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Signs advertising South Haven Farms residences stand at the corner of 100 North and 1400 East on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.

Sarah Hunt, Daily Herald

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South Haven Farms residential buildings stand against the mountains at 1400 East and 50 South on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.

Sarah Hunt, Daily Herald

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A South Haven Development logo hangs on a fence by The Retreat by South Haven Farms on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.

Sarah Hunt, Daily Herald

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South Haven Farms owner Jeff Southard has filed a petition to “vacate portions of the 1500 East right-of-way (west side) between (state Route) 198 and 100 South,” according to a public hearing notice posted by Payson City Senior Planner Jill Spencer.

The notice goes on to say that “the proposal also includes dedicating (land owned by South Haven Farms as) right-of-way to Payson City on the east side of 1500 East to accommodate street widening and future realignment of the intersection of 1500 East and SR 198.”

A public hearing was held last Wednesday evening in the Payson City Center City Council Chambers to allow input from the public before making a decision on the request. Spencer led the presentation on the subject, which is available to view on the city’s YouTube channel.

The vacated portions of land are thin, long sections that would be used to realign the road leading into South Haven Farms. This realignment would make it so that the turn “hits it at more of a 90-degree angle and is a little safer than … going straight north-south, which hits it at a funny angle,” Council member Brett Christensen said. “I think it’s great forward thinking and I appreciate it.”

Spencer added that the land will be given back to the applicant through a deed — after gutters, curbs and a trail are added on the west side of the road.

“As far as steps moving forward, once the applicant presents something to (the City Council) … if the council was ready to move forward on the vacation of this right of way, the applicant has prepared plots that will be recorded and then also deeds will need to be prepared,” Spencer said.

Jones Leasing Co. representative Mark Butler also filed a petition “to consolidate two parcels of land and to vacate the 10-foot public utility easement between the two parcels,” according to a public hearing notice posted by Payson City Planner Michael Bryant on Thursday.

A public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 1 in the Payson City Council Chambers to allow for public input on the matter.

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