Sandy’s General Plan: Section 7 - Targeted Growth (Change)
This will be a series of thoughts on our City’s General Plan. I think it is best to start with this document as the base for any conversation about our city. It is the result of extensive community feedback and expert planning.
I don’t like the word growth applied to Sandy. Our city is an “adult”. That said, just because we’re grown up, doesn’t mean that we can’t either thrive or decay. If someone doesn’t take care of their body, problems arrise. We need to make targeted changes and improvements to our city, over time, to make sure we’re thriving - not decaying.
Smart Changes, Not Just More Change
As a candidate for Sandy City Council, I support change that is thoughtful, intentional, and community-driven. Section 7 of the General Plan lays out a clear framework for targeted change—not just change for change’s sake. I believe we must focus development in the right places, at the right scale, and with the right outcomes for our existing residents.
Focusing Change Where Infrastructure Can Support It
We know that not all areas of Sandy can—or should—absorb large-scale development. That’s why I support the plan’s emphasis on directing new growth to areas with existing infrastructure, such as transportation, utilities, and services. This approach reduces pressure on neighborhoods like those in District 3 while maximizing public investment returns.
Preserving Neighborhoods by Planning Elsewhere
One of the key reasons I’m running is to protect the character of our neighborhoods. The Targeted Growth Plan does this by identifying specific growth areas—like Civic Center, The Cairns, and State Street corridors—so we don’t have to force high-density development into stable, single-family areas that weren’t designed for it, just to stay alive as a city.
Mixing Uses, Not Just Stacking Apartments
Sandy’s future isn’t just about adding housing—it’s about creating vibrant, walkable, mixed-use areas where people can live, work, and play. I’ll advocate for balanced development that includes local businesses, gathering places, and public amenities. Development should enhance our quality of life, not overwhelm it.
Transit-Oriented Development That Works for Us
TRAX stations and bus corridors offer prime opportunities for compact, efficient development. I support transit-oriented development (TOD) that adds housing near stations, reduces car dependence, and supports retail, but I’ll insist it reflects community needs—affordability (especially ownership), safety, and good design must come first.
The Cairns: A Vision That Must Center Community
The Cairns has enormous potential to become a thriving urban center. But this vision must not lose sight of the residents who live nearby. I’ll work to ensure The Cairns develops with walkability, parks, public space, and community services—not just big buildings and traffic congestion. Let’s build a downtown that reflects our Sandy suburban values.
Infill and Redevelopment Done Right
Change in already-developed areas can be a good thing—if done well. I support strategic infill projects that are community-scaled, include open space, and help meet our neighborhood housing needs without compromising livability. We can revitalize aging commercial centers while protecting the fabric of our neighborhoods and providing options for children and seniors to stay in their long-time neighborhoods.
Using Zoning as a Tool for Good
Zoning should reflect community goals, not just developer convenience. I will push for zoning updates that guide development toward designated nodes and corridors, encourage affordability (especially ownership), and reduce speculative pressures on low-density neighborhoods. We need a zoning map that matches our shared vision for Sandy’s future.
Public Benefits for Public Growth
If a developer wants to build big, they should give back—through parks, affordable housing, trail connections, and infrastructure upgrades. I’ll fight for community benefits agreements and clear policies that ensure development delivers real value to residents, not just returns to investors.
A Development Plan That Listens and Learns
This Targeted Plan gives us a strong foundation, but it’s only as good as the leadership that puts it into action. I’m running because I believe change to our city should be guided by community input, lived experience, and a vision for a more livable, equitable, and connected Sandy. With your support, we can ensure we have a thriving city that works for everyone—not just a few.