Meadow Gold property settlement (Wright Development)
Settlement of a lawsuit by Wright Development Group over the former Meadow Gold property: residential project up to 52 feet and four stories, up to 311 units, at least 650 parking stalls and no commercial space. Approved 4-3 on Dec. 12, 2023 after a public hearing in which residents opposed settling.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Development agreement
- Location
- 841 South State Street
- Homes
- 311
- Applicant
- Wright Development Group
Every hearing and vote
December 12, 2023 · City Council
Settlement agreement with Wright Development Group, 841 South State Street (former Meadow Gold property)
Approved · 3-3
City Attorney Steve Earl said Wright Development submitted a mixed-use proposal in 2021, a dispute over the application followed, the city placed a moratorium on it and the developer sued. The settlement would allow a residential project with a maximum height of 52 feet and four stories (a rooftop stair, elevator and lobby structure up to 64 feet), a maximum of 311 residential units, at least 650 parking stalls and no commercial space. The developer would have three years to complete an approved site plan and two more to pull permits; a full site plan and traffic study would still be reviewed. Council members asked about one-way or closed streets such as 900 South and 400 East; the traffic engineer said options existed but a cul-de-sac was harder than he first thought. More than a dozen residents spoke at the hearing, nearly all against the settlement, citing neighborhood traffic, speeding, children's safety, parking, building height and density, and some urged the city to keep fighting the lawsuit or buy the land for a park; one speaker suggested a medical use. Mayor Young said his preference was not to move the project forward, but that the council had been advised to settle and had to weigh the total risk to the city; he asked about traffic measures regardless of the vote. Council Members Jeff Lambson and Tom Macdonald agreed with the mayor, and Lambson wanted traffic calming. Council Member Debby Lauret said she did not want to risk more money being spent. Council Member Terry Peterson said he was angry about the project and would not vote for it. Council Member LaNae Millett said it was high-density housing in a neighborhood but that she was forced to vote and saw no winning option. Council Member David Spencer said he had been sold a different vision under the State Street plan and wanted the developer to work with neighbors.
- Applicant: Wright Development Group
- Max height: 52 feet, four stories (rooftop structure to 64 feet)
- Max units: 311; min parking: 650 stalls
- Commercial area removed from the project