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Show Volume VIII Issue VII THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 3 July 15, 2003 Editor’s View Public Lands Committee to Debate Future of Wolf Creek Park By Shanna Francis On July 2, members of the Weber County Public Lands Advisory Committee gathered for a tour of the Wolf Creek Park and trail that was the subject of a four year legal battle. The committee expects County Commissioners will ask for a recommendation regarding the property that is now back in county ownership. County employee Gary Laird acted as tour guide for the group. The committee represents county residents, and acts in an advisory capacity to county officials who have appointed them to their position. After learning that the committee was studying the property and exploring options for its future, I became interested in the perceptions and thoughts of committee members on such a highly publicized and well fought for piece of ground that has come to represent the power of the people in fighting “city hall” —or the county, in this case. After speaking with a member of the committee, I was appalled and stunned at the response to my questions and request for public comment for an article I wanted to write for the paper. They glibly stated, “Personally, I don’t see a whole lot of value in the property, and I think Rulon [Jones] was putting it to good use. I question if Weber County should keep it.” They then proceeded to deliver the same explanations heard time and time again as oft quoted by our County Commissioners in the Standard-Examiner--that the property had no beneficial use. After further questioning of a number of committee members, I learned that they would be meeting to formulate a recommendation without most members ever having stepped foot on the property! The evening of the official tour, it began to get dark, and Mr. Laird, apparently, had another commitment he had to return home to. Unfortunately, there would be no time to hike up onto the property. There would be no physical tour. Committee members would have no time to circle around the bend of the mountain to view the wide-open meadow centered within the bottom of the “bowl” created by the pristine mountains that circle around the bottomland where the trail follows the headwaters of Wolf Creek. On a windshield inspection, was it too dark to see the wild geraniums and other wild flowers and natural habitat that accompanies those willing and wanting to enjoy a piece of unspoiled nature. Again quoting from a Public Lands Advisory committee member, “I don’t know why anyone would want to go there. As a destination, there’s nothing there at the end of the trail.” I suppose true beauty is all in the eye of the beholder . . . and not worth a hike to experience it. If you would like to give public comment to the committee or to county officials on what you think should be the future public use of this property, I encourage you to contact county property manager Gary Laird at 625-3850, or your County Commissioners. Apparently, from comments gleaned from the hike to the property on July 12, there are many county residents who may not agree with recommendations that may be given by some members of the Public Lands Committee. A Public Lands Advisory Committee? I would have thought that hundreds of names on a petition, and a four-year legal battle would have been public commentary enough on what the future use of this piece of paradise should be. I question, are we in for yet another battle over the use and ownership of Wolf Creek Park? UDOT Region One Road Report OGDEN - The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) advises motorists of the following road work: Weber County July 14-16: S.R. 39 (milepost 22-33) will be restricted to one lane in segments from the UDOT maintenance shed to Monte Cristo. Restrictions will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for paving. One-way traffic will be directed by flaggers and motorists should expect up to five minute delays. July 17: The Powder Mountain Road (S.R. 158) will be restricted to one lane in segments from milepost 6-10. Restrictions will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for paving. One-way traffic will be directed by flaggers and motorists should expect up to five minute delays. UDOT Completes Major Portion of Wall Avenue Project Ahead of Schedule OGDEN - The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has completed a major portion of the Wall Avenue reconstruction and widening project in Ogden significantly ahead of schedule. Paving is complete and traffic restrictions have been removed on Wall Avenue. Another portion of the project, the widening of 30th and 31st Streets between Wall Avenue and Washington Blvd., is also essentially complete, and lane restrictions have been removed. Following is a list of benefits the community may expect from the project: The reconstructed and widened streets are now safer and capable of handling more traffic with reduced congestion, offering improved access to businesses, residents, and commuters. New turn lanes and center medians further increase mobility for motorists. New curb, gutter, sidewalks and other landscaping amenities will enhance an important entry-way into Ogden City. 30th Street has been realigned west of POLICE BEAT cont. from page 1 girl to Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City for treatment. Traffic was stopped along the highway for a short period of time to accommodate the transport operation. Wall Avenue to provide a more direct route to the freeway, and two new bridges have been added. Numerous utility upgrades (power, gas, water, sewer, storm drain, fiber optic communications, cable, telephone) will provide benefits for years to come. New asphalt pavement will provide a smoother ride. While there is still work ahead, the majority of the work is now complete west of Washington Blvd. Landscape work and other miscellaneous items off the roadway will be completed through the fall which may require minor temporary lane restrictions. Work will continue through next spring on 30th Street from Washington Blvd. to Harrison Blvd. Access will be maintained for residents and businesses in this area. Total project completion is scheduled for spring 2004 on this landmark project. Wadsworth Brothers Construction is the project’s prime contractor. According to Weber County Sheriff Lt. Jeff Malan, the left side of the girl’s body was burned by hot coals when the girl wandered too close to a camp fire being used to cook a Dutch oven dinner. TENNIS LESSONS Call for details 745-3545 or pick up registration forms at your local post office. See ya on the court! NOW OPEN! Come in and see Car Detailing - Rock Chip Repair 745-4007 Pine Mountain Sun & Beauty 745-4002 2612 N. Valley Junction Drive View of Ogden Valley from Wolf Creek Park. HIKE cont. from page 1 Plaintiff Ben Toone and his family and friends served over 500 pancakes to the large crowd that congregated at the edge of Powder Mountain Road, where parked cars lined both sides of the steep and winding road as far as the eye could see. Kent Fuller, also a plaintiff in the case, led a group of horseback riders to the top of the trail, and on to the controversial mountain land. Included among local hikers were visitors from other parts of the county, includ- ing Ogden, Roy, and Pleasant View. One woman was visiting from Bulgaria. There seemed to be a consensus among the crowd—the property was a great place to hike, horseback ride, mountain bike, or to even snowshoe by moonlight once winter returned. Eden, Utah Located on the east side of Snowcrest Jr. High School) THE SUMMIT AT SKI LAKE Gated Community in Ogden Valley Overall, organizers stated that the event was a success, and were pleased with the large number who came to participate and enjoy their public lands. BARBARA BEALBA INTERIORS Custom Draperies Blinds, Shutters & Shades Reupholstery Design Consultation 745-2269 E-mail: barbarab@konnections.net Overlooking Pineview Reservoir near Snowbasin Ski Resort. Dr. Ron Catanzaro, developer of Ski Lake Gated Community, wishes to thank all those who made the Parade of Homes at his development an outstanding success. Homesites from low $100,000’s and up. Intersection of Snowbasin Road and Highway 39 Call 801-745-3004 |