But those who live nearest to Summit Academy Charter School - it now serves elementary-age students - are criticizing an expansion that would add older students to the mix.

Their concern: too much traffic. Some neighbors say cars now back up for as many as four blocks, restricting access to their own driveways.

"We've had about three hours of traffic issues every day," said Jon Hazelgren, whose home abuts the soon-to-be-expanded charter school's western edge. "So I assume now we're going to have upwards of five, since the size of the school is doubling."

Not so, said Summit Academy Board Chairman Dave Crandall.

Some parents will have students in both elementary and junior high, and he believes the immediate bump in student body from 550 to 825 won't add that much traffic. However, he acknowledged that his school's population is expected to eventually reach 1,000.

And despite neighbors' concerns, excavation on the junior high is well under way. Due to new state law, Draper City can't regulate anything about the charter school's impact beyond traffic and public safety issues.

To neighbors' dismay, the Planning Commission approved the commercial site plan on July 19.

Crandall said the junior high plan provides 10 times more parking. And though that is a significant increase, Crandall said he won't know whether the extra parking accommodates the growth - until it's put into practice.

"I feel we've addressed the concerns being raised," he said.

But in a last-gasp effort to delay construction progress and to allow more time to further address parking concerns, residents have appealed the Planning Commission's decision. The City Council is scheduled to vote on that measure tonight.

Meanwhile, Crandall said the school will go up - no matter what residents and the city do. Any delays, he said, would only exacerbate traffic issues.

"We will have portable [classrooms] on site at the beginning of the school year, regardless of what the City Council decides," Crandall said Monday. "But if we are delayed, then the traffic issues stay there" with cars being forced to park along streets.

Crandall said the permanent junior high will be substantially completed and ready to hold classes by Christmas break.

Meanwhile, the concerned neighbor, Hazelgren, is struggling to embrace the school.

"I don't know that I can consider them good neighbors due to their past unwillingness to involve us in things that will affect us. All they want to do is get their way," he said.

It's not right that "we have to stand the brunt of the expansion."

sgehrke@sltrib.com

What's next

The Draper City Council will consider an appeal from residents concerned about traffic issues during today's 7 p.m. meeting at 1020 E. Pioneer Road (12425 South).