New City Development Sparks Controversy in Kane County
Kane County officials are raising concerns over the proposed development of a new city, Willow, on 596 acres just east of Kanab. The project, spearheaded by Philo Development Group, aims to establish a master-planned community with 1,276 units, including homes, vacation rentals, and amenities. The developer is utilizing a recent state law, SB258, to bypass county approval and seek preliminary municipality status directly from the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office.
County Commissioner Celeste Meyeres criticized the law for undermining local control and expressed frustration that Philo Development has cut the county out of the process after two years of collaboration. She argues that the county had already facilitated zoning changes to support the project, which now seeks to provide affordable housing options.
Philo’s managing partner, Greg Whitehead, contends the county’s existing zoning restrictions hinder the creation of diverse housing options. Former Utah Senator Curt Bramble, who sponsored SB258, supported the legislation as a necessary measure to address the state’s housing shortage, citing challenges with some rural counties. As controversy brews, officials are contemplating further legislative action to address the implications of SB258.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
