Tavaci Road at Center of Yet Another Cottonwood Heights Dispute

By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

Cottonwood Heights is facing another issue just a few weeks after developer Terry Diehl filed a petition to disconnect his Tavaci development from the city and make it part of Salt Lake County. The main reasons for his desired shift were the ability for a higher housing density and to add a commercial component to the development. However, the developer did not find favor with the city council and the initiative fell through.

The latest dispute centers on the winding road leading to the project. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, while the road that leads to the site has received acclaim for both its architecture and engineering, critics have voiced fears that it will not be able to sustain heavy traffic. Zoning currently allows 43 homes to be built along the road.

The developer dismissed the problem regarding the structure’s resistance, claiming it would support the traffic generated by the multi-use development. The Tribune also mentions that a 2009 traffic report doesn’t seem to point out any issues with the road. The road, although not included in the separation suite between Cottonwood Heights and developer Terry Diehl, was cited as the main reason to deny permission to disconnect the community. The road currently stands under private ownership and is managed by the homeowners association. That along with the fact that it features a gate at its foot constitute the developer’s arguments for its being only meant for private use.