Utah Stories

Sugar House Scene – 21st & 21st Changes

Local residents weigh in about the path of progress.

|


kids crossing at 2100 South and 2100 East abaondoned buildingsIn an ongoing process, the residents and businesses of the 21st and 21st area of Sugar House are working to develop a master plan for the area. Two hundred residents attended two recent open houses to voice their opinions. Their biggest concerns were building heights and pedestrian safety.

A lot of people don’t want apartment development. Susan Koelliker, one of the trustees on the Sugar House Community Council said, “Those are things we are going to look at.”

Most were fearful of a repeat of what is happening in Sugar House.

Thomas Fox Properties is the company pushing for the zoning change. They own some of the abandoned places in the area. The new zoning would call for additional height and density. Other issues that need addressing are the cleanup of underground pollutants from an old dry cleaner and gas station.

Sheila O’Driscoll, a community council member for 20 years, was instrumental in getting the word out about the public meetings. “I delivered 1,000 fliers,” she said. “I got wind of this and started calling people. A building the size of Westminster on the Draw, on that corner, would not fit.”

She added, “I’ve had five kids who went to Dilworth Elementary, and soon my grandkids will be going there. Traffic is a big deal.”

Residents, by-and-large, don’t want to see the Sugar House core business district replicated in the 21st and 21st district. At the master plan open house, some spoke about keeping the area more in line with the development at 9th and 9th.

Residents and city planners are trying to strike a balance. Citizens want to see change and improvement, but most people want buildings to remain at two stories or less.

The majority of those in attendance want to see area roads remain at four lanes, and many expressed concern about proposed apartment construction.

City planners listened and told attendees that they are working on a master draft plan. It will be finished and presented to the public by late summer. We spoke to two crossing guards to get their opinions:

“They want to plow everything over, building high-rise apartments and completely mess up this neighborhood. I don’t want that here, it will certainly be less safe for kids.” Said John Asson, the crossing guard stationed at the 2100 South intersection.

“This intersection is already unsafe, people aren’t paying attention, they are texting and talking on the phone while driving. I’m trying to help kids cross the street. I’m afraid if they build anything tall, it won’t be safe for kids and families,” said Sue Priestly who has been a crossing guard for the past two years.

 

 

 

 

 

Join our newsletter.
Stay informed.

Related Articles


  • The “Monster” of Bear Lake

    Have you ever heard of Utah’s hidden lake monsters? Beyond the tourist buzz of Bear Lake, whispers of a mysterious creature have persisted for generations. Dive into the untold stories, rare sightings, and eerie folklore surrounding Utah’s most elusive aquatic legend. Are the rumors real, or just a product of overactive imaginations?

    To access this post, you must purchase Full Access Membership.


  • Frisco, Utah: The Untold Story of the West’s Most Notorious Ghost Town

    Once a wild silver mining town, Frisco, Utah, was infamous for its nightly violence and lawless streets. Known as the “toughest mining town in the West,” its fortunes changed after a catastrophic mine collapse. Today, the deserted remains of Frisco, with its decaying kilns and empty streets, tell the story of a town that lived fast and died young. The mysteries of its vanished lawman and the outlaws who once ruled the streets still linger in its desolate landscape.

    To access this post, you must purchase Full Access Membership.


  • From Felon to Founder: How Rocky Rebuilt His Life After 12 Felony Convictions

    By the age of eight, Rocky was already using drugs, and by his twenties, he had 12 felony convictions and had spent years behind bars. His future seemed sealed. But then, something unexpected happened. Learn how Rocky defied the odds, escaped the cycle of addiction and crime, and turned his shattered life into a story of redemption and success.


  • Utah Book Bans Ignite Cultural Clash: Educator John Arthur on Local Control

    A battle over book bans is sweeping Utah’s schools, pitting state laws against local communities’ rights to shape education. Utah Teacher of the Year John Arthur steps into the fray, challenging restrictions that he believes rob students of vital perspectives and the freedom to explore. Are blanket bans the answer, or are we sacrificing young minds in a cultural clash?