We are concerned.
Specifically, we are concerned about the proposed development for the Bonanza Park land. This key parcel was purchased by the city with the idea an arts and culture focus would be the center of the site. We understand lots of things changed in the multiple organizations who once considered building there.
Right now, the Kimball Art Center remains the only arts organization left in this project. We applaud the decision of finding the “just right” location for the beloved center and we applaud the plans that include an outdoor performance space in conjunction with visual exhibits from the Kimball.
We look forward to the programming that will invite families to that outdoor space for an evening out with picnics and parties. We know that the Kimball will continue with excellent exhibits to be seen and visual art experiences to invite locals and guests alike there often.
As to the rest of the space, we are concerned about the development of high rise buildings that will shadow the relatively small space, at a prime entry corridor into our town.
The design that is proposed appears to have more height and density than we expected. We respectfully suggest the city take another look at the heights proposed for the housing projected on this site. The tall towers built by this same group in Sugar House and Gateway areas of Salt Lake City are the examples of soul-less design we had hoped to avoid.
Not too far away, the seniors have agreed to work with the city, giving up their space on Woodside as the group moves into a new negotiated space on the old Mawhinney lot across from the library on Park Avenue. On the current senior center land on Woodside, the city is proposing affordable housing. We suggest that might be a smart location to place some tiny homes for seniors to live in. The city previously, successfully, created mixed age, tiny housing, on land where the fire station once stood on Park Avenue.
We know these issues are larger than any one site in town. But most of the rest of land and decisions that remain are in the hands of private developers. This may represent the last authentic opportunity for Park City Municipal to create spaces that put locals of all ages at the center of multiple developments.
We hope the council will take a step back to reconsider the proposed, over- development of the Bonanza site that serves as a critical entrance to Park City for thousands of people who turn at that corner to head to Main Street and Deer Valley.
Let’s make this a key statement to town and a community-based project — which is what we expected when the city purchased that land years ago.
With appreciation,
The Elders …
Hans Fuegi, Brad Olch, Ron Bucovitch, Jana Cole, Val Chin, Syd Reed, Dana Williams, Teri Orr , Ed Axtell, Deb Axtell
Park City