Petition Against Commercial Conversion To Apartments Gains 1,800+ Signatures

Residents of a Horizon West are rallying against plans to convert commercial zoning into a 408-unit apartment complex. A petition titled “STOP the Hamlin Southwest PD – UNP Land Use Plan Amendment!” against the development has gained over 1,800 signatures, with residents expressing concerns about inconsistency with the Comprehensive Plan, increased traffic, noise, and pressure on local schools and infrastructure.

The proposed development would be built on a currently vacant lot south of New Independence Parkway, east of Avalon Road. However, many residents are worried that the influx of new residents would overload the area’s already crowded roads, lead to increased noise and light pollution, and continue overcrowding schools, with 8 schools already over capacity.

In addition, local schools and roadways are already stretched thin, and residents worry that the new development would put even more strain on these resources. Some have also expressed concern that the new complex would lead to a decrease in property values in the area.

This isn’t the first time the community has rallied against development, and it likely won’t be the last. As the population grows and Horizon West continues to expand, conflicts between developers and residents are becoming increasingly common. In this case, it remains to be seen whether the developer will be able to assuage residents’ concerns and move forward with the project, or if the petition will be successful in derailing the plans.

A Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing will take place on January 19, starting at 9am to consider this request. The agenda indicates these topics will be covered at approximately 10:30am. The Staff Report has been made available before the meeting, which includes full details of each request and staff recommendations. The county contact representative for the Planning and Zoning Commission is Jason Sorensen and public comments can be emailed to Adriana Trujillo-Villa. Comments can also be sent to each County Commissioner, who many choose to pass along feedback to their representative on the Planning and Zonning Commission.

HorizonWestInfo.com will continue to follow these requests and provide updates when available.