The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received unanimous approval on Tuesday for a conditional use permit that will allow construction of a new church on East Michie Lane in Midway. Midway City Councilor Andrew Osborne said the project is in line with the general plan and the city’s values as a family-oriented community.  “These [churches] are viewed as assets to the community and as a nod to an overwhelming backbone of our community, which is family, faith and our heritage,” Osborne said.  While the church is just that — a church — it is also classified as a stake center. That means the building will serve as the headquarters for the stake, an organization composed of up to 12 wards. It houses the offices for the stake presidency and other leaders.  The church sought a conditional use permit because the parcel’s location in a residential zone meant for single-family homes. However, that zone permits churches if a permit is acquired. The church has owned the parcel where the structure is to be built for decades, according to Osborne.  While the land is under 19 acres at the southern end of Midway City, only 4.85 acres of the parcel will house the church, plus 356 parking stalls, a pavilion, maintenance storage and a play field. The church has indicated it may subdivide the property in the future, but it is currently unknown what the plans are for the remaining 13.76 acres.  The new Michie Lane church and stake center will be located on the eastern end of Michie Lane in Midway City. Credit: Map courtesy of Midway City The Midway Planning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit with a few exceptions. Osborne, who previously sat on the Planning Commission before his appointment to the City Council, was part of both approval processes.  First, the church must shorten its planned 71.5-foot-tall steeple to 70 feet. Then, the lighting must comply with the city’s current dark sky lighting ordinances. The plans otherwise comply with maximum height restrictions, landscaping and modifications to Michie Lane for traffic flow on busy days like Sundays.  The City Council, however, brought up the matter of the Pear Tree Llamas Ranch conservation easement, which is in the works with Utah Open Lands. Cathleen White is the owner of the 40 acres she hopes to preserve, and that land is adjacent to the church’s Michie Land property.  City Planner Michael Henke said if property is taken out of the conservation easement for construction purposes, that money must be put toward another conservation easement.  “That money needs to be put toward another conservation easement, so you end up preserving other properties,” Henke said.  While there was discussion of the impact of traffic in the area, the City Council concluded that it may not be an issue. That’s because Midway Elementary School, which is located on the western end of Michie Lane, operates on a different schedule than the church, which would be busiest on Sundays.  One other sticking point for the City Council involved the design of the church itself. Midway, which is known for its Swiss roots, features European-style architecture across town. Council members said they would like to see that style continued in regard to new structures, including the church. Community members agreed.  Doug Jones spoke during the City Council public comment period as a would-be neighbor of the new church in favor of construction.  “The idea that this is going to be a European-slash-Swiss architecture is more appealing since I’ll be walking by it five to seven times a day,” Jones said.  Resident David Scott was also in favor of the new construction. As a church member, Scott said he’s lived in many places where there have not been adequate facilities. “I really do appreciate the attempt by the church to meet both current and future needs for worship and for activities,” Scott said.  There was no public opposition at Tuesday’s meeting. Meanwhile, in Heber City, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is ensnared in a legal battle with some Red Ledges residents who oppose the construction of a 210-foot-tall, well-lit temple in their neighborhood. The matter has been taken up by the Utah Supreme Court, which most recently ruled that construction on the Heber Valley Utah Temple may continue during the appeals process. The church has not discussed a construction timeline for Midway’s Michie Lane church. The post Midway City Council approves permit for new Latter-day Saints church appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less