In early 2022, shortly after taking office, Mayor Mike Weichers of Cottonwood Heights was informed of a developer's plan to rezone a 10-acre hillside property for high-density housing along 2300 East and Fort Union Boulevard, proposing 350 apartments with some retail. This sparked significant concern among residents. Following resistance from the community, the developer withdrew, but another quickly proposed a similar plan.

After a community meeting at the Cottonwood Heights City Hall organized by resident Randy Whitehead with over 300 attendees where residents voiced their concerns about a large apartment complex in that space, Weichers was prompted to explore alternative possibilities for the site.

The city’s General Plan had previously designated the site as a potential Town Center, inspiring a vision for a mixed-use development that would better serve the community. The city then purchased the property with a $13 million bond and a $1 million state grant, outbidding the $18 million tax assessment. 

A citizen advisory committee made up of members from each city district was soon formed. They began to hold public meetings where the feedback from community members showed strong support for a development that would foster community identity. Residents expressed a strong desire for spaces that could host events like farmers markets, food truck gatherings, art fairs, green spaces and local businesses, helping to create a vibrant community hub for Cottonwood Heights.

The proposed plan for the “Heights” Town Center features housing, local restaurants, and retail spaces centered around public areas designed for regular community events. The vision emphasizes walkable, accessible spaces that showcase the area's mountain and sunset views.

To fund the project, Weichers chose to pursue a general obligation bond rather than a sales tax bond.

“It goes on the ballot and lets our community decide if they want it,” he explained.

The bond would increase taxes by about $11.42 per month (based on an average home value of $770,100) for the average term of the 30-year bond, but this approach lets the community decide rather than imposing a tax increase without their input.

Another of the city's key decisions was to retain ownership of the land and lease it to private developers. This would allow the city to generate long-term revenue through land leases, helping to fund future projects and offset future tax increases. 

A common concern raised has been if the city can find the right private partner. According to Weichers, there has been significant interest from many major developers within the state who are eager to participate in the project. Additionally, if the bond measure passes in November, but the city is unable to find a development partner who aligns with the vision for the project, the bond will not be issued. In that case, the property could potentially be sold to a private developer for a completely private project. 

“We want our residents to know that we want them to be involved in this decision,” Weichers said. “And if it passes, to then feel like they can take ownership in what ends up happening — hopefully creating a place that creates a sense of identity to Cottonwood Heights and draws people from all over.”

Looking ahead, Weichers hopes to see the project break ground in 2025, with construction expected to take 18 to 24 months. He envisions a vibrant community space with features like an outdoor stage for performances and a winter ice skating rink. 

“All of the things that would just help people come together and feel a sense of community as they do so, those really excite me,” Weichers said.

He encourages residents to learn about the project and actively engage in the decision-making process.

A town hall meeting with the mayor will be held Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. in the City Hall community room where community members can ask questions and learn more about the town center. λ