In a significant development for Park City, the City Council approved a consent agreement on Thursday that will allow Matthew and Tatiana Prince to proceed with their controversial plan to build a new home on King Road, overlooking the historic Old Town area. The council's decision, which passed with a 3-1 vote, aims to resolve a protracted dispute involving multiple lawsuits and community concerns about the project's compatibility with local historic preservation codes. Matthew Prince, co-founder and CEO of the cybersecurity firm Cloudflare, and his wife Tatiana purchased the property at 220 King Road in 2020. They propose to demolish two existing homes on the site and replace them with a new residence that will feature 7,500 square feet of living space, a 1,000-square-foot home office, and an additional 6,000 square feet of unfinished basement space. The plan has drawn both support and criticism from community members, reflecting the ongoing challenge of balancing development with historic preservation in Park City. The council's approval of the consent agreement is intended to address three lawsuits filed against the city regarding the Princes' project. According to Mitchell Stephens, the attorney representing the city, the agreement is expected to resolve much of the existing litigation. The consent decree affirms the Park City Planning Commission's previous approvals while reinstating the Historic District Design Review approval granted by Planning Director Rebecca Ward, which includes 24 specific conditions aimed at mitigating the project's impact. As part of the agreement, the Princes' development company, Pesky Porcupine LLC, is required to undertake additional landscaping to reduce visual impact and make road safety improvements in the area. These improvements include installing a new fire hydrant and necessary infrastructure at the Prince property. Furthermore, Pesky Porcupine must also cover the legal costs for any future challenges related to the three lawsuits and other development activities associated with properties owned by the company’s affiliates. The contentious nature of the project has been underscored by the legal battles that have unfolded over the past few years. The Hermanns, a neighboring couple, filed multiple lawsuits against the city concerning its approval of the project, arguing that the proposed home's size and design do not conform to the character of the surrounding historic district. Their concerns highlight the ongoing tension between new development and the preservation of Park City's unique architectural heritage. During the City Council meeting, members expressed that the decision to approve the consent agreement was challenging but necessary to move the project forward. Councilors Bill Ciraco, Tana Toly, and Diego Zegarra voted in favor, citing the need to resolve the ongoing disputes and allow development to proceed, while Ed Parigian cast the lone dissenting vote. Community members had mixed reactions to the council's decision. Several residents spoke out against the agreement, urging councilors to reject it and arguing that the new construction would disrupt the historic charm of Old Town. Fredston-Hermann, one of the property owners adjacent to the proposed site, criticized the Princes for not respecting the existing codes designed to protect the area’s character. She emphasized the need for all developers, regardless of their financial resources, to adhere to the same standards in the historic district. Supporters of the consent agreement, including the Princes, contended that their project adheres strictly to all city codes. Matthew Prince defended the proposal during the meeting, asserting that the scrutiny their plans have faced has been unprecedented compared to other developments in the area. He expressed a desire for the council to move past the contentious legal disputes, emphasizing the family's intention to build a home for their family. Despite the council's decision, some community members urged caution. They called for a delay in the vote until after a scheduled hearing on January 29, which will address claims made by the Hermanns regarding the expiration of conditional use permits. Eric Lee, representing the Hermanns, argued that further deliberation would allow for a more thorough examination of the issues at hand and would preserve the existing status quo while giving his clients a chance to resolve the disputes amicably. Overall, the approval of the consent agreement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga of development and preservation in Park City. As the Princes prepare to move forward with their plans, the implications of this decision will likely reverberate throughout the community, influencing future discussions about development in the historic district and the balance between growth and preservation. The post Agreement allows the plan to build house above Old Town to move forward appeared first on Park Record.