By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
A non-conforming use was allowed for Old Hospital Square
LLC, site of the once-county hospital, so that some
commercial ventures can take place at the facility.
A public hearing, where most of those in attendance
approved allowing a non-conforming use for the property, was
held, said Nephi Mayor Chad Brough.
The one concern nearby residents had was whether the
traffic would be more than what was there when the facility
was a hospital. However, the council thought the stipulation
could be placed on the non-conforming use.
`"I have the same interest and concern," said David
Leavitt. The former county attorney, who has, in partnership
with his wife, purchased the property, said he wants the
building to be an asset to the community.
"We are involved in the asbestos clean-up," said Leavitt.
"Curves will be moving into the west end of the
building."
Leavitt said he did not want to create a parking problem
but there was lots of grass that could be turned into a
parking lot and still have the building be an attractive
place.
Robert Painter, council member, said he was uncomfortable
with a phase in a letter written by Leavitt to the council
prior to the public hearing in which the words "unknown
uses" was used.
However, Greg Rowley, council member, said the uses
allowed in a non conforming use for property in a
residential area were quite specific.
The impacts on the neighborhood would not exceed those of
it current legal non-conforming use.
"While we have few plans for the building of a specific
nature, we hope to remodel the building to attract
professional offices and the like, exercise facilities,
other health-care related offices and purposes, dance
studios, reception centers, and other low-impact
businesses," said Leavitt.
Some things, he said, could be ruled out. For example,
there will not be a manufacturing or retail business because
that would exceed the impact allowed.
A dental lab, however, may be a compatible use.
"All businesses have to have a business license to
operate and the council must approve those licenses," said
Blair Painter, city recorder. That fact gives the council
final say in who and who not will be allowed to use the
building and for what purpose.
Leavitt said it was difficult to be specific about what
business might want to locate in the building and an
all-encompassing list was not possible. Nevertheless, the
council had it in its power to quantify the impact of the
hospital in its resolution.
"We purchased it with the idea that Nephi would grow in
the next ten years," said Leavitt.
Brough asked if the building might be used for incubator
businesses. He defined those as start-up businesses where
people could begin the work and cut start-up expenses by
hiring a secretary and receptionist in common with another
business.
They may even share a common phone.
"One of the big hang-ups in starting a business is the
building overhead," said Brough.
It would even be a possibility that office space in the
building be used for a call-center, said Leavitt. A few
people would be employed to make phone calls for a business
or businesses.
"The truth is that I am going to moth-ball the project
for a year," said Leavitt. "I will get Curves in and then my
family and I are leaving the country for a year. The grounds
and appearance will be kept up in my absence."
Leavitt is going to live in the Ukraine for a year and
will assist the government there in setting up a justice
program.
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