Protecting & Preserving Our Neighborhoods, Listening to You
Orem is a wonderful place to live! Each of our neighborhoods has its own personal charm and identity which we need to preserve. One of the biggest issues facing Orem is growth and its related problems of development, housing, traffic and parking. These are big problems to solve. How we grow is just as important as the growth itself.
1- Growth and the State Street Master Plan
The State Street Master Plan needs to be over-hauled. It allows for high density housing, which has no height limits, to be built along parts of State Street. Some of it directly abuts homes. In order to preserve neighborhoods, building heights need to transition, with lower heights near homes. There are areas where homes are not protected and current zoning allows a 60-foot-tall high-density housing development to be built 60 feet from a home. We need to protect Orem neighborhoods from being in the shadows of large buildings by adjusting zoning, including height limits and transitional zoning buffers. We need to direct new growth to areas where there is adequate infrastructure that can accommodate the added traffic, not force the traffic in the neighborhoods and risk the safety of children. Developments should have open space and not make Orem a concrete jungle.
2- Traffic, Parking & Safety
We need traffic and parking solutions where safety is a priority. Poorly planned developments with inadequate parking and poor access create traffic problems which affect resident safety and well-being. Residents of apartments have limited and inadequate parking near their homes. Everyone deserves to park near their home, including those who live in apartments! The overflow of parking into the nearby neighborhoods creates safety issues in the neighborhoods and on the roads.
I have worked hard to establish smart zoning and parking solutions in the North Village District and will continue to do so for the rest of Orem. Growth should not infringe on Orem’s neighborhoods and family-friendly environment. I will work for solutions that will wisely guide growth near existing infrastructure, I will advocate for increased parking for those who live in apartments and prioritize decisions that will keep Orem residents safe.
1- Growth and the State Street Master Plan
The State Street Master Plan needs to be over-hauled. It allows for high density housing, which has no height limits, to be built along parts of State Street. Some of it directly abuts homes. In order to preserve neighborhoods, building heights need to transition, with lower heights near homes. There are areas where homes are not protected and current zoning allows a 60-foot-tall high-density housing development to be built 60 feet from a home. We need to protect Orem neighborhoods from being in the shadows of large buildings by adjusting zoning, including height limits and transitional zoning buffers. We need to direct new growth to areas where there is adequate infrastructure that can accommodate the added traffic, not force the traffic in the neighborhoods and risk the safety of children. Developments should have open space and not make Orem a concrete jungle.
2- Traffic, Parking & Safety
We need traffic and parking solutions where safety is a priority. Poorly planned developments with inadequate parking and poor access create traffic problems which affect resident safety and well-being. Residents of apartments have limited and inadequate parking near their homes. Everyone deserves to park near their home, including those who live in apartments! The overflow of parking into the nearby neighborhoods creates safety issues in the neighborhoods and on the roads.
I have worked hard to establish smart zoning and parking solutions in the North Village District and will continue to do so for the rest of Orem. Growth should not infringe on Orem’s neighborhoods and family-friendly environment. I will work for solutions that will wisely guide growth near existing infrastructure, I will advocate for increased parking for those who live in apartments and prioritize decisions that will keep Orem residents safe.
Standing with Those Who Stand for Us
The brave men and women of our police, paramedic, fire, and dispatch work tirelessly to keep our city safe and thriving. The future of Orem and the safety of our neighborhoods relies on attracting and keeping qualified individuals on our emergency services teams.
I fully support our public servants and will advocate for top-tier training opportunities, increased staffing and compensation, along with promotion opportunities to ensure that Orem will attract the best of the best. I will make sure Orem’s first responders will have the resources, equipment and public support they need to protect and serve Orem residents. I have three cousins who are police officers. I will always back the Blue. The safety of Orem residents and Orem businesses will be a top priority for me.
I fully support our public servants and will advocate for top-tier training opportunities, increased staffing and compensation, along with promotion opportunities to ensure that Orem will attract the best of the best. I will make sure Orem’s first responders will have the resources, equipment and public support they need to protect and serve Orem residents. I have three cousins who are police officers. I will always back the Blue. The safety of Orem residents and Orem businesses will be a top priority for me.
Business Friendly
I understand the role that Orem businesses, large and small, play in our local economy. When Orem’s businesses thrive, Orem thrives. Without a thriving business sector, our residents would not have the jobs, services and entertainment they need to live fulfilling lives. My experience in both the private and public sectors will help me to build coalitions that will keep Orem business-friendly and the tax base healthy. We need to focus more on supporting our businesses along State Street and allow them to upgrade and rebuild their buildings without unrealistic requirements. I will make sure that businesses in Orem have a supportive environment with minimal regulations to assist in their success.
The SCERA: Opportunity for Our Youth, Families and Seniors, Value for Our Community
I believe cultural arts and recreation in Orem are part of what makes the city such a great place to live. I was proud to serve on the C.A.R.E. (Cultural Arts & Recreation Enrichment) Arts Commission. I was able to make decisions about how those important funds are used and encourage applicants to give back to Orem citizens. I have seen the power that the Cultural Arts hold for the youth of Orem, their families, our Seniors, and the residents who enjoy them.
The SCERA is a place where kids can learn about the arts, learn to work, and gain confidence in themselves. A low-cost theater experience is wonderful for young families on a limited budget. Shared events such as outdoor movie nights create a wonderful sense of community for all who attend. Our seniors are given discounted programs and are able to socialize at a weekly Classic Cinema. The SCERA is a jewel of our community. As a council member, I will continue to be a strong supporter of the SCERA.
The SCERA is a place where kids can learn about the arts, learn to work, and gain confidence in themselves. A low-cost theater experience is wonderful for young families on a limited budget. Shared events such as outdoor movie nights create a wonderful sense of community for all who attend. Our seniors are given discounted programs and are able to socialize at a weekly Classic Cinema. The SCERA is a jewel of our community. As a council member, I will continue to be a strong supporter of the SCERA.
Neighborhood & Community Outreach and Preservation
Five years ago I volunteered to serve on the Neighborhood Preservation Committee for my neighborhood. It was a group of residents who met monthly for a year and put forth a vision for the future of our part of Orem. It included representatives from the local schools, and wonderful people of all ages and backgrounds. Everyone cared about Orem and their neighborhood. Lifting and building my community has been a passion of mine. As I’ve served on city committees and in my neighborhood schools, I’ve observed many others lift and serve. Our neighborhoods are our community. I’d like to use those Neighborhood Committees to help identify areas where service could be given, neighborhood clean-ups could be coordinated, bike and park needs in the area could be identified, etc. When I was on the C.A.R.E. Arts Tax Commission I encouraged grant recipients to reach out to Title 1 Schools and share their talents through free performances in the schools—and many did! Our great Police officers are reaching out to the neighborhoods through neighborhood BBQ’s. I will strive to support and increase these resources and build communities where all can connect and participate.