I have received a number of emails from residents opposed to the annexation of the SITLA land just off Hwy 91 next to the Indigo Trails neighborhood and the proposed “Anasazi Commons” attainable housing development (previously called Anasazi Ridge).
There will be a City Council Work Meeting at City Hall (85 N Main Street) on June 18 beginning at 3:00 p.m. to discuss the proposal. It is not a public hearing, but I encourage anyone interested to attend and listen to the discussion. SITLA and the development team will be there to discuss their proposal. (Download their presentation from last fall – not – there have been changes we will learn about on June 18th.)
I too have concerns about the proposal. Last November I wrote an article titled “SITLA Affordable Housing Proposal – Great Goal, Challenging Location,” which outlines many of my concerns. The proposal has evolved since then, so some issues may have been addressed, but many questions remain.
After reviewing all of the emails I’ve received so far, I found 37 different concerns and 15 recommendations. Many of the concerns raised are legitimate issues that deserve careful consideration. Others involve matters that may ultimately be the responsibility of the developer, SITLA, state agencies, or future homebuyers rather than the City itself.
My task as a Council Member is to determine which concerns fall within the City’s authority and which should influence an annexation decision. I’d like to hear from you if you have concerns, suggestions, or are just interested in keeping informed on this issue. Please email me at Mike@MikeScott4Ivins.com.
Here are the concerns residents have expressed so far, organized into 10 major issues/themes:
1. Site Suitability and Construction Challenges
Many residents questioned whether the steep slopes, soil conditions, grading requirements, and excavation costs make this a practical location for attainable housing.
2. Long-Term Affordability
Several residents questioned whether homes can remain truly attainable if development costs are significantly higher than anticipated and whether any long-term affordability protections will be included.
3. Traffic and Transportation
Concerns were raised about additional traffic on Highway 91, roadway capacity, secondary access, emergency access, parking, and overall transportation impacts.
4. Infrastructure and Public Services
Residents questioned the cost of extending infrastructure, long-term maintenance obligations, and impacts on police, fire, EMS, utilities, and other city services.
5. Water and Drainage
Several comments focused on water demand, stormwater management, drainage, and the long-term sustainability of additional growth.
6. Parks, Open Space, and Family Amenities
Many residents expressed concern that the proposal currently provides limited parks, open space, and recreational opportunities for future residents, particularly families with children.
7. Location Relative to Schools, Shopping, and Services
A common theme was whether this location is too isolated from schools, shopping, parks, and other community services compared to alternative locations.
8. Cultural and Historic Resource Protection
Many comments focused on the proximity of the development to petroglyphs, archaeological resources, and culturally significant sites.
9. Community Character and Quality of Life
Residents expressed concerns regarding neighborhood compatibility, density, scenic views, dark skies, noise, dust, and overall community character.
10. Alternative Approaches
Many residents suggested exploring alternative locations, reducing the number of units, integrating attainable housing throughout the community, or evaluating other ways to meet housing goals.
Some issues, such as traffic, access, parking, open space, long-term affordability, buffering, infrastructure capacity, and compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods, are areas where I believe the City has an important role to play. Other concerns require additional technical information before meaningful conclusions can be reached.
I appreciate everyone who took the time to write. Thoughtful input helps me better understand both the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal, and your comments will be part of my evaluation as this process moves forward, most immediately at the June 18th meeting.
Sign up for monthly email updates (click here)
Never more than 12 emails a year and you can unsubscribe any time
Let me know about Ivins issues that are important to you.
Please email me with your concerns, ideas, suggestions, and recommendations.
Recent “Development” Articles
- Mojave Village: A Big Proposal Moving Quickly
PDF 📄Ivins is considering a significant new development called Mojave Village, approximately 64 acres near Guy Lane and Fitness Way. The proposal includes 369 units: 160 Resort Commercial townhomes that could be used as short-term rentals, nearly 200 smaller-lot single-family homes, and estate lots of an acre or more. That’s a lot to consider. At… - Mojave Village: Your Questions, Concerns & My Responses
PDF 📄Since I posted information about the proposed Mojave Village development, I’ve received more than 100 emails and a lot of social media comments. Some are strongly opposed. Some ask good questions. Some raise concerns I share. Some reflect understandable misunderstandings about what is actually being proposed, which is one reason I think providing more… - A New Plan for 64 Acres in Ivins: Mojave Village
PDF 📄There are two important public hearings this week regarding Mojave Village, a proposed development of approximately 64 acres near Guy Lane and Fitness Way. The proposal would change the Land Use and Zoning Maps to allow a mix of housing types and Resort Commercial development. The proposed plan includes: 160 Resort Commercial townhomes that… - SITLA Responses to Resident Concerns
PDF 📄I have received a number of emails from residents opposed to the annexation of the SITLA land just off Hwy 91 next to the Indigo Trails neighborhood and the proposed “Anasazi Commons” attainable housing development (previously called Anasazi Ridge). After reviewing all of the emails I’ve received so far, I found 37 different concerns… - Shivwits/Black Desert Development
PDF 📄Update: June 9, 2026: City Council member Wayne Pennington provided a more recent plan (download) than was proposed in the presentation from last year that I initially posted. At our City Council meeting last Thursday, we agreed to place a discussion item on the June 18 Council agenda regarding the proposed development being planned…