Envision Providence tackling growth issues in the city

Housing is an issue across the state and in the Cache Valley, with projected population growth in some areas of the state at nearly double in the next approximately 35 years. The Utah Legislature has been advising cities to put together a plan in the next few years to deal with the growth that is coming.

Something known as Life Cycle Residential Zoning (LCR) has sparked controversy in Providence as it proposes a housing density change. Envision Providence is an organization that has put itself in the middle of the debate. On KVNU’s For the People program on Tuesday, chairman Josh Paulsen explained the position they have taken.

“We have a group of people that represent, not only Providence, but River Heights City that are part of this organization, this political issues committee,” said Paulsen. “We’re specifically interested in some of the housing policies, and really the vision that Providence has really articulated over the last year. To be frank, we believe there’s a better way of doing it. And so, we’ve been rather outspoken about that.”

Vice-chairman Frank Montoya, Jr. was also on the program and is a fairly recent move-in to the valley. He talked about his background.

“We made 15 moves in 30 years, a lot of high-density areas, some not-so high density,” Montoya explained. “I actually am retired FBI and so spent a lot of time in urban areas.

“But one of the things that attracted me to this, purely and simply, was the fact that I spent almost 31 years defending democracy and this is my first real chance to be involved in it at the grass-roots level.”

They are asking Providence residents to meet Saturday, April 13 to discuss and sign a referendum concerning development of about 40 acres on the north end of the city. The meeting place will be Zollinger Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can get more information on their website EnvisionProvidence.com.

AUDIO: Jason Williams talks with Envision Providence on FTP

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