A letter to the editor from Grand County Commissioner Brian Martinez:
I’ve read the recent article in the Moab Sun News, “Planning Commission seeks end to ‘piecemeal’ Grand County zoning changes,” and I would like to offer additional context and insight to the reporting. The Planning Commission has described zoning efforts as “piecemeal,” yet this criticism overlooks the fact that their repeated delays have compounded the housing challenges we currently face.
I was elected to the County Commission to help address these very issues, and the commission has worked tirelessly on ordinances that support housing and water conservation, efforts that have repeatedly been stalled by the Planning Commission.
In the recent article, it was reported that the Planning Commission will postpone public hearings on a high-density affordable housing proposal until workshops with county commissioners are held to address concerns with the overall process. I look forward to these meetings and sharing the commission’s priorities, including a comprehensive review of the land use code. However, while a comprehensive review will be valuable, using it as a reason to halt progress on urgent issues like housing and water is unacceptable.
Every month we delay making progress only widens our affordable housing gap. Grand County is currently in a position to utilize the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, critical federal resources that make affordable housing projects feasible. These tax credits are competitive, time-sensitive, and would directly benefit our community. Every delay has a human cost, felt by our neighbors, employees, and small business owners who keep our local economy running.
The Planning Commission expressed concerns about infrastructure and density for a three-story apartment complex, yet multi-story hotels have been built here for years. If utilities and services can support these hotels, it is reasonable to expect we can also serve workforce housing. The County Commission’s proposal for a 45-unit apartment building is not extreme; it’s a practical step towards addressing our housing shortage and meeting family and local workers’ needs.
The same urgency applies to water conservation. Consider the proposed xeriscaping ordinance. The ordinance, which is designed to incentivize responsible water use by replacing grass with water efficient landscaping, is still awaiting public hearing in the Planning Commission. This is happening even as Ken’s Lake nears conservation pool—the 400 acre feet required to stay in Ken’s Lake for wildlife. The xeriscaping ordinance is a straightforward, targeted measure that could be enacted now to conserve water in our county.
Responsible development is a shared goal. I believe we should expect and promote projects that respect and enhance our community. Addressing our housing crisis requires a thoughtful but urgent approach, one that focuses less on delay and more on solutions that can make a real difference in our community.
Brian Martinez, Grand County Commissioner
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