Utah faces a housing crisis that has worsened over the years. Now, in the Hollow Road area, there are plans to annex land to Nibley (the nearest city), according to municipal records, before moving forward with plans to build low-density housing. That’s the initial plan: to build homes in this area because demand exceeds supply. The problem is that housing prices in Utah, and especially in Salt Lake City, are incredibly high. Housing prices in Utah began to rise even before the pandemic and then skyrocketed amid a surge of newcomers to remote work. The median home price in the state has soared to $506,000, putting it out of reach for 87% of renters, according to local media.
“It helps us feel like we’re outside the city and away from the hustle and bustle” – Residents of Hollow Road area
The fact is that, upon hearing the news of housing construction on Hollow Road, local residents have spoken out and made their position clear. “It breaks my heart to think about losing that buffer zone,” neighbors told The Salt Lake Tribune. “It helps us feel like we’re outside the city and away from the hustle and bustle.” And it’s not just that; they feel that if the plans go ahead, they will lose the surrounding rural area and everything that comes with it. Near the residents’ homes are 28 unincorporated acres in Cache County, in northern Utah, which, according to the residents, have been farmland for decades, as reported by local media.
The neighbors have carried out this request to make their position clear
Such is the desperation of the residents of Hollow Road that they have launched a signature collection through Change.org in which they say: “Hollow Road is more than just a road for residents—it connects us as a community. It’s the only route for commuters, children at play, families, and even our pets and friendly wildlife.” The neighbors have carried out this request to make their position clear. “If this annexation is approved, the proposed number of 24 homes in this subdivision threatens to add more traffic and change the road in ways that could make travel dangerous. Residents ride their horses, we have marathon runners, bikers, and dog walkers. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting the health and lives of those who live here.”
“This would change the community’s demographics and its strong spirit” – Residents of Hollow Road area
The fact is, according to media reports, the original annexation request only included half of Hollow Road, but Nibley town planner Levi Roberts said that Cache County has since requested a review of the plans to include both sides of the road, placing it entirely under Nibley’s jurisdiction. Since then, plans to build low-density housing have created considerable anxiety in this Cache County village. And reaching an agreement between the two sides seems like a difficult task.
Some demand affordable housing, and its construction seems like a step forward, but others disagree. “These subdivisions are NOT affordable housing. They will be building homes that only the wealthiest in our valley can afford to purchase. Many people have been living on Hollow Road for the majority of their lives,” Hollow Road residents stated in their petition, adding, “With Hollow Road already having one of the highest property taxes in the county, the concern about higher property taxes due to annexation poses a real threat to loyal residents. Many families, especially those over 65 with fixed incomes, may struggle financially and risk losing their homes. This would change the community’s demographics and its strong spirit.” Time will tell how this dispute ends and whether the petition manages to change anything for the residents of Hollow Road.