A business plan/operation manual developed by the task force estimated it would cost around $500,000 to $1 million annually for City Hall and the County Courthouse to operate a housing authority for the first several years until it can become sustainable.
County Councilor Canice Harte said he struggles to accept the project because it s in direct conflict with the Snyderville Basin General Plan, which he helped author during his time on the Planning Commission.
The developer is asking for the parcel to be rezoned from rural residential to a community commercial as well as a conditional-use permit for eight one-bedroom, nine two-bedroom and five three-bedroom townhomes.
Essentially, the problem is two-pronged: Providers are struggling to staff their facilities with qualified employees, which reduces the number of children that can be served, and child care expenses outweigh the benefits of working, particularly for parents who earn a low wage.
“You can move in with a toothbrush, your clothes, and 450 bucks a month and you’re in. That just doesn’t happen in this community,” said Tony Tyler, a partner with Columbus Pacific Development.