Following a public hearing which saw 17 North Logan residents speak in opposition to the current Village Springs subdivision plan, the North Logan City Council denied the plan by a vote of 4-1, Wednesday.

The lot under consideration is located directly in between Wolfpack Way and Cache Valley Hospital. Its proposed design would've included 51 single-family lots and a road connecting 2400 N and 2360 N.

The council stated the developer's intent was for the community to be designed for residents older than 55 years.

Designated an SF6 (single family residential) zone, per state and city code, the parcel's requirements call for 100% two-story homes and public roads, among other things.

Mayor Lyndsay Peterson stated the council was looking to receive input on potentially providing an exemption to the 100% two-story home stipulation, as well as input on whether or not the roads going through the proposed community should be public or private.

During the public hearing, residents voiced concerns about increased traffic to the surrounding area, the 100% requirement of two-story homes, and a potential public walkway connecting to nearby communities.

Cindy Beaston spoke first, raising concerns about limiting potential homeowners, who are 55 years or older, to two-story housing options. She stated that she has visited seven different 55-plus communities in Logan and North Logan to gather information.

"A majority of the prospective homeowners of the 55-plus community desire single-level living with no stairs, due to mobility issues and maintenance of a larger home," Beaston said. "Most are on a fixed income and do not need or want the added expense of a two-story home which can cost from 60,000 to 90,000 more, in addition to higher property taxes."

Beaston also said she attended the most recent Planning Commission meeting, in which they recommended a 60-40 split in favor of one-story homes, as opposed to SF6 code requiring 100% two-story homes.

Doug Lemon, who stated he was the Homeowners Association President for the Heritage Adult Living Community (located on the east side of the proposed subdivision), said he supports the development but has concerns.

Lemon's first concern lies with the potential public walkway which would connect his community to Village Springs.

This concern was addressed by Scott Perkes, the city's community development director, following the resident's comments.

"It's not a recommended condition of approval in the staff report," Perkes said, referencing the planning commission. "It's simply an observation to say, 'This could connect if you would like for it to.' It sounds like the majority would prefer that it not."

Lemon's second concern revolved around the already "non-standard traffic" created at the intersection of 2400 N 400 E. Lemon cited Greenville Elementary School, Cache Valley Hospital, a nearby bus-stop, and winter road conditions as players in the traffic flow in the area.

"I urge you to consider alternative traffic-flow options for Village Springs," Lemon said.

Lemon then proposed an idea which would extend 2360 N into Village Springs, loop around and ultimately exit onto Wolfpack Way, where 2360 N originates.

Alan Luce, North Logan's City Administrator, provided context for these concerns, following the resident's comments.

"We don't want to discount the comments that have been made tonight," Luce said, later adding, "This property is very limited as to what they can and cannot do."

Luce then went on to say the parcel must have two ways in and two ways out, ruling out the idea proposed by other residents about dead-ending the proposed road on the east side.

As for Lemons' road recommendation, a design like that would violate both state fire code and the agreement regarding Wolfpack Way's funding. A looping design would place the two entries too close together, Luce explained.

He also spoke of the parcel's need for water lines.

"Public water lines cannot go underneath a private road," Luce said, later adding, "You have to have a public road that comes through this subdivision."

Many residents also voiced concern about the current 2400 N 300 E intersection being inadequate and many of the councilmembers agreed.

Councilmember Emily Schmidt adamantly spoke against the idea of making exceptions for the lot in the first place and said the city would likely need to fix this intersection before development even happens.

"If you go to 300 (East) right now, that is not a full, legal intersection turn," Schmidt said.

"It's basically horrible," Luce added.

Following more discussion from the council, Schmidt made a motion to deny the proposed plan saying, "In my mind, it does not meet code because it is not 100% two-story and it is not 100% public streets."

Her motion passed by a vote of 4-1, with councilmember Mark Hancey dissenting.

The councilmembers thanked members of the community for attending the hearing.

For the full meeting, visit Alan Luce's YouTube page and navigate to the live tab.