City Council Work Session - March 2024

Meeting Summary

The March 2024 City Council Work Session focused primarily on long-range planning for two transit-oriented development areas being studied under Utah House Bill 462, which requires cities near planned transit stations to prepare station area plans. Consultants from Arcadis presented refined concepts for the Holy Cross Hospital Station Area and the 2100 North Station Area — two locations near proposed future light rail or bus rapid transit stops in Lehi. The plans envision walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with a blend of housing, small retail, restaurants, parks, and plazas. Community engagement conducted during the planning process found that residents prioritized parks and plazas, affordable housing, and small businesses, while expressing the least interest in big box retail and office towers. Transit access was the dominant concern raised by the Council. Mayor Mark Johnson expressed frustration with the Utah Transit Authority's planning, noting that the shift from bus rapid transit to light rail had complicated efforts to bring transit service into Lehi and calling the lack of a committed transit schedule a fundamental problem with building density around stations that don't yet have trains. Councilmember Michelle Stallings raised questions about property acquisition challenges and existing traffic congestion in the 1200 West corridor. The consultants acknowledged the transit uncertainty and indicated that a phased development approach was being recommended to allow growth to follow transit investment rather than precede it. Following this work session, Arcadis was directed to finalize a concept selection and develop a five-year implementation plan to be brought to the Council for formal action. The station area plans, once adopted, would guide zoning decisions, infrastructure investments, and development incentives for the surrounding areas over the coming decade.