Residents of Summit County asked to share thoughts on Dakota Pacific proposal

The general area of Kimball Junction that the Dakota Pacific project will develop if given the 'green light' sits to the west and south of the Skullcandy building. Photo: Dakota Pacific

Newpark Hotel will host a public hearing on Nov. 7

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah – Summit County residents will finally get their say on a long-anticipated development proposal near the Park City Tech Center. After months of delays, the County Council has set a public hearing for Thursday, Nov. 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Newpark Hotel. The public can also join & comment via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/772302472

Why it matters: The proposed agreement with Dakota Pacific Real Estate could reshape Kimball Junction and has been the focus of heated community concerns, primarily centered on traffic congestion, overdevelopment, and the potential loss of the area’s small-town character. Many residents worry that the project will exacerbate traffic issues at the already-busy Kimball Junction and impact the quality of life in the region. They fear that increased density and new construction will erode open spaces and wildlife habitats and threaten the local charm that defines Park City.

There is also frustration over the development’s focus. Some residents argue that the affordable housing proposed is insufficient compared to the project’s scale, with only a limited portion designated as workforce housing. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the impact on local schools, with projections indicating that enrollment could rise by over 500 students, potentially necessitating the construction of a new school.

The development has faced delays in public hearings, further straining trust between the community and the developers. Discussions about the project’s public-private partnerships—such as plans for civic spaces, retail, and an assisted care facility—have also drawn skepticism from residents, many of whom believe that the benefits to the community may not justify the trade-offs involved.

Overall, while the project aims to address housing and infrastructure needs, it has become a flashpoint for debates over growth management, balancing progress with preservation, and ensuring community input in shaping the future of Park City and Kimball Junction.

The plan includes affordable apartments, single-family homes, and a potential public-private partnership with facilities like an assisted care center, retail shops, a new transit center, and public spaces such as a library and amphitheater.

The backstory: Originally scheduled earlier this year, a public hearing was delayed multiple times as discussions between the county and developers evolved. A subcommittee was formed in the spring to work through details privately, with key elements of the partnership revealed only last month.

What’s next: The County Council will begin the hearing with a 15-minute overview of the project, followed by an open floor for public feedback. This will be the first opportunity for residents to officially comment on the proposal.