After a staff report, discussion from the applicants and questions from commissioners, Snyderville Planning Commission unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit to allow the building of a private indoor soccer arena. Although some neighbors voiced their displeasure.
As we’ve reported the county’s planning staff recommended approval for a Conditional Use Permit for a building over 14,000 square feet in Silver Creek.
The Snyderville Planning Commission approved the building unanimously, the building will have a soccer arena, a mother-in-law type apartment and a warm-up and storage space. The nine-acre parcel also has a single-family home, a barn and an outdoor riding arena.
In the report the staff addressed several concerns brought up by the public in an October planning commission meeting. Commissioner Joel Fine asked for clarification on whether commercial use would be allowed or not. The applicant Matthew Gilmour answered.
“There won’t be any commercial use on the building at all. It’s just strictly for private use, family and friends. No leagues. There’s no parking to suggest that we’ll have a capacity to even facilitate those kinds of activities. So it’s just strictly for friends and family.”
Gilmour also pointed out that the pitch was not full size but will be built instead to hold 10 players as opposed to the standard 22.
In the staff report to the commission it was noted that within about 1,500 feet of the property there are three structures of nearly the same size and design as the indoor soccer field. Commissioner John Kucera asked County Planner Ray Milliner a follow up question.
“The three that are over 10,000 square feet, that’s not all on one property is it?” Kucera asked, “No,” Milliner replied, “they’re all each on separate properties.”
When a motion was put forth to approve the project one citizen in attendance objected asking if they were allowed to speak, Commission Chair Bea Peck explained why they wouldn’t be taking public comments.
“I’m sorry we’ve had a public hearing, this is not a public hearing.” Commission Chair Bea Peck explained.
“But this is misinformation here, how can you approve it on misinformation?” One Silver Creek resident asked.
“So, I’m going to ask you that if you’d like to talk to the director of development after the meeting or Ray, you are welcome to,” Peck replied, “but right now we’re in a process.”
“I just wondered if we got to comment on misinformation that’s being provided to you guys to make your decision.” The same resident said.
“Again, I’m happy to have you speak to Pat or Ray after the meeting.” Peck said, “but it’s not appropriate right now to interrupt right in the middle of a—I apricate it thank you.”
Of about eight people in attendance seeming half were there to support the project while the other half were against, an additional three people who expressed they were against the property showed up after the meeting had ended.
