FEBRUARY 1996 EDITORIAL SOUNDING Ski Bridge Would Be a Blow To Park City Historic District Christopher Smart The debate on whether or not to build a ski bridge across Park Avenue at 8th Street is the same one that has been going on in this resort town for the past 15 years: How much of the historic nature of the town should we trade off to be successful in tourism? The ski bridge, as planned, would continue the Quittin’ Time ski run across Woodside Avenue and Park Avenue to the Town (ski) Lift But, in the end, the advantages of building the ski bridge don’t outweigh the downside of the project, which would greatly harm the historic district of Park City Park City has continually — if piecemeal — decided to trade off its historic characteristics in favor of resort benefits. But Park City has been a lot more than just a resort at an old mining town. It has been a community of full-time residents, too. And the heart of that community has been the residential section of the historic district. The ski. bridge would certainly have a detrimental impact on that portion of the historic district bridge, as proposed, The ski would permanently close Woodside Avenue — one of only two streets to run the length of Old Town. That doesn’t make any sense, whether you are a fireman rushing to a fire or just a resident on the way home from the grocery store. But more importantly, the ski bridge will change the character of the residential historic district permanently. The houses in proximity to the bridge and the ski run will never again be permanent residences — simply because the noise and impacts are too great. And permanent residents are what a community is all about. One by one, historic houses will fall to make way for newer ones that can take advantage of what realtors call “ski in — ski out” properties. A huge hole will open up in the residential historic district. The other part of this topic that seems intriguing is that very few people will benefit from the ski bridge. It would be part of a run that is rarely BOARD Anti-hunters Spew Misconceptions In your January Sounding Board, Lilith D. Spaha spewed several less than accurate statements about wildlife, hunters and the new used because it is distant from the rest of the Park City Ski Area and because it is too low in elevation to allow the best snow conditions. But Pat Sweeney, the major proponent, will profit from the ski bridge because his condo project is being constructed on the Main Street extention next to the Town Lift. His properties, too, could be advertised as “ski in — ski out.” The same is true with Summit Watch/Marriott and most of the other proponents, who own land adjacent to the ski run Almost all of the proponents stand to make money on the ski bridge. But here’s the kicker — according to the proposal, the public will pay for the bridge through a special improvement district. If this weren't so sad, it would seem laughable. The citizens must not only pay the price of a damaged historic district but they must foot the bill, as well Commercial zoning and high-density development on and near Park Avenue are already taking their toll on the residential historic disctrict. It seems ironic that in the midst of this type of development, the Park City Historic District Commission, Planning Commission and City Council would pass a new ordinance requiring Owners of small lots in the residential areas of the historic district to limit houses to Wildlife Board. Therefore, I felt a need to defend the sport of hunting (and the Wildlife Board) allow someone and rather than to promote fiction managers — in their vast wisdom — have issued additional predator tags each year since 1991 to reduce predation while attempting to provide a diverse, balanced wildlife population. Contrary to Spaha’s misconceptions about natural systems and balance, cougars and bears untruths about such matters. can’t count while they’re The letter questioned “how they (the new Wildlife Board) will vote killing and eating young healthy animals. when it comes to protecting wild animals?” It also referred to the board as “anti-wildlife powers.” Our new Wildlife Board has I don’t know where these antihunters come up with their misinterpretation regarding what kinds of animals predators kill — they. already shown their protecting wildlife increasing cougar concerns for always populations by the weak and sick. Any predation study that I've ever read clearly and bear permits — in specific herd units — for the 1996 hunting season. This action was taken to protect young ungulate (deer and elk) populations from over-exploitation by large predators. However, issuing additional predator tags does not necessarily mean waste means hunting provides its participants no guarantees, especially when seeking animals like the elusive, nocturnal mountain lion. The units targeted for additional Wolf Book Cliffs, Beartop. increased Sheep Wildlife harvest Creek and managers permits on cougars and bears in the Book Cliffs because of low fawn deer survival, caused by excess predation. Cougar permits on the Sheep Creek area were increased because predators have completely wiped out the young lamb production on three wild sheep populations, which were introduced in the ‘80s. Our claim that predators only eat shows that predators primarily study kill the young and old. And predators aren't selective either, usually taking whatever and however much is available. The term most studies use when describing predation an additional harvest. The sport of cougar and bear harvest were the 27 feet in height, rather than 33 feet — as though 1,700-square foot houses are what is threatening the historic district. If these bodies were really interested in preserving Park City’s residential historic district, they would not allow the ski bridge to be built. @ wildlife is “surplus killing packs killing,” more than commonly which they indulge eat. in this practice. The anti-hunters also grossly overplay the trophy aspect of hunting by making false claims it “depletes strong genetic heritage from the (wildlife) population.” Wrong again. A mature, aging animal has already made its genetic contribution to the species making it more desirable to harvest than the young. Let’s face it, cougars and bears need us to protect them from themselves. Otherwise, eat up their prey base. they might Dennis L. Ingram, Roosevelt, Utah Wildlife Advisory Council Member MAIL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION REQUEST TO P.O. BOX 1433 © PARK CITY, UTAH 84060 OR FAX 801-649-8046 G E T With IT Published Monthly at 7,000 in Park City, Utah Become One With “The High Altitude 12 Alternative” ISSUES OF THE “TIMES” ADDRESS. APT./ CITY/STATE ZIP SUITE Subscribe and Get THIS GIFT your issues delivered —asoics; APT/SUITE CITY/STATE PHONE $12.00 — 12 issues CHECKO PHONE IS FROM VISAQ PAGE 2 No Exp. SIGNATURE NO. NO. NO NO. Feet