(UNEDITED)I was disappointed to read the editorial, "Teen Academy OK for Valley" printed on July 7th.
The article attempts to place blame on local residents for not supporting a proposed academy treating teenagers in a health care facility because of a "not in my back yard approach."
In my opinion, the lack of support you mention is not a result of the "not in my back yard" mentality, but more a result of the significant land use change proposed for the FV-3 zone and the impact such a change would have on local residents. The proposed zone change would allow group homes in a zone designated for single family homes with a minimum lot size of 3 acres. I recently attended community meetings on this issue and found the residents to be both logical and rational as the pros and cons of the zone change were discussed. The opposition you speak of is not directed at the health provider or the company itself, but at the proposed land use change prior to completion of proper due diligence.
Good land use decisions are made only when all the right questions are answered. Is this land use compatible in the FV-3 zone or should a higher density zone be considered? I would suggest that if a proposal was on the table to construct a 40-unit hotel in the FV-3 zone, it would be quickly turned down. Yet, the impact of this facility in this zone would be very similar. Upon analysis, it appears that options for locations in higher density zones do, in fact, exist in Ogden Valley. Locating this type and size of facility in a zone that has existing infrastructure in place makes far better sense for both residents and business owners. Should there be a minimum acreage requirement based on number of residents in the home? What is the impact on surrounding property owners due to water and sewage disposal? What is the long term economic impact on the both neighbors and local government? These questions and more deserve to be addressed and satisfactorily answered before a zone change is considered.
Finally, I would advocate that Ogden Valley residents, like all residents, have the fundamental right to be proactive on issues that impact their way of life and not be forced into change until all voices are heard and all questions are properly evaluated and answered.
Gage Froerer
State Representatative
District 8
Huntsville
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