On Oct. 29, the city council approved the Meadowbrook and Millcreek Station Area Plan. This was part of the city’s efforts to comply with a 2022 state law which requires any municipality that has a fixed transit station to complete a station area plan for the area within a half mile of that station to encourage an increase in accessible and affordable housing options along major transit corridors.

This is the third of four plans the city needed to approve before year's end; Central Pointe and South Salt Lake Streetcar stations already got their approval. The final one is the downtown connect plan.

Senior Planner Spencer Cawley and consultant Chris Geddes of Design Workshop presented the plan to city officials before the vote.

"There's a really good opportunity in these locations for station area planning, in particularly because these are two of the most culturally and economically diverse neighborhoods in the city," Geddes said. "We've got historically industrial land uses, some older single-family neighborhoods, but you're seeing a lot of new infill, higher density infill, residential development happening along the I-15 corridor and specifically related to both of these."

Since the half-mile zones of Meadowbrook and Millcreek overlap, they were studied together, which Geddes noted “really makes sense to make sure that we're considering those stations holistically when they do have very similar geographies.”

Another commonality is that the Millcreek and Meadowbrook areas represent some of the most culturally and economically diverse neighborhoods along the Wasatch Front.

The study area stretches roughly from Millcreek to Big Cottonwood Canyon and from 500 West to 200 East, mixing residential, commercial and industrial spots. The plan sees these areas as prime spots—"catalytic nodes for growth"—that should become lively, walkable centers based around transit. The existing mix of people and businesses creates a "good opportunity in these locations for station area planning…because these are two of the most culturally and economically diverse neighborhoods in the city,” Geddes said.

The main goals of the plan are to figure out the economic potential for mixed-use, transit-friendly communities, focus on "catalytic" projects to kick-start change, increase housing availability and affordability for everyone, improve safety, offer more transportation options and promote sustainable conditions.

Since March, the consultants have gathered input from the community through workshops, open houses, pop-ups and an online survey. People repeatedly stressed that improved safety and security is a must. Respondents also asked for better access to shops and grocery stores. “A lot of talk about food desert in these areas,” the consultant noted, pointing out the need to bring in local, neighborhood-serving businesses.

Residents also want more ways to connect for walkers and bikers, safer places to stroll, more green space, trees and traffic calming features added at 3300 South and 3900 South.

Millcreek Station Area Plan

This plan aims to turn currently underutilized industrial land into a residential and community hub complete with services and retail. The main focus is a high-density residential area near Washington Street and 3300 South, which could offer varied and affordable housing in bigger buildings. South of 3300 South, a mix of townhomes and apartments is planned.

A new plaza next to Millcreek Station would be a flexible gathering spot, connected to new development by a pedestrian crossing. The plan makes West Temple a major north-south path for walking and biking, while a redesigned 3300 South would feature neighborhood retail and a linear park for green space. Parks and plazas would also be tucked into the center of blocks for community use.

Proposed improvements include finishing the sidewalk network, better bike connections (especially north-south), and enhancing east-west links by extending Granite Avenue and creating a multiuse trail along Mill Creek.

Meadowbrook Station Area Plan

This plan begins by focusing on upgrades to West Temple and quickly redeveloping the UTA-owned parcel next to the station. UTA has already shown interest, Geddes said.

Later investments include upgrading 3900 South to be better for walking and transit, and creating a green buffer along the TRAX line. The long-term vision centers on turning the former Salt Lake Community College site into a recreation center. This is expected to be a major catalyst, “bringing new activity to the area, while providing access to health, services and community gathering,” according to Geddes. The plan also includes building a new pedestrian bridge over the TRAX line to connect both sides of the rail to the new facilities.

Geddes also suggested the city seek Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone funding from the Wasatch Front Regional Council to help pay for many of these proposed upgrades.

The council’s final vote in the regular meeting was unanimous approval for the plans.