Salt Lake City Council bans new gas stations near parks, ponds and open spaces.
Washington Square Dispatch
By Josi Hinds
The Salt Lake City Council approved stricter zoning standards for gas stations, including a ban on new fueling businesses near parks, bodies of water and other sensitive areas.
Council members also recognized outgoing Council executive director Cindy Gust-Jenson, whose retirement at the end of the month was met with a resolution, speeches and several rounds of applause.
Gas Station Ban
The Council passed an ordinance tightening the zoning regulations for gas stations. Now, new gas stations must be at least 350 feet away (or roughly the length of a football field) from any bodies of water, public parks and open spaces of one acre or larger.
The changes were made to preserve and protect water sources and open spaces, and follow the controversy over now-abandoned plans to build a gas station on the northwest corner of Sugar House Park, the site of a former Sizzler franchise. Previously, gas stations were not required to meet any specific standards other than default fire and building codes.
Gas stations are permitted in 14 zoning districts in Salt Lake. They are not permitted in any residential zones.
In addition to the gas station regulations, a budget amendment reallocating $190,000 in unused employee benefit funds to the Main Library’s roof renovation was also approved Tuesday.
“The proposed amendment will be the last request for funding for the library’s roof renovation project,” said Austin Kimmel, a Council policy analyst.
Executive Director Retirement
After nearly 40 years in the role, Cindy Gust-Jenson, executive director of the City Council, is retiring. Her work was recognized by a joint resolution at the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting.
“Cindy Gust-Jenson’s career reflects a deep-rooted commitment to community and enduring passion for public service,” Councilmember Chris Wharton read from the resolution.
After reading the resolution, each council member and Mayor Erin Mendenhall took a moment to thank Gust-Jenson for her work. Her leadership, mentorship, friendship and dedication were some of the qualities councilmembers honored Gust-Jenson for.
“I hope you know it comes with the greatest respect that you were an educator and that you brought that education to all of us here across the city, whether we were elected officials, members of staff or the greater administration,” Councilmember Sarah Young said. “I am so grateful to have been one of your students.”
Wharton highlighted the many ways Gust-Jenson served as a friend for him.
“Yes, your commitment to public service is legendary, and yes, your professional skills are exceptional,” Wharton said. “But your friendship has been more valuable to me and to so many others and I can't thank you enough.”
Later, during the public comment portion of the meeting, former Planning Commissioner Cindy Cromer also spoke to Gust-Jenson’s legacy.
“She certainly helped me formulate the rule of the Cindys, which is, if you want to be successful, make sure you have the same name as one or more of the most effective people in the [policy] space,” she said. “I never liked my name until Cindy Gust showed up in the late 1980s.”
After everyone's speeches ended, Gust-Jenson was met with a wave of applause and gifted a Harper’s Weekly print of Salt Lake City to honor her time in City Hall.
Former Council Staff Deputy Director Jennifer Bruno was appointed to serve as the new executive director of the Council office last fall.
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