City Planning Director Zach Montgomery is preparing Page for growth. In addition to reducing obstacles for developers, new business and homebuilders, Montgomery monitors trends, anticipates the future, and readies Page for new development.

“I've opened up probably about 10,000 acres that previously wasn't developable or zoned for development, and [am] just kind of preparing us for the future,” Montgomery told the Chronicle Jan. 2, 2024.

Part of Montgomery’s vision included creating “The Hillside Residential Special District (HRSD) Zoning District,” a location for custom homes on Manson Mesa’s cliffs facing west toward the Colorado River canyon. The district is for high-profile, single-family residential developments where “aesthetics is the highest priority.”

“There's a bunch of rock that sloped at about a 30-to-50-degree grade,” said Montgomery. “If you've ever been to Malibu, they have these houses that are built on these rock outcroppings. And they overlook the ocean. These would be like $5 - $10 million homes if somebody wanted to build on that rock outcropping overlooking the golf course with a perfect view of Lake Powell and the canyon.

“That opens up about 1,700 acres. Since California is vacating with all their money, I figured this would give them some more opportunities if they want to build some nice houses there.”

A public hearing was held Oct. 23 before Council voted on Montgomery’s proposed zoning changes. Citizens voiced their objections to HRSD, preferring to leave it undeveloped.

Page Council candidate Amanda Hammond addressed the mayor and council with a civil, well-reasoned argument against approving the HRSD zoning change:

“I’d like to start tonight by thanking Darren the city manager and Zach Montgomery for developing a comprehensive plan for Page's future growth. It's something we definitely need, and for the most part, it makes really good sense. There's one piece in the proposal that you all are looking at tonight that I think might not fit the category of common sense as well as the others.

“I think you're going to hear from a lot of other people. It's pretty controversial. This item includes the rezoning of the cliff face on the western side of Page as a Hillside Residential Special District which, according to Zach, the purpose of that would be to entice development of large $20 million stilt houses similar to those in Malibu, California. Those cliffs butt up against the rim trail and contribute to its natural beauty and character. “Currently, many residents enjoy hiking and climbing on the cliffs and walking their dogs there for recreation and exercise. They contribute greatly to the aesthetic of Page as visitors and residents alike drive into town and see the city perched on top of that red rock and the Green Golf Course wrapping around it. I just see it as really part of our natural beauty in the town.

“Some folks I've spoken to would like to see this submitted as a separate item that's not tied to the future development of utilities to the other parcels. As of right now, the proposal you have currently reads ‘the first step is to allow these 10 newly created Parcels to be rezoned and then receive the utilities needed for development.’ I think a lot of residents are hesitant to do that for this parcel.”

Hammond summarized varying viewpoints of residents, then asked Council vote yes on 9 of the 10 zoning changes but table and return the HRSD to staff for additional research and revisions. Hammond closed her argument saying, “This could be a good topic for Page Forward to address as a community workshop.”

After hearing from Page citizens, Montgomery suggested Council go with Hammond’s recommendation and drop HRSD from the proposed zoning change. Council agreed and voted accordingly.