A view of the Ballerina Farm in Kamas on August 23, 2024. Photo: TownLift // Marina Knight

Council discusses potential road management coordination with Kamas

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Summit County council members reviewed and discussed the proposed annexation of approximately 140 acres of land, known as Ballerina Farm, into Kamas City during a council meeting on August 14. The parcels in question, currently zoned as Agriculture-10 (AG-10) and located off State Road 248 and W 200 S, are adjacent to the existing Kamas City boundary and fall within the city’s Annexation Declaration Area.

Ballerina Farm Annexation into Kamas. — Ballerina Farm annexation into Kamas. Image: Summit County Council

The annexation request, which includes six parcels, had been certified, and the county had the right to protest the annexation within 30 days of certification under Utah Code §10-2-407. However, after reviewing the proposal to annex, the planning staff found no reason to file a formal protest.

Council members raised questions regarding the potential impact on local road management, specifically concerning 200 South, which is part of the old Kamas Highway. If annexed, the road would transition from county to city jurisdiction. Council member Chris Robinson highlighted the need for coordination with Kamas City on maintaining the road, particularly since the road connects to county-maintained sections.

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The council concluded the discussion without any objections to the annexation but stressed the importance of being informed on road management decisions. Kuhrmeyer confirmed that no formal motion was required from the council and that the planning department had gathered all necessary feedback.

With the council’s support, the annexation petition will continue its course through the necessary legislative processes in Kamas City, moving closer to final approval.

Some history: This is just the latest step in a complex debate over the potential incorporation of Hannah and Daniel Neeleman’s farming and homesteading business into a local municipality. Ballerina Farm has influencer status on social media (10 million followers on Instagram), and the successful farm business is known for promoting rural family life. The farm has become the focal point of discussions surrounding land use, zoning, and community development in the small town of Kamas.

The annexation would allow the farm to expand its operations and potentially benefit from municipal services.

Community Response: The proposal has sparked significant debate within the Kamas community. Supporters argue that the annexation could bring the town economic growth, tourism, and additional tax revenue. They also highlight the farm’s role in promoting agricultural heritage and sustainable living. Opponents are concerned about the impact on local zoning laws, potential overdevelopment, and the strain on infrastructure. They worry that annexation could lead to increased traffic, environmental degradation, and a shift away from Kamas’s rural character.