Mall owner Brixton Capital, alongside partner PEG Companies, is looking to transform the south Provo mall into a multi-use development fitted with housing, retail and entertainment. The plan calls for 1,300 apartments for rent, 80 for-sale townhomes and the retention of three anchor tenants: Target, J.C. Penny and Cinemark.

Along with the concept plan, the council would have to approve zoning and general plan amendments for the project to move forward. A Provo City Council spokesperson said the agenda would be published later Thursday but could not confirm what was on the agenda.

There does not appear to be a consensus among the council members about what they will choose to do with the proposal. 

In an Oct. 6 work session, Councilman Craig Christensen expressed concern about the limited number of home ownership opportunites with the project. 

“We’d love to see it happen, (but) I don’t think I would put all those other nice amenities ahead of a more vibrant community where there’s more home ownership,” Christensen said.

Councilwoman Rachel Whipple said during the meeting she was in favor of the apartments, expressing the need for high-quality rentals in the East Bay neighborhood.

In a Facebook post Wednesdsay, Councilman Jeff Whitlock voiced his support for the project. He said city staff had negotiated for more amenity space and better walkability and transit.

“There comes a time in any negotiation when both parties have pushed as far as possible, have learned each other’s boundaries, and must decide whether to do the deal or walk away,” Whitlock said. “We’re at (or very near) that point, and we should do the deal.”

One of the largest concerns among residents regarding the project is the Shady Acres Mobile Home Park. While mobile home residents own the home they live in, Brixton Capital owns the land they sit on and plan to build the townhomes on the property.

At an Oct. 6 council work session Brixton Capital Project Executive Justin Long gave the council an updated plan for how the company would navigate the change. He said Brixton Capital has agreed to give each resident a $10,000 relocation fee, 18-months’ notice and will work with each resident on a transition plan.