West Valley City Planning Commission approves rezoning request for Redwood Drive-In Theatre & Swap Meet land

West Valley City, Utah – The Wednesday meeting of the West Valley City Planning Commission was well attended.

The room was packed with locals who came to support the continuation of the Redwood Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet.

Barrio Entertainment, Ezequel Medina’s business, is set up at the Swap Meet on weekends.

“It’s been up for like 30 years plus,” he said. “It’s my family business.”

He claims it’s a location that holds great significance for him.

“It’s a priority to me, man. Definitely a priority,” said Medina.

Another frequent exhibitor at the swap event is Beto Conejo from West Temple Media.

“I started my business there too, essentially the way that many people do, which is to, you know, build my brand, build my clientele,” said Conejo.

According to Conejo, there are cultural and economic effects of the swamp meet.

“We have 500 to 700 vendors come out every weekend, every Sunday specifically that come out and, you know, essentially make this a thriving economy here in West Valley City,” said Conejo.

A petition to rezone the land from commercial to residential usage was filed by EDGEhomes.
The site ideas, including the one that was shown Wednesday night, were examined by the city’s planning commission. On-site parking was one of the difficulties raised in that plan during a previous discussion.

According to the most recent site design, there will be 214 parking spaces in addition to 300 total units, comprising 40 condos, 244 townhomes, and 16 single-family homes.
Commissioners provided input near the conclusion of the meeting.

“I just feel like this isn’t the appropriate time to change the zoning of this property,” said Commissioner Harold Woodruff.

The people who attended clapped in response. Subsequently, Woodruff expressed his belief that this trait will eventually change to something else. Cindy Wood, a commissioner, backed the initiative.

“I think this developer will build a very good project. People won’t agree with it; I’m glad the single-family homes were put back in,” Wood said.

In the end, the planning commission approved the rezoning request by a vote of 4 to 2.
As the meeting came to a conclusion, many in attendance expressed disappointment and disgust, but Medina insisted that the struggle continued.

“Just do the best we can and, like, let people know how important this place is to us and what we really got here and what we don’t want it to be rezoned as,” said Medina.

The West Valley City Council will now consider the request before taking a final vote. A different developer attempted to rezone the land three years prior. The developer did, however, ultimately withdraw their application.