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SALT LAKE CITY — A years-long battle over zoning laws on a single plot of land on the East Bench was worth the attention it received, but Salt Lake City Councilman JT Martin is glad it's over.
"It's been tremendous how occupying this issue has been, and deservingly so," he said. "I'm glad that we, after three years, were able to bring this issue to a conclusion"
The Salt Lake City Council Tuesday voted not to change zoning laws that have been in place for 15 years on the property at 2705 E. Parleys Way. Walmart owns the plot and asked the council to allow it to demolish the existing building — a vacant K-Mart — so it could start fresh with a "brand new, smaller, and more energy efficient store," according to the company.
Based on the council's decision, Walmart will still open a store at the site, but must alter the existing building rather than demolish it. The company is not cleared for new construction.
They had to demonstrate that they would not be able to do business and run what it is they do. And they were not able to demonstrate that.
–- JT Martin
"We are disappointed that, as a result of the council’s decision, Walmart won’t be able to give the community what it deserves," the company said in a statement. "Still, we are excited to have the opportunity to serve our customers in the East Bench. … We are prepared to commence the remodeling work on the existing building."
The company plans to open the 120,000 square foot supercenter next summer.
Martin said the council voted to deny the re-zone request because the corporation did not prove a change in zoning laws was necessary.
"They had to demonstrate that they would not be able to do business and run what it is they do," Martin said. "And they were not able to demonstrate that."
Martin said that at the outset of the debate, it appeared the conversation might revolve around ideology over whether Walmart was good for the community or businesses in that area. But that was not the issue at hand. Planning and zoning laws were the council's biggest concern, he said, and by the end of the drama, the community seemed to understand that.
"On the council, it wasn't an ideological issue," he said. "It was a land-use issue and a zoning issue."
Had the council voted to change the zoning laws, other companies in the area would ask for similar treatment — something that could significantly alter the makeup of the community. Some supporters of the plan to build a brand new store argued residents opposed it just because they didn't want it in their neighborhood.
"People were complaining that this was a NIMBY — a 'not in my back yard' (situation). As I looked at the situation … this potentially could be in a lot of people's back yards," he said.
People were complaining that this was a NIMBY: a 'not in my back yard' (situation). As I looked at the situation, this potentially could be in a lot of people's back yards.
–- JT Martin
While ideology didn't play into the council's vote, council members did have opinions on whether or not the company fits in with the East Bench's master plan.
"I don't think it's consistent having a big box Walmart there," he said. "I don't think it's consistent with the majority of the constituents."
Martin said the master plan, even at 20 years old, is anti-big box stores and a new master plan will be developed in the near future, which will likely be even more restrictive and focus on walk-ability.
"I definitely don't think (Walmart) will be consistent with the new master plan," he said.
But it has the legal go-ahead to open it refurbished store regardless.
Email:mfarmer@ksl.com
