Providence resident Brian Craig shared his views in letters to the editor of the Herald Journal published October 18, 2017 and March 24, 2018.
Subdivision raises River Heights concerns
Oct 18, 2017
To the editor:
The proposed Ridgeview Park Subdivision in River Heights creates a host of questions and concerns. The proposed subdivision, with 56 single-family lots, 52 active adult single family lots and 68 town homes, is located right next to River Heights Elementary School. After reviewing the proposed subdivision, I have a number of concerns. Specifically, I have traffic and safety, educational, environmental, green space, and flooding concerns.
Traffic and safety concerns: The proposed subdivision will increase traffic and safety concerns, especially around River Heights Elementary School. Traffic is already a concern, especially around the elementary school. Adding more homes, including more densely populated town homes, will impact traffic and safety in the area. Multi-dwelling units often bring in a more transient population than single family homes.
Educational concerns: The proposed subdivision will have a negative impact on learning at River Heights Elementary School. My son attends River Heights Elementary and I am concerned that the noise will affect learning at the school. I also wonder about class size since the school is already near capacity using more portable units.
Environmental concerns: The planning commission should require an environmental impact study before approving the proposed subdivision. The planned subdivision is located right next to Spring Creek which is home to major native plants, birds, and animals.
Green space concerns: The planning commission should require more green space and the addition of a city park with the proposed subdivision. Currently, River Heights has very few multi-family units. The city or planning commission should require more green space and consider building a city park within the proposed subdivision.
Flooding concerns: The proposed subdivision is located in an area that has been subject to flooding, including this past winter. Building news homes in an area which has been prone to flooding in the past, including a high0water table, raises some questions.
The River Heights City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 26, at 7 p.m. at River Heights Elementary to discuss and hear comments regarding the proposed subdivision. Those interested should attend this meeting and voice their opinion. This issue affects the people of River Heights and Providence since the proposed new subdivision includes access roads through Providence.
Brian Craig
Providence
Providence shouldn’t annex Chugg Property
Mar 24, 2018
To the editor:
I am expressing my opposition to the proposed annexation by the city of Providence of the so-called Chugg Property located south of River Heights Elementary School for a housing development. After the residents of River Heights banded together to oppose multi-family homes, the developer is now looking to the city of Providence for annexation. The property is currently unincorporated Cache County land and serves as hay field. The developer wants to build townhomes on the property which will add more traffic and crime to the area. This will also reduce property values in Providence and River Heights and take away even more green space. The elementary schools in Providence and River Heights are already exceeding capacity. I am not against all new home construction, but let’s leave the Chugg Property located south of River Heights Elementary School as agricultural property. At this rate, we won’t have any more hay fields left in Cache Valley.
Brian Craig
Providence