The Orem City Planning Commission on Nov. 5 voted to forward a positive recommendation to the Orem City Council to rezone a 4.43‑acre parcel at 1738 South Geneva Road from OS‑5 (open space) to C‑2 (general commercial).

Staff presented the application as a rezoning consistent with the general‑plan land‑use map designation of “community commercial.” Davenport (staff) said the triangular parcel—left after Lakeview Parkway and associated rights‑of‑way were established—has only one practical vehicle access point: Old Geneva Road. The applicants submitted an illustrative concept showing multiple small “flex retail” buildings totaling about 32,000 square feet; staff emphasized the concept is illustrative only and not being approved as part of tonight’s action.

Paul Washburn, representing the Johnson family, told the commission the Lakeview Parkway acquisition removed much of the family’s land and left a parcel that is difficult to farm. “No. That UDOT is absolutely prohibited,” he said when asked whether the parcel could have direct access to Lakeview Parkway. Washburn and owner Cheryl Johnson said farming the remainder is not economically feasible and described discussions with prospective tenants for low‑impact commercial uses; they said they would seek to avoid automotive uses on the site.

Several residents spoke against the rezoning during the public hearing. A neighbor who identified himself as John Q. Public said the area is a “wonderful secluded neighborhood” and urged the commission to preserve open space. An online comment from Bridal Peterson, read into the record, said she did not want the area converted to commercial and asked how residents can have their voices heard.

Commissioners debated competing considerations: the parcel’s awkward triangle shape and lack of water/infrastructure make residential subdivision difficult, while neighbors stressed preserving the existing character and limiting traffic. Commissioners said the site’s access restrictions and limited size make many uses infeasible; several commissioners noted the risk that prolonged vacancy or forced sale could produce a higher‑impact use.

Commissioner Rod moved and Commissioner Hazen seconded a motion to forward a recommendation in favor of the OS‑5 to C‑2 rezoning. The motion passed on a voice vote; commissioners recorded support and directed that any site plan come back through planning review to limit uses that would conflict with nearby residences.

What happens next: The City Council will consider the rezoning request in a public hearing and has final authority to approve, deny or impose conditions on any mapping change.

Acknowledgment: Staff noted the application included a concept plan but the commission’s recommendation is only on the zoning map amendment, not a site‑plan approval. The applicants emphasized they prefer low‑impact commercial users and said they would seek development patterns that retain a farm‑like appearance near Old Geneva Road.