LOGAN – The Logan Planning Commission has denied a request for a zone change and subdivision permit for a proposed mixed residential development on the west side of Logan. Ben Steele, authorized agent/owner of Rivergate LLC, had requested a rezone of approximately 35 acres from Suburban Neighborhood Residential (NR-4) to Mixed Residential Transitional (MR-9) to develop a 208-lot mixed residential subdivision that would include 82 single-family building lots and 126 townhome lots located at approximately 1095 West 600 South. This proposed development, known as Sugar Creek, would be located to the east of a recently-approved 109 lot subdivision, also being developed by Rivergate LLC.

During last Thursday’s meeting, the commission reviewed the request and listened to input from both the developer and members of the public. Steele spoke about the need for more affordable, attainable housing in Logan, while members of the public expressed concerns about traffic, water drainage, and the need for parks in the area.

Ultimately, the commission voted to recommend denial of the zone change request to the Municipal Council. Commissioner Eldon Peterson stated that he cannot support a rezone, the city council downzoned this area for a reason. Commissioner Jordy Guth said that high-density housing is important and that many large properties in Logan offer high-density housing. Commissioner Jessica Lucero asked if there could be a restriction placed on the property with a rezone that would only allow six units per acre, but the commission ultimately recommended denial.

The recommended findings for denial included that the Logan City Future Land Use Plan identifies the area as Detached Residential (DR), the Woodruff Neighborhood Plan plans for this area as Detached Residential (DR), and the nearest Multi-Family Zone (MR) is approximately 2,500 linear feet away.

While some members of the commission acknowledged the need for mixed housing developments in Logan, they did not believe this was the right location or zone for the proposed development and denied the request for rezone on a 5-1 vote. It remains to be seen whether the Municipal Council will agree with the Planning Commission’s recommendation for denial.