Eden Crossing zoning gets approval from Weber County Commission
Tim Vandenack, Standard-Examiner file photo
Dallen Adams stands outside his home on Thursday, Nov.16, 2023, located across East Highway 166 in the Eden area from the proposed Eden Crossing development, which he and many others oppose. The sign beside him is one of many in the area posted by Eden Crossing critics.A controversial Ogden Valley development is moving forward.
At a meeting Tuesday evening, the Weber County Commission voted favorably on two measures related to the Eden Crossing development.
According to a press release issued Wednesday, “the Eden Crossing development is a mixed-use 20-acre development proposal in the New Eden area of Ogden Valley, located at the East Highway 166 and state Route 158 intersection. The proposal would entail the establishment of commercial, retail, multi-family and single-family housing structures, including perhaps 325 housing units. Commercial operations would be on the southern portion of the area closest to East Highway 166 and multi-family developments to the north.”
During Wednesday night’s meeting, the commission voted unanimously to approve an amended street regulating plan and the architectural standards. The vote on zoning for the development was 2-1 with Commissioner Sharon Bolos being the lone no vote.
“The rezoning is well thought out in the anticipation of growth in Ogden Valley,” Commission Chair Gage Froerer said. “It advocates for removing density off of the hillside and valley floors to put it into village areas that could be served by appropriate infrastructure.”
He added that the zoning doesn’t contradict the county’s General Plan.
“The General Plan is not an ordinance — it is a blueprint for the commissioners to decide on moving forward,” he said. “The rezoning meets the full intent of the General Plan by moving density into areas with infrastructure.”
The plan for the development has been met with opposition from many living in the area, and several opponents were on hand for Tuesday night’s meeting with one opponent declaring, “We will begin our legal battle tomorrow.”
In November, the Standard-Examiner reported that several signs have been hung along East Highway 166 in the valley reading “SAY NO!!/100 Room HOTEL/192 CONDOS/58 TOWNHOME’s/& SHOPPING PLAZA?/SAY NO TO/EDEN CROSSING.”
However, those favoring the plan say that development is almost certain in the area.
“The objective of this development is to prevent valleywide buildout at large-lot residential sprawl,” Weber County Principal Planner Charles Ewert said. “If the development doesn’t happen, it will most likely occur somewhere else.”