The proposed Commons at Newpark development is still the center of controversy. A group of appellants has filed a challenge against the approval given to the plan by the county manager.
The project, proposed by Newpark developer Gary Crandall and his sons Matt and Ryan, would create a building of over 10,000 square feet in a parcel to the west of the Newpark amphitheater. The project, comprised of seven townhomes, got a positive recommendation from the Snyderville Planning Commission last winter.
On June 28th, county manager Tom Fisher gave an approval to the project.
But a group, under the name “Preserve the Newpark Plaza” contends the project is out of compliance with Newpark’s Development Agreement and its “Specially Planned Area” plan book.
The group includes Newpark-area businessman who have opposed the project, such as Chris Retzer, Chris Eggleton, Jim Doilney and Marc Wangsgard.
They said in the appeal that the project doesn’t comply with Design and Site Plan restrictions—namely, that the building cannot be more than two or three stories tall—building fronting Main Street in Newpark must have storefront windows at street level, and buildings in Zone One, which covers the Crandall parcel, must be built to the property line—that is, have a zero setback.
The proposed commons building is 43 feet tall. The appellants claim that county planners have misinterpreted a footnote in Newpark’s Plan Book to conclude that buildings could be up to 45 feet high.
The appeal also says that while the neighboring Newpark Hotel is over three stories, that was part of the original design of the project.
And they also say that a “shadow study” done by the developers themselves, show the buildings will have a negative impact on the plaza during typical community gathering hours.