NIMBY*
*NIMBY = Not in My Backyard
Ivins = 10.3 square miles. Statistic from the United States Census Bureau.
Ivins current population is 9,532 (based upon 2022 data from the US census).
As Ivins continues to grow the discussions that are held and the decisions that are made regarding the future development of Ivins will impact our community and everyone’s “backyard” of Ivins.
Because of this I believe it is important to encourage community involvement. As an elected civic servant I will strive to increase the transparency and communication between the city and its residents.
GROWTH
“Although it is gaining in popularity as a center for tourism Ivins City is first and foremost a peaceful family and retirement friendly bedroom community with pockets of agriculture.”
Page 2, Chapter 1 of Ivins City General Plan
As Ivins grows in popularity I believe it is important we do all we can to protect and preserve our great city. I believe in responsible growth which begins by first acknowledging Ivins has achieved its 2015 General Plan goal of becoming a resort destination. As documented in Table 4 (of the 2015 General Plan): “Existing Land Use in Ivins City as of May 2014,” lists “Hotel/Spa Units” at 140. NOW IN 2023 WE ARE OVER 1700!
Going forward we need to fully evaluate and update our ordinances to properly support the growth Ivins is experiencing. At the same time we need to carefully examine all development proposals submitted to city council before any land use change and/or zone change is approved.
Below is an article I posted on Next Door and submitted to city council and the mayor:
Goal Achieved but is Our Vision Slipping Away?
Within the first paragraph of the 2015 Ivins City General Plan under Chapter One: Introduction it reads:
“Although it is gaining in popularity as a center for tourism Ivins City is first and foremost a peaceful family and retirement friendly community with pockets of agriculture”
In the 2015 Ivins City General Plan it states Goal 4 = Resort Destination
Now let me share a simple mathematical observation which leaves me questioning has goal 4 been achieved at the cost of our city’s vision slipping away?
Current overview of tourist accommodations:*
Black Desert Resort = 3,330 living spaces (as quoted in the SLC Tribune 8-16-23)
Mojave Village Development = 95 -300 units
Hidden Springs RV = 146 sites
Sentierre = 105 guest suites and 42 personally owned suites (from St. George News, June 2016)
Movara = 40+ guest accommodations
Encanto = 30 units
Red Mountain Resort = 82 rooms + 24 villa suites
Total number of tourist accommodations = 3,894 – 4,099
*This is NOT a complete list – I only listed those developments I could secure firm numbers on.
3,996.5. If we then take the average of 3,894 + 4,099 (8,208) divided by 2 = 3996.5
9,991.25 daily tourists: Then if we take the average of 3,996.5 tourist accommodations and multiply it by a very conservative number of 2.5 occupants per accommodation we arrive at a very conservative average of 9,991.25 (10,000) tourists that will be in Ivins on a daily basis. Which means within the next 16 – 24 months Ivins residents be equal to and most likely outnumbered by tourists.
10,616.25 daily tourists: Now even if city council does the right thing and holds the developer of Snow Canyon Retreat to their previous commitment of 250 short term rentals that still conservatively adds 625 tourists which brings our daily average total to 10,616.25.
10,973.75 daily tourists: If 393 short term rentals are approved that total increases to: 10,973.75.
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WATER & SUSTAINABILITY
Water is a valued resource and we need to work with the Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD) and the State of Utah to develop realistic strategies – both commercial and residential- that meet our short-term and long-term water challenges.
To stay involved and updated on the issues facing, and advances made on water conservation visit: https://www.wcwcd.org Sign up under “Keep Me Informed” to receive the newsletter and the latest on WCWCD news and events
Sustainability needs to be considered. Soon Ivins will be host to several thousand tourists enjoying guest accommodations in Ivins. We need to plan for how this will impact Ivins and our beloved Snow Canyon, Fire Lake and Gunlock Reservoir in terms of foot, bicycle, water sport and vehicle traffic, parking, public safety, litter and noise and do whatever we can to minimize the carbon footprint.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Quality of Life for residents: Again Ivins is “first and foremost a peaceful family and retirement friendly bedroom community…” Ivins City needs thriving neighborhoods that meet the needs of young adults, families, recently retired adults and seniors. Moderate income housing is a part of this concept and we need to have open discussions with residents and the state to develop a viable plan for Ivins
