Tooele City’s new planning commission chairman has a broad vision for how he’d like to see the city develop, one that involves walkable neighborhoods, a network of natural trails, plenty of protected open space and fewer strip malls.

Ken Spence was unanimously elected by his fellow members as chairman for 2009 at the commission’s meeting Wednesday night. He replaces Shawn Milne, who served two terms as chairman and remains a member of the commission. The city charter limits the number of terms a chair can serve to two. Milne was elected as vice chairman Wednesday night.

Spence, a native of Tooele, has served on the planning commission for three years. He works as an architect for the LDS Church, and believes the city needs a blend of built and natural environments.

“I would like the planning commission to become more proactive in areas like developing a citywide trail system, preserving open space on the hillsides, and developing a good park system,” Spence said. “Several years ago, City Councilman John Cluff, along with Kevin Shields, developed a trail plan for the city but not much ever became of the plan. I know the budget is tight, especially this year, but I think we should take a look at their plan again.”

Spence wants to promote walkability in the city as well.

“With a major highway running right through the middle of town, it is difficult to be to pedestrian-friendly,” Spence said. “But if we can develop more routes like 1000 North that will take the heavy traffic off Main Street, I believe we can make our town a lot more walkable.”

Spence is also concerned about the proliferation of strip malls in the city.

“I share Commissioner [Gary] Searle’s concern that Main Street has become an 8-mile-long, 600-foot-wide strip mall,” Spence said.

As the city grows, Spence sees the planning commission as an integral part in maintaining the quality of life in Tooele.

He said in applying zoning laws the planning commission walks a tight rope between protecting public interests and respecting private property rights.

“We have done a good job of making Tooele a good place to live and I expect we will continue to make it a better place,” Spence said.

Tim Gillie: tgillie@tooeletranscript.com