A Tale of Two Messages
Sandy residents are being told one thing and shown another. Mayor Monica Zoltanski’s campaign messaging loudly declares that she “opposes density in single-family neighborhoods.” But her newly adopted General Plan tells a very different story. One that every Sandy resident deserves to see for themselves.
What’s most alarming is that while neighborhoods across the city are being slated for higher housing density in her plan, Monica's own neighborhood appears to be spared from those same impacts.
The “Pace of Progress” Plan
Last year, Monica Zoltanski proudly unveiled her new General Plan, which she labeled the “Pace of Progress.” The plan was promoted as the result of two years of community engagement and committee feedback. Just recenly, Monica shared the plan received an award... from an organiation that PROMOTES density.
But since its release, residents who have taken the time to read the plan have discovered a troubling disconnect between the Monica's words and the policies her plan actually introduces.
While Zoltanski publicly campaigns against neighborhood density, her plan accelerates it — in nearly every corner of Sandy.
What the Data Actually Shows
When you compare Monica Zoltanski’s proposed zoning map (page T11 of section 7 of the General Plan) to the current zoning map, the pattern is unmistakable. OUR single-family neighborhoods in Sandy City sees increased density.
Let’s repeat that: OUR single-family neighborhoods in Sandy City will see INCREASED DENSITY under Monica Zoltanski’s plan.
For example:
- R-1-12 neighborhoods, which today allow roughly 2–3 homes per acre when accounting for roads and infrastructure, could soon permit up to 6 homes per acre.
- R-1-8 neighborhoods, some of Sandy’s most family-oriented areas, could jump to 12 homes per acre, effectively transforming single-family neighborhoods into dense townhome clusters.
And this isn’t isolated to one area. The plan’s language and maps show broad, citywide upzoning layered on top of the Monica's goal to densify Sandy City's “Downtown Core” bringing more traffic and congestion to Sandy's already crowded streets.
What This Means for US and OUR Neighborhoods
The impacts of this kind of broad density expansion are far-reaching:
- Traffic congestion: More cars on roads already near capacity.
- Infrastructure strain: Heavier demand on water, sewer, and public utilities.
- Loss of neighborhood character: The open, family-friendly atmosphere that drew residents to Sandy could disappear.
Growth is inevitable, but how a city manages that growth determines whether it enhances or erodes quality of life. Unfortunately, Monica's plan was presented as “responsible growth,” but the fine print suggests aggressive upzoning with minimal public awareness.
Follow the Money
It’s not just about zoning, it’s also about influence.
Campaign finance records show that nearly 40% of Monica Zoltanski’s initial campaign donations came from developers, builders, and consultants who profit from increased density.
These are the same interests that stand to benefit most from the policies embedded in her “Pace of Progress” plan.
Meanwhile, residents who have questioned the plan’s intent have faced dismissive responses and even accusations of spreading misinformation. But the maps don’t lie.
A Different Approach: Cyndi Sharkey’s “No” Vote
Fortunately, not everyone at City Hall went along with the plan. We applaud City Councilwoman Cyndi Sharkey voted NO on adopting Monica Zoltanski’s General Plan. Sharkey’s opposition wasn’t political — it was principled.
She pushed back against Monica's attempt to push density into neighborhoods citywide while shielding her own area from change. That’s the kind of leadership Sandy needs — one that listens, not lectures.
Monica Zoltanski’s General Plan may be called “The Pace of Progress,” but for most Sandy residents, it feels more like “The Rush to Density.”
As we look toward the future, let’s choose leaders who put residents first — not developers.
Let’s choose honesty, transparency, and accountability.