Heber City approves controversial North Village annexation after marathon meeting

Council member Mike Johnston stressed that city oversight would allow for more thoughtful growth aligned with community values. 'If we let it stay in the county, it becomes the Kimball Junction of Park City on our north boundary,'

HEBER CITY, Utah – After nearly seven hours of debate and public comment, the Heber City Council voted on Tuesday night to annex approximately 95 acres at the intersection of U.S. 40 and River Road. The land will be the site of two proposed developments—Crossings and Harvest Village—collectively known as the North Village annexation. The annexation passed in a narrow 3-2 vote, with council members Sid Ostergaard, Scott Phillips, and Mike Johnston in favor, and Aaron Cheatwood and Yvonne Barney opposed. Final approval is contingent upon finalizing master development agreements in the coming months.

Residents Voice Concerns Over Annexation at Public Hearing

In a heated public hearing, citizens shared passionate opinions about proposed annexations and developments in the Heber Valley, focusing on their impact on the area’s environment, infrastructure, and character. The session, constrained by a 20-minute public comment period, featured heartfelt pleas from longtime residents urging city officials to reconsider.

“My family has been here for 50 years, and I’ve seen the changes,” said Dave Anderson. “Development is coming, but it needs to be responsible to preserve what makes this area special.”

Brianna Layer, another speaker, expressed deep concerns about the long-term effects of the annexation. “Do the short-term benefits truly outweigh the lasting damage? This is the entrance to our valley. Do we want to see gas stations and congestion where there’s now natural beauty?” she implored.

Other residents highlighted specific issues, including lighting ordinances and traffic safety. Meredith Crist raised concerns about intrusive lighting from a medical office building, stating, “The lights are so bright I can see them from miles away, even when I’m at dinner in Midway.”

Tom Wardle voiced fears about the potential for unchecked development encroaching on Heber’s iconic North Fields. “This annexation sets a dangerous precedent for the future of one of our valley’s most cherished areas,” he cautioned.

Despite the public outcry, city officials maintained that the proposals followed existing codes and would be reviewed further. Residents, however, remained skeptical, emphasizing that the decisions made now will define the valley for generations to come.

“Stand up for the people who live here and care about this valley,” urged Layer. “Protect it before it’s too late.”

The vote followed years of discussions between city leaders and developers, as well as months of public meetings where residents voiced passionate and conflicting views.

The Case for Annexation

Council member Mike Johnston framed the decision as a necessary step to maintain control over the area’s future. He argued that if the land remained under county jurisdiction, developers could pursue higher density, taller buildings, and projects with no affordable housing requirements. He stressed that city oversight would allow for more thoughtful growth aligned with community values. “If we let it stay in the county, it becomes the Kimball Junction of Park City on our north boundary,” Johnston said, referencing the busy commercial hub near Park City.

Affordable Housing and Next Steps

Affordable housing was a major sticking point during negotiations. Debate centered on whether housing should cater to seasonal workers or families, with no consensus reached. City Attorney Jeremy Cook suggested a “fee in lieu” arrangement, where developers would provide funds for the city to build affordable units elsewhere. Council member Johnston reassured residents that all affordable housing in Heber is deed-restricted in perpetuity, ensuring long-term affordability.

While the annexation was approved, several details in the master development agreements remain unresolved. These agreements will be fine-tuned in early 2025 before the annexation officially takes effect.