Economic Development
Highland City, Utah
I was responsible for the approval/construction of a 1000% increase in commercial/non-residential development in Highland City's commercial core through process, elected approval, code writing, new commercial zones and plan approvals. Highland is a fairly new city comprised of farmland originally and a percentage of original residents of whom dislike commercial development of any kind. In addition, residential development in compact form, less than 1/2 are, are certainly a discriminated group. Through the General Plan process and Town Center Overlay Zone update, I successfully provided the opportunity for a 162 unit townhome project in the Town Center. The ground floor of each unit facing Town Center Boulevard, the Town Square or what is known as Parkway West, has been designed per Ordinance to provide for a commercial/retail Live/Work at any time without need for new construction; and it is permitted by ordinance at any time in the future. This project is very successful, has been under construction during the recession, and has provided the first affordable housing in Highland City. Two new zones were created and two zones were amended allowing for additional commercial in the core. I have been very successful with architectural review processes and have a great portfolio of well known retailers of whom I have convinced to modify their typical store prototype architecture and site planning to meet local expectations and existing architecture vernacular, including; Home Depot, Walgreens, Jiffy Lube, Taco Time, Checker Auto Parts, Utah Community Credit Union, Ace Hardware.
Utah's First Home Depot Freestanding Sign without the exposed Pole at the base found typically among "Pole Signs" historically. I was monumentally responsible for this new sign construction design while working for Sandy City, Utah.
