LEEDS, Utah (KUTV) — A new proposed development in Leeds has sparked concern among residents who fear it will overwhelm local infrastructure, deplete water resources and threaten the environment.
The Grapevine Wash project, which includes 750+ residential units and 35 acres of commercially zoned land, was the subject of a heated public hearing in August. With zone changes approved, development has begun as residents mourn the loss of beloved recreation land.
Developers argued that the project will bring economic benefits and luxury accommodations to the area, including a high-end hotel with nightly rates between $600 and $1000 during peak season.
They also plan to set aside 20 lots for affordable housing through the Utah Community Land Trust. But, for many in the small town, the cost of growth outweighs the benefits.
Infrastructure and Growth Concerns
Leeds, a town with a population of under 1000 people, has no dedicated police force, few sidewalks and limited road infrastructure. Residents worry that the development will nearly double the population in a short period of time, putting a strain on essential services. Fire and EMS currently goes through the Hurricane Valley Fire Department and 911 calls are handled by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
“One of the things that has me concerned is how small this town is. With that many houses and people coming in, are we going to get cops? That’s kind of concerning,” resident Joshua Pettit said.
Residents also worry about traffic, as the development will significantly increase vehicle use on Leeds’ already limited roadways. Developers have proposed a new interchange, but it is still in early discussions with UDOT.
“Structurally, the roads and stuff like that is a worry. We don’t even have sidewalks in this town right now,” Pettit said. “Are we going to be needing to add stoplights and things like that, and how long is that going to be?”
Water Worries in Drought-Stricken Washington County
With ongoing extreme drought conditions and snowpack levels below average, residents question whether there will be enough water to support the development.
“First and foremost, the fire risk. We do not have a lot of water here,” long-time resident Jake Shandy said. “The drought has been going on and off for the last ten years, this year being one of the worst.”
Developers said in their August public hearing that they worked with the Washington County Water Conservancy District to ensure adequate water supply, but residents remain skeptical.
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“Right now, I know that everybody is worried about the water situation. The water prices are already pretty high here, and with the droughts coming and even the new reservoir that’s being built, how are they going to deal with the water?” Pettit said.
The WCWCD has water conservation incentives, including lawn replacement initiatives, classes on water-wise landscaping and rebates for WaterSense toilets and smart controllers.
But, can individual conservation outpace the water used to development this land, followed by the subsequent population growth?
“I really don’t think so,” Shandy said. “Everybody’s got to shower. Everybody’s got to drink water. Everybody should wash their hands. That all requires water. Even when you do climate-wise landscaping, you are still going to need to water it a little bit.”
Environmental and Wildlife Impact
The land, starting at the intersection of Old Highway 91 and E 900 N — Babylon Road — runs adjacent to a portion of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. It is home to several protected species, including the desert tortoise. Residents said construction is already damaging the fragile habitats.
“This used to be completely untouched desert reserve. It had a lot of creatures on it – most of which are endangered,” Shandy said. “Now that is slowly disappearing.”
Shandy said he regularly saw tortoises in the area, but now fears for their survival.
“Last year, I saw double digits of tortoises. When I pulled up on the land that they are bulldozing right now, I instantly thought of all the tortoises that I’ve seen and wondered what’s happened to them,” he said.
Loss of Ancient Artifacts
Beyond environmental issues, some are concerned the land contains archaeological artifacts that are being destroyed without proper surveying.
“I did find native pottery, from all four different Puebloan eras out there. Some of the older pieces, 1,100 years old,” Pettit said
Residents believe the rapid development is burying valuable historical artifacts and erasing evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years.
“Everyday we would find rock chippings, arrowheads, full arrowheads, broken arrowheads, drill tips. All kinds of stuff out there that’s been bulldozed in the past few months,” Pettit said.
Autum Gillard, Cultural Resources Manager for Paiute Indian Tribes for SW Utah, said she was not aware of this development and had not been contacted to survey the land for any possible artifacts.
Private lands are not required by law to report the finding of any cultural resources, including petroglyphs. But, there are many resources available within the county to work with archeologist to assess land.
The development is limited from building or owning any land along the hillsides.
What’s Next
Despite opposition, the Leeds Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning request, citing the developer’s efforts to lower density and integrate commercial elements.
Residents said they will continue to push for more oversight, stronger protections for water and wildlife, and further archaeological review.
“At this point, what I would like to see happen probably can’t,” Pettit said. “I would have liked to have seen archaeologist walk around and look at the ground, see what they are getting rid of first, and collect some of that evidence.”
KUTV also reached out to the mayor of Leeds and the town’s Planning Commission to ask questions about their future vision for Leeds. We wanted more information on plans to increase emergency services in the town in anticipation of this growth. We also planned to ask follow up questions on the town’s infrastructure and it’s ability to support an influx of residents and visitors. However, we did not hear back ahead of publication.
For now, construction moves forward, and the small town of Leeds braces for change.
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