Summit County Council and Dakota Pacific still aim to make decision by Feb. 20

The land for the Dakota Pacific development project sits to the west and south of the Skullcandy building. Photo: Dakota Pacific

Public hearing set for Feb. 15 ahead of council's decision

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Summit County Council is preparing for a pivotal vote on the proposed Dakota Pacific development at Kimball Junction. The decision, set for Feb. 20, follows a series of special meetings to address community concerns and logistical challenges associated with the project. Dakota Pacific Real Estate aims to construct 727 residential units and commercial spaces on 50 acres west of Kimball Junction, near the transit center.

The development has sparked debate due to potential traffic congestion on State Route 224. In response, Dakota Pacific met with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) to discuss three main options for traffic improvement. UDOT has not scheduled Kimball Junction improvements within its 10-year plan, although it intends to select a course of action this year.

The County Council, considering a collaboration with Dakota Pacific, has discussed a land swap involving the parcel where the Richins Building and transit center are situated. This partnership would aim to address the traffic issues and possibly integrate community facilities like senior centers or libraries.

Special meetings, held in person and also streamed on Facebook, started Jan. 17 and will continue through Feb., with the last one before the vote scheduled for Feb. 20. See the calendar below for upcoming special meetings:

• Feb. 1, 3-4:30 p.m.: special meeting at the Sheldon Richins Building
• Feb. 7, time TBD: during council meeting at the Sheldon Richins Building
• Feb. 8, 3-4:30 p.m.: special meeting at the Sheldon Richins Building
• Feb. 13, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: special meeting in Council Chambers
• Feb. 15, 3:30-5 p.m. special meeting at Ecker Hill Middle School
• Feb. 15, 6-9 p.m.: public hearing at Ecker Hill Middle School
• Feb. 20, 6 p.m.: special meeting, final decision at the Sheldon Richins Building

See videos below of the past two special meetings:

Meeting agendas cover various aspects of the project, including transportation, residential density and affordable housing. The public will have a chance to voice their opinions at a hearing on Feb. 15 at Ecker Hill Middle School.

UDOT has proposed three alternatives for traffic improvements along S.R. 224 and the I-80 interchange. These include:

• Alternative A: Split-diamond interchange and intersection improvements, costing about $90 million.
• Alternative B: Grade-separated intersections with one-way frontage roads, costing approximately $162 million.
• Alternative C: Intersection improvements with pedestrian enhancements, estimated at $35 million.

These proposals aim to alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety. Alternative B is deemed the most effective for travel speeds but also the most costly. The Summit County Council expressed interest in UDOT coming back with an explanation of what Alternatives A and C combined could look like.

The hope is the Summit County Council and Dakota Pacific could work together in a mutually beneficial partnership, each coming away with something they want. In December, both parties agreed to temporarily stay legal proceedings and engage in public negotiations outside of the courtroom (and here we are). The stay is set to end on June 8.