County Commission unveils plan for Goshen Valley

Richard V Harris, Spanish Fork Press

Spanish Fork Press

In a press conference last Thursday, the Utah County Commission unveiled a long-range master plan for the Goshen Valley. The plan has been prepared in anticipation of Utah County's population reaching three-quarters of a million people by 2030. It includes industrial, commercial, governmental and residential zones and travel and access corridors. As of this time, the plan is conceptual. It recognizes need but the locations of facilities are not intended to be precise.

The commissioners emphasized that the County Commission is not in the business of development planning, but noted that some master planning is essential if the south and west parts of the county are to avoid some of the access and development problems that have faced Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs.

The master plan includes proposed freeway access from I-15 and connections directly to the Salt Lake Valley metroplex. In addition, it includes an industrial zone located northwest of Elberta, two or more town centers, and large areas of various residential options. It would incorporate the current landfill site north of Goshen and the mining properties throughout the area. The sixty-thousand acre planning area would also include the southwest shores of Utah Lake.

Lands included in the plan are presently unincorporated. About one-thirds of the land belongs to the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The remainder includes various private and public owners. As development takes place, the area is expected to be incorporated into one or more cities, which would become the managers of further growth and development. The Mountainland Association of Governments has the lead in transportation planning. Existing rail lines would support the industrial aspects of development.

The intent of this effort is to plan for growth rather than react to it. Problems with access in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs were specifically highlighted as what the commission hopes to avoid. The NEBO School District is already on board and is excited about the potential growth. The State of Utah is also keyed in and will be working to ensure that the resources, including water, match the use. Identifying this area for development will help to preserve the Lakeshore/Palmyra area in its present use.

One key aspect of the plan is that it includes both work/industrial areas and residential areas. The goal is to help people avoid long commutes to work or to services. Transportation rights of way will be planned and identified early to avoid high purchase costs and community disruption after development occurs. The county position remains that development occurs in cities - specifics for development will occur only as the area begins to develop and cities are incorporated. The commissioners noted that residential use alone does not pay the costs of fire protection, police, and other services unless tax rates are very high. By preplanning for industry, commercial, and other uses in addition to the residential, the communities should become fully self sustaining with reasonable taxes.

Several companies have already expressed interest in locating in south Utah County. This plan will help make sites available to those companies without disrupting existing land uses. Many of the final details of planning for the area will be prepared only after development begins and the need for specific information arises.