, this project has been in the making for more than two years. In it, the homes will be placed closely together, but they will have classic style architecture with less emphasis on the garages. Roberts said this would give everyone one in the area equal access to the stream. The community will privately own the streets, sidewalks, open grass, and nature trails that will run through it. During public comment, there was no opposition to the development, but there was considerable concern about the placing of the streets in and adjacent to it. "We really want to make sure the streets have a country lane feel," said River Heights resident Karl Shupe. "Widening the roads or connecting them to create a 'straight shot' through town is going to ruin them." Discussion about specific details of the development was tabled to a planning and zoning meeting at a later date.
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