ST. GEORGE – A new 55-and-older community planned between SunRiver and Interstate 15 was approved by the St. George City Council to move forward Thursday night.
The project — being called “The Villas at SunRiver” — covers 52 acres and could include up to 400 units at build out. Though being built by the SunRiver Group, the project would be independent of the SunRiver community and have its own HOA and regulations.
“We’re excited about it,” said Darcy Stewart, of the SunRiver Group. “We think it’ll be a great asset to the area over there.”
The project is intended to be composed of single-story dwellings, said Stewart.
Up to 45 percent of the homes in The Villas will be eligible for rentals, yet they will be strictly controlled by a professional management company, regardless of whether the homes are used as short-term rentals or if a homeowner wants to rent the home to a family member. Stewart said this will be done so the integrity of the community won’t be compromised.
“The intent here is to create a beautiful community, something we can all be proud of,” Stewart said.
City Attorney Shaun Guzman said city code dictates that any attempts to create short-term rentals in the development will have to wait until at least 100 units and accompanying amenities have been built.
A number of SunRiver residents expressed their concerns about the incoming development with the City Council. Increased traffic was one of these concerns, particularly as it related to how it may impact the intersection of SunRiver Parkway and Arrowhead Canyon Drive.
Other City Council business
In addition to approval of the new SunRiver community, the St. George Elks Lodge donated $8,000 for the city to be applied to the St. George All Abilities Park and Playground. The money will be used specifically for the “Hands that Built the Park” display.
Read more: All Abilities Park, playground coming into focus
The City Council approved a bid for $1.7 million for the construction of a new Fleet Management Facility. The new facility will service the city’s fleet of vehicles as it grows with the community, Mayor Jon Pike said.
City Manager Gary Esplin said the city does the majority of the work related to its fleet in-house. Doing this, rather than contracting fleet maintenance and repair out to private parties, saves the city thousands of dollars.
A general plan amendment allowing a proposed medical clinic at 1450 South and 3000 East was also approved by the City Council. Intermountain Healthcare is proposing to put a clinic similar to the one found on Sunset Boulevard on a 4-acre parcel by the intersection of the two roads.
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