Planning commissioners took barely 30 minutes late Thursday to unanimously approve the first four steps toward architect Frank Gehry's vision for an 85-acre residential and commercial development, complete with the state's tallest building, a wake-boarding lake and a sports arena.

And, after all the hype behind the famed architect's work coming to a relatively small Utah city, only one resident commented on the project. That came on the heels of a hot two-hour debate regarding plans for a Smith's Marketplace, over which nearly a dozen residents aired their concerns.

Developer Brandt Andersen, who missed Thursday's marathon meeting for a family celebration, said the short supply of comments likely was a sign of the high level of support for the project.

"The great thing about Lehi residents is they've been able to organize in effective ways," Andersen said Friday. "If this was something people were concerned over, or not excited about, there would have been a real large showing of dissatisfaction."

Andersen said at least 95 percent of the feedback he has received has been positive. He added that the project is getting attention from businesses across the nation, most of which specialize in extreme or classic sports.

John Baker, who lives in an adjacent Traverse Ridge development, said he and several neighbors are "enchanted" by promises of a Gehry project in their backyards. But while Baker considers himself a supporter, he added a number of unanswered questions remain.

For example, Baker worries Lehi's infrastructure cannot handle the water, power and traffic needs of a 2,500-unit development.

"How do we get these people in and out?" he asked the Planning Commission. "What we're developing is a major item, and we need to look at it very critically, especially when you consider all the traffic that will flow in here."

Commission Chairman Kerry Schwartz acknowledged traffic looms as an important point, and the project's civil engineer, Kyle Comer, said he was working with the city on those and other issues.

Andersen said his company is studying infrastructure issues.

"Nothing is being done haphazardly," Andersen said. "Everything is being studied and looked into, even things that are not required, such as how we will be a green community."

Meanwhile, Baker blamed poor notice for the lack of public turnout on the Gehry project. He said he contacted 150 people on Thursday afternoon, and none of them knew the development was up for consideration that evening.

"This is a huge surprise for the people who live next door," Baker said.

But city officials said they posted the issue on the Internet and had information available at City Hall. News stories advancing the hearing also appeared Thursday morning.

Said Planning Commissioner Derek Byrne: "There aren't too many people who aren't aware of this project."

sgehrke@sltrib.com