Dear Provo Mayor and City Council,
We on the Orem City Council deeply value our longstanding relationship with Provo and respect the Provo City Council’s authority over land-use decisions within its borders. We do not typically weigh in on matters outside our city, but the impacts of the proposed Vesper Amphitheater on the health, safety, and welfare of Orem and its residents are too significant to ignore.
Although the original application has been withdrawn, we understand that a revised proposal is forthcoming. Our concerns regarding the substantial negative impacts of the Vesper Amphitheater development on Orem and the surrounding area remain. At our September 8, 2026 meeting, the Orem City Council intends to consider a resolution formally expressing our opposition to the Vesper Amphitheater development.
Despite dozens of hours of productive dialogue with the Vesper development team and Provo City representatives, critical concerns remain unresolved. Most notably, we remain concerned about sound and light pollution; impacts to Orem’s Mt. Timpanogos Park and its users; and substantial traffic impacts anticipated on SR-189 (Provo Canyon Highway) and SR-52 (800 North). A development of this scale cannot occur without significant and costly transportation improvements, many of which would directly affect Orem residents.
We sincerely appreciate the Provo Mayor and City Council’s willingness to approach these concerns in the spirit of a good neighbor. Their transparent communication and willingness to engage with us on difficult issues have been exceptional, and we are grateful for the productive dialogue between our cities.
Our concerns also reflect the unique regional importance of Provo Canyon. It is a treasured recreational and natural resource shared by residents throughout Utah County, and we believe there is an opportunity for Provo, Orem, the State of Utah, Utah County, MAG, and affected special service districts to work together toward a long-term vision for this area to create a plan that enhances the grandeur and recreational value of the canyon while thoughtfully considering the impacts of future development.
As this proposal is revised and moves again through Provo City’s review process, we respectfully ask that the concerns and impacts previously outlined above and in our June 23rd letter, be given significant consideration.
Whatever the ultimate outcome, we remain committed to our cities’ strong partnership and to working together for the good of all who call Orem and Provo home.
Sincerely,
Karen McCandless, Mayor
Jeff Lambson, Council member
LaNae Millett, Council member
Jenn Gale, Council member
Chris Killpack, Council member
Quinn Mecham, Council member
Crystal Muhlestein, Council member
