Don't Rezone Open Space
Help us collect 7,500 Signatures to Put It On the Ballot!
On May 13, 2025, Orem City Council narrowly voted to rezone the land Wilkerson Farm has leased and operated for 15 years—clearing the way for housing development. The landowner was not willing to consider other possible win-win options. We are required to move, but this land represents more than just our farm—it’s a vital open space for ALL of Orem and Utah County.
This public referendum is your chance to act! Signers of this public referendum are simply allowing it to be brought before the people of Orem to decide for themselves the future of some our last open space.
AND SHARE!
Why Vote "AGAINST" the Rezone
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The Voice of the People Matters
Residents overwhelmingly opposed this rezone and hundreds attended multiple meetings. City councilors MacDonald, Killpack, Gale, and Lambson ignored the voice of their constituents and recommendations of Planning Commission & Utah Department of Agriculture in favor of private interests. City councilors are not elected to protect profits. They are elected to protect the public good.
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Respect Constitutional Limits
Property rights do not guarantee a right to upzone for profit. Through the "police power" of states granted by the U.S. Constitution, land use authority is delegated to local government; not to individual owners or developers. Buying land as an investment is not a right, but a risk. To change local laws, any applicant carries the burden of proof that their change is good for the area.
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Common Sense Planning
This land currently acts as a strategic buffer zone to protect families from the noise, traffic, and danger of heavy industrial. Transition zones are a proven and rational planning principle to prevent incompatible land uses and improve our quality of life.
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UNFIT FOR FAMILY CITY USA
This location is inappropriate, inhospitable, and dangerous for family homes. The entire eastern border touches the FrontRunner commuter train, followed by an industrial yard strip, the Union Pacific railroad train, and finally the I-15 freeway & overpass. The FrontRunner train alone runs every 30 minutes mere feet away from what would be the backyard of 16 of the planned 53 homes.
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Not Solving Housing Crisis
The housing crisis we are facing in Utah's fast-growing areas is related to affordability, not availability. There are many homes available but simply out of range of the young families needing homes. According to the developer in neighborhood meetings, these homes would be priced in the range of $600,000 - $800,000. This is not affordable for first-time homes buyers who are the ones caught between a rock and a hard place.
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Fair & Ethical Way Out
There was no public listing, no for sale signs posted, no opportunity for the existing business to continue. As stated by the developer in public meetings, they were asked by the owner to come take on this project. We had hoped for the first opportunity, especially after working together for the last 10 years. Yes, the owner decided to move on, but there are several ways the landowner can be paid out without destroying the farmland. This way is just the easiest and quickest.
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Preservation of Valuable Soils
This land is uniquely equipped for the purposes of agriculture, recreation, and environmental protection which is whatcity codedefines asopen space. The unique sandy-loam soil is irreplaceable, but maybe more important is that we need open spaces as a break from concrete, offices, congestion, and hastiness.
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Cashing in the Future
Selling off what little fertile farmland we have left, especially with an active farm wanting to buy it and continue, is a reckless decision. One that can't be undone. It's one thing to maximize on a vacant, unused lot. But this is a place and a business that many people are affected by. There will be less and less opportunity for the future generations if we keep maximizing for today.
