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Show Volume XIV Issue XV The Ogden Valley news Page October 15, 2007 Guest Commentaries (Cont. on page 17) UDOT Addresses Safety Issues in Ogden Canyon Community Asked to Contact Commissioners UDOT shares the com- is a challenge to balance the needs of all on Proposed Powder Mountain Rezone munity’s desire to main- roadway users on this segment of road. tain a safe travel corridor through Ogden Canyon. UDOT administrators have discussed this issue internally and determined to take several steps to address safety concerns. First of all, we believe an increased law enforcement presence in the canyon would help encourage safer driving practices. We will continue to coordinate with the Highway Patrol and Weber County Sheriff to encourage increased patrols through the area to monitor motorist speed and behavior. While there are already vehicle width restrictions in place, we have been made aware of the increasing concern for the number of heavy trucks using this segment of roadway. We have received a number of comments on this issue, not only from residents, but also from the trucking community and other roadway users. As you might imagine, the opinions are varied. It Consequently, we are working with our Motor Carrier Division to evaluate State Road 39 in Ogden Canyon with respect to whether additional restrictions are the appropriate solution. Some of the issues addressed in this process include safety, the geometry and design of the roadway, alternate routes, roadside culture, public involvement, and the legality of such restrictions. We hope to be able to complete this process in a timely manner. Andrew Neff, Public Involvement Manager Utah Department of Transportation Region One 166 W. Southwell St. Ogden, Utah 84404 Office: (801) 620-1641 Email: aneff@utah.gov Ogden Canyon Needs to be “Canyonized”—Taxes should be used to create a motorless pathway Instead of the standard moving violation fine for motorists in Ogden Canyon, double or triple it. Instead of higher property taxes, generate all revenue from fines in the canyon. Instead of “Cyclists and Peds Not Recommended,” how about: !!!!CAUTION!!!! . . . CYCLING, ROCK CLIMBING, FISHING, KAYAKING, and PED USE RECOMMENDED HERE!!!! What’s a ped anyway? And why are these “Cyclists and Peds” signs located in the middle of the canyon!!!??? Instead of the legal 3 foot rule when passing cyclists, how about feeln’ lucky with 3 inches? Instead of a gondola, how about a secure, motorless/emergencyaccess path up Ogden canyon!!!??? Why—even with its potential for multiple recreational pursuits—is Ogden Canyon still just a major thoroughfare? Sadly, I think completion of a motorless tarmac is far less likely than Nordic Valley having a lift to the top. With a motorless pathway down Ogden Canyon, we’d all have something to really “howl” about. And, hopefully, “howling” is step number one in seeing changes in Ogden Canyon. While cycling back from Alaska, in contrast, I forgot how non-existent the shoulders are here. With all the taxes we’re paying, this is truly appalling. By property tax increases alone, everyone should get their own personal paved bike path. It would be nice if the climbing, biking, kayaking rush and the rat-race rush could coexist in perfect harmony. The importance of a decent shoulder or designated path down Ogden Canyon all depends on your perspective—over handlebars, a kayak bow, a fishing pole, or through a windshield. A unique place like Ogden Canyon requires unique care—a “canyonization,” so to speak. A bike path connecting Ogden Valley with Ogden, well, to me, is as unique as it gets; thus, the “canyonizing” of Ogden Canyon, to me, would offer us a perfect world. So, until then, the canyon could use, immediately: 1. Better monitoring of traffic violations 2. Speed monitoring indicator signs 3. Less bumper-humpers 4. More use of high-beam switches (to low beam) and turn signals 5. Observation of double yellow centerlines 6. Less muti-tasking while driving 7. Special precautions, like avoiding hitting me while I’m picking up trash this fall and spring while participating in Ogden Canyon’s semi-annual clean-up FiLX (from a view from within), Ogden Canyon On October 23, the Ogden Valley Township Planning Commission will be asked to grant a rezone by a Powder Mountain would be developer. This petition has been tabled twice and will, in all probability, be voted on at this meeting. The Valley Citizens for Responsible Development (VCRD) do not oppose development at Powder Mountain, but do feel that any development approval should be granted under existing zoning and within the pending Sensitive Lands Overlay, Recreation Resort Zone, and Transfer of Development Right ordinances now in the review/approval process. No additional dwellings should be approved. The requested rezone translates to almost doubling the density at Powder Mountain to 2,800 dwellings in Weber County alone over what would be allowed under the current zoning (1,477 units). The Cache County portion of the proposed development has an additional 900 plus units. Valley residents should consider what the approval of this rezone request would mean in regards to future traffic and potential water and air pollution issues in the Valley. In addition, the fact that there is only one road in and out of Powder Mountain— Powder Mountain Road—could be a serious factor in case of a wild fire emergency. Cache County has already denied the petitioner’s request to add another road into Powder Mountain from their county. The VCRD membership feels that the worst scenario for our Valley is for the Ogden Valley Planning Commission or Weber County Commission to approve a precedent setting rezone that would undo much of the ongoing density planning efforts now being undertaken, and negatively impact the charm and character of Ogden Valley. The unprecedented increase in density (dwellings) from this proposed rezone petition with its major change in usage, and thus the associated increase in units, will negatively impact road traffic, air quality, wildlife, and water quality in Ogden Valley. This rezone petition should not be approved. If the Powder Mountain request for a rezone is approved, this action could open the flood gates for resorts like Wolf Creek, Snowbasin, and other resort developers to petition the Commission for similar rezoning and expect to receive a favorable decision. This could be a disaster for planning under Ogden Valley’s General Plan. The time is now to write your Ogden Valley Planning Commission and express your feelings. The OVPC has wide discretion on this rezone, and our members and all residents should be heard loud and clear. If you have not done so, please go to our blog site at www.ogdenvalley.blogspot.com to vote on the petition on Powder Mountain. Write to your OVPC Commissioners via Sherri Sillitoe at ssillito@co.weber. ut.us and ask that your e-mail be distributed to all OVPC Commissioners. Remember, “Speak up for what you want, or take what you get.” Larry Zini, Chairman, VCRD, Huntsville Carver’s Cove Annual Craft Fair October 18, 19 & 20 Thursday & Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 pm.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Located at 2329 N. 5025 E. in Eden Call 745-3018 for more info. |