Developers advocate downsizing density in new Cline Dahle project

The land along Rasmussen Rd. in Jeremy Ranch that Summit County Council is eyeing for development. Photo: TownLift // Marina Knight

PARK CITY, Utah – Summit County developers proposed cutting the density of the Cline Dahle mixed-use project near Jeremy Ranch by 40%, citing financial and design feasibility given the size of the 17-acre buildable portion of the parcel.

During previous talks county officials thought the site could accommodate 210 units, but developers at a recent meeting recommended 120-140 units to preserve space for amenities and ensure that it doesn’t look like “a single-phase large-scale multifamily apartment project,” as Columbus Pacific Principal Tony Tyler described it.

The Cline Dahle project spans nearly 30 acres, but wetlands limit development to about half. Current zoning permits just one unit per 20 acres and excludes commercial use. Summit County may amend zoning to allow single-family homes or create a new district. If changed, the property could include various housing types, such as townhomes and apartments, with at least 15% reserved for rentals and 40% deed-restricted for affordability.

Challenges include unclear funding, high developer costs, and restrictive grants. Tyler expressed concerns about the financial viability of combining affordable housing with commercial businesses in the proposed project. He estimated subsidies could range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars. While he appreciated the ambitious vision and saw the location as ideal for infill development, he noted the financial burden would fall heavily on the developer upfront.

The County Council directed officials to revise the proposal timeline and clarify zoning requirements before issuing the request for proposals for approval.