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Show THE PARK RECORD WED/THURS/FRI, MARCH 28-30 , 2007 Viewpoints. A-15 EDITORIAL Bonanza Drive slated for makeover ike homeowners whose family rooms and kitchens have endured generations of toddlers, teens, pets and piecemeal remodels to accommodate new uses, city officials are constantly prioritizing and budgeting for the next big redo. For Park City, the next major project entails tearing up Bonanza Drive to make way for a new water line. And since it has been a long time since Bonanza got new carpet and curtains, the city may use the water line project as an opportunity to move the furniture a bit. Over the last three decades, Bonanza Drive has gone from an obscure locals1 cutoff to a major city artery. Before Deer Valley opened and the Deer Valley Drive was still just a walking path, Park Avenue was the preferred route into Old Town and a smattering of points beyond. But since then, traffic on Bonanza Drive has steadily grown and so has the number of destinations it serves. These days almost everyone headed to and from Deer Valley (both Snow Park and Silver Lake) uses Bonanza Drive. It is also the main ingress and egress for all of the new projects on Empire Pass. At the same time, Bonanza is also twisting through a growing commercial district in Prospector with impatient drivers waiting to turn into driveways and intersections between Kearns Boulevard and Deer Valley Drive. So, faced with the need to dig a seven-foot-deep by 10-foot-wide trench down the middle of Bonanza from Keams Boulevard to the corner of 12th Street L and Woodside, Park City staffers wisely commissioned a comprehensive traffic study of the about-tobe-repaved-anyway road. In brief, the Bonanza Drive Reconstruction report suggests that 80 percent of the traffic generated by Deer Valley uses Bonanza Drive, that cyclists and pedestrians also travel that route and, based on the current rate of growth, by the year 2016, it will be virtually impossible to turn off of or onto Bonanza Drive in the North of Main (NoMa) commercial district. This Thursday the Park City Council will begin to talk about the project in the hopes of starting design work this May and construction in the spring of 2009. During the discussions the council will have to make decisions about the intersections at Prospector Avenue and Iron Horse Drive as well as amenities for pedestrians, cyclists and public transit users. The Bonanza Drive Reconstruction talks are separate from the ongoing city walkability study but at some points could dovetail with those circulation issues. The Bonanza Drive traffic study is scheduled for a preliminary presentation during city council's work session Thursday at 3:40 p.m. The public is welcome to attend, though input will not be taken until later in the process. Nevertheless, given residents' growing concerns about traffic in Part City and the potential havoc and/or improvements this project could inflict, citizens should pay close attention. AND NOW WE'LL LEARN WHY WE CAN FIRE A PRINCIPAL WITH AN IMPECCABLE RECORD AND WE CANT SET RID OF A PRESIDENT WHO SAYS "NOOCULAR" JOHN KMBOUKN/PARK RECORD LETTERS TO THE EDITOR They are able to focus on their studies, free JRES faculty from the distraction of inappropriate behavior. speaks out Our students show outstanding acadeTo the Park City Community and the Park City Board of Education: It has been our privilege to work with Michele Wallace as principal of Jeremy Ranch Elementary for the past six years and, for many of us, as a teaching colleague before she became our principal. Our staff has been continually impressed with Michele Wallace's dedication to her job. She has made Jeremy Ranch Elementary a very supportive place to work. Her positive attitude, hard work and goal-oriented approach to her job makes our school a tremendous learning environment for students and teachers alike. She is completely approachable and always available to discuss concerns, help us problem solve when we're having difficulty meeting the needs of a student, or struggling with a decision that will affect our classroom or ability to be the best teachers we can be. After careful study and research, Ms. Wallace implemented a ^chopl^widG. behavior plan that has practically eliminated disruptive behaviors. Appropriate conduct is reinforced and discipline problems are turned into teaching moments. Good choices are recognized with the distribution of notes known as "gold slips." Students who exemplify the traits of integrity, respect, compassion and civility are honored and have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast with Ms. Wallace and their parents. This behavior program has improved the climate at our school. It is a place where students are inspired to excel. GUEST EDITORIAL Hilton, Diana Sylvester, Stephanie Bartholomew, Cindy Medes, Crystal Carpenter, Marjean Johnston, Ellen Lowell, Jeanette Raymer, Mindy mic performance, exhibiting some of the Nelson, Carol Grzybowski, Susan highest test scores in the state. Our acade- Boone, Keith Meyer, Karen Voth, mic scores were always good, but now they Angela Parenti, Kathy Anderson, are even better. Much of this is due to the Paula Botkin, Chip Cook-EIchner, programs implemented by Michele Mary Morgan, Caren McClelland, Lindsey Spendlove, Carol Wallace. Ms. Wallace's dedication to the stu- Boissonnault, Meg Marsland times of shortfall. This year, the board increased this tax by $2.5 million. Had there not been room in the voted leeway, the district would have had to make immediate cuts, without the benefit of time for constituent input and planning. This leeway has a maximum Limit, by law. Not even a local vote can increase it. Exhausting this one remaining source of locally controlled funds takes the district dangerously close to the edge. Different tax levies go to different dents at Jeremy Ranch Elementary is funds, and the law forbids intermingling of remarkable. We are motivated by her these funds. For instance, taxes collected example and consider it a privilege to work for buildings cannot be used to pay for with such an outstanding principal. We sincompensation and programs. I urge those cerely hope that Michele Wallace will who are interested in better understanding return as our principal next year. Our the complexities and limitations of public school community, staff and students will Editor: Fr. Bob's humanitarian efforts, his school funding to contact their board suffer a tremendous loss if she does not return and continue in her capacity as our kindness and compassion have never been member. If constituents would like to assist in question. These are certainly traits that the board in increasing revenue opportunileader. make him so likeable to many. What is ties they can call their legislators in regards important for the faithful is whether the to any of these issues and/or they can supSincerely, Faculty and Staff of Jeremy Ranch Catholic Church's faith and her morals are port the Park City Education Foundation. being taught and administered. The two Elementary School: Cresta Allen, Susan Brewer, must be separated for a clear and honest Kathryn Adair, former member Heatherly Gardner, Shawna Robb, debate to go any further concerning Park City Board of Education Patti Davis, Kae Covington, Debra Church teaching on homosexuality. Our Guthrey, Jackie Lovett, Elizabeth churchj is not a democracy-and Christ is still Hensler, Debbie Jensen, Ginny its head with our Pope as its Vicar. No one Dog park Etheridge, Kae Covington, Traci is required to stay a Catholic if they do not Evans, Catherine J. Pankow, Melinda believe they can come to grips with the meeting Breiholz, Sandra Jones, Barb church's teaching. With regard to church teaching, Fr. Dear Park City, Hansen, Nicholas Jones, Kara The Dog Park Foundation would like Hendrickson, Robyn Beck, Molly William Casey, of the Fathers of Mercy Forster, Patricia Papez, Pat Fulmer, once asked, "Are we trying to conform you to come support the Park City Dog Kris Morris, Susan Valentine, Valorle Christ and His Church into our ways or are Park on Thursday, March 29, at 5:20 p.m., VanDenBerghe, Marissa Zuchetto, we striving to conform ourselves in the at the City Council work session at the Marianne Demers, Nancy Berry, image and likeness of Christ?" Christ's sac- Marsac Building. We will be discussing the Elaine Jolley, Terry Black, Betty rifice was the pinnacle of His showing His final decision on whether we will have a Santana, Joe Demers, Kevin Luke, love for us. We too are called to live sacri- dog park or not. Laura Hayes, Arturo Munos, Linda ficial lives of obedience, denial of self, Come show your support for the dog denial of the world's pleasures and going park. This is going to be a great park for against the popular culture. These are our city, dogs and people. some examples of the cross we pick up daily. It is not an easy life to live, but we Sincerely, have our example in He who gave His life Ian Weinman for all of us. Park City Fr. Bob is a great example of Christian "bikeable." It is within a populated residen- compassion and charity, as I believe the tial community, riders/cyclists ride it fre- Catholic Church to be in all of her teach- Voters should quently on group rides and individually. ing. settle road spat Cyclists visiting Park City know and ride it (Meadows Drive). Painting and signage - a Respectfully, Editor: small expense. Deirdre Teodosio Patrick Parkinson's article presented a •Work with local advocates and UDOT to Park City fair assessment of what the majority of citapply above to S.R. 224 from Hcber Avenue izens of Francis are concerned about. It is to first right turn into Redstone, Wild Oats, our hope that the "spat" about the road School funding on both sides of S.R. 224. can lead to a two-way dialog between the •Stripe bike lanes on S.R. 248/Kearns town government and its voters so that an limitations Blvd. starting @ Park Ave. to old Rt. 40 equitable agreement can be reached about frontage road, just East of U.S. 40 overpass vacating the road. At this time, it appears Editor: (collaboration with UDOT). that a referendum is our only way of havI'd like to comment on the recent let•As above on Bonanza Drive south to ing our concerns seriously considered. ters, which have questioned why the roundabout and east out Deer Valley Drive School Board doesn't increase revenues. to Snow Park Lodge and then north, essenSincerely, tially circumnavigating "Lower Deer Increased revenue generation is limited by John Barclay state law and largely uncontrollable localValley." ly. Your school board members have Francis HI. Make Park City known to be "cycling friendly" (economy promoting and spent countless hours at the legislature improved resident safety). Put visually iden- attempting to get the per-pupil funding Francis tifiable 'notices1 of 'bike friendliness' out increased, fighting against vouchers, pushing for impact fees and encouraging legisthere: Painted bike lanes and signs that lation to discontinue the float down on the referendum motorists, visitors, EVERYBODY sees will voted leeway, which limits our generation Editor: help improve safety as drivers are exposed of local property tax. to bicycling, and become used to it. Thanks to The Park Record for the Many people have indicated that they coverage of Francis petitioning to place •Of these things "kinda" existing already: Lucky John and neighborhood area Bike would be willing to see their taxes the Hilltop Road closure issue on the increased for education, yet, when legisla- November Ballot. Like Park City years Lane, Meadows Drive, (edge striping, not a tion is raised, such as doing away with tax ago, Francis, Coalville and Heber are legally defined bike lane.) Edge striping on deductions based on number of depen- experiencing tremendous growing pains. Park Avenue. Francis citizens wish to work hand-in-hand •We've got an Olympic Welcome Plaza, a dents, it seems that it is always defeated. stainless steel sculpture on S.R. 224 south of The one local, general fund leeway that the with city officials instead of battling a runthe barn to indicate/reinforce our commit- board controls is the voted leeway. This is away town council. To defend the closure ment to skiing and all it represents/pro- the only source of potential extra funds, in of Hilltop Road because it rectifies the motes. •Relatively, the above requests/suggestions are inexpensive and could help our The Park Record Online Poll economy in the future and present. Cast your vote at www.parkrecord.com •SLC has some of these items. Park City should. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail Summit citizens cry wolf route (in SLC) is a good example, as it proLocal Wildlife officers suspect that a wolf or two may have wandered ceeds from 33rd South, on Wasatch Blvd., down from Wyoming. Though unconfirmed, one resident recently north over 1-80 (on pedestrian/bicycle reported seeing a wolf in Pinebrook, another was convinced that he bridges), continuing north through residensaw a wolf in Jeremy Ranch. Is this good news or bad? tial neighborhoods, through a golf course, to Hogle Zoo and into the Research Park, U of Total Votes = 42 U complex. •This is supposed to be the Wild West, not the Wimpy West, The wolves Clarity is key Create a bicyde-fnendly town By MICHAEL R. WATSON Park City I Currently Park City is in the process, energetically, of becoming a cycling town. I support Park City becoming, also, a bicyclefriendly town. My support is reinforced by these already-in-place facts. •Park City's stated dedication to sustainability, alternative transportation, bus service, biodiesel, wind power, improving pedestrian friendliness/bicycling friendliness, espousing/acting, "being Green." •Local resort economy: Lodging, restaurants, bike shops. Goal to assist this economy in months of year other than December, January, February, March. People from elsewhere come here toridebicycles. •Lance Armstrong, American, seven Tour de France victories (bicycling industry explosion). •Local bike shops catering to/benefiting from growing summer season bicycle business demands. •Cycling racing events: NORBA, assorted road-race events. •Mountain Trails Foundation (nonprofit group efforts), Young Riders, Team Sugar (local competitive cycling group) •Long established w/involved local competitive riders: Tom Noaker, Thomas Cook, Peter Barquin, Todd Henneman. (and to include Eric Heiden, resident, Olympic speed skater, sponsored American on Team 7-11 in 1981 Tour de France) •Local population (growing/booming with children, and they're Boomer parents themselves). These individuals (us) want children to have established, safe routes to school, around town, and maybe they'll develop into future Lance Armstrongs from Park City. IL Park City Municipal should dedicate expenditures to promote/support/act/BE a cycling town by: •Stripe bike lanes on Meadows Drive from Meadows/Lucky John connection to S.R. 224. Install bike lane signage to identify, indicate, proclaim this long stretch as 77w Park Rocord welcomes letters to tha editor on any eub]ecL We ask thai the letters adhere to the following gu(delines:Thay must Include the address and talephona number of author. No letter will be published under an assumed name. They must not contain llbekms material. Writers are limited to ona latter every 3fl dayq. Letters should not ba longer than 300 words [guest odliorfals, 550 words) and should If possible, to typed. We reserve •the right to edit letters ff they are too long or If they contain statements we consider unnecessarily offensive or obscene. In addition, ihank you letters are limited lo six businesses and/or individuals with regard to busl- nesses and event sponsors. are welcome. 28 Votes, or 66.66 % •Wolves and suburbs are a bad combination -- trap them and send them back to Yellowstone. 11 Votes, or 26.19 % •Wolves will eat our livestock, pets and children. Bring back the bounty! 3 Votes, or 7.142% problematic intersection - and the intersection remains open and as is - is illogical. It only becomes suspicious because of the new subdivision planned for the exact same stretch of road giving several hilltop lots added value. Hilltop Road is important to many area residents now and will become increasingly necessary to accommodate the traffic of 250-plus new homes. In addition, re-routing all that traffic through a family-filled subdivision with no sidewalks is an accident in the making. If certain council members didn't hear the overwhelming public outcry (both verbal and written) against the closure in the last couple of months, then we want to be sure they hear it on Election Day. By flexing our constitutional muscle, Francis is simply asking that "We the People" be allowed to make the decision - no matter what the outcome. For, against or indifferent, I urge everyone to find one of the many petitions in circulation and add your name. Sincerely, Kristi Major Francis, _, r__, The Park Record Staff PUBLISHER Andy Bernhard Editor Nan Chalat-Noaker Staff writers Jay Hamburger Pat Parkinson Joe Lair Adia Waldburger Anna Bloom Dan Bischoff Frank Fisher Contributing writers Tom Clyde Ten Orr Jay Meehan Joan Jacobson Silvia Leavitt Linda Jager Lisa Nyren Steve Phillips Editor's assistant Courtney Herzinger Classified advertising Kristi Ruppert Kerri Stollerman Office manager Pam Crofts Circulation manager Lacy Brundy Accounting manager Kate Fischer Advertising director Valerie Deming Advertising sales Wendy Halliday Teresa Chavez Annie Macdonald Lori Gull Steve Aldous * Trade Fails Arwa Jundi Editorial production Kat James Photographers Scott Sine Sarah Ause Production director Matt Gordon Production Scott Schlenker Jason Plawecki Becky Larsen Laura Avdey Ann Marie Kloogh Tawnya Cazier Hilary Harris Internet Manager Jeanie Baker PRESS ROOM General Manager Bill Olsen Head Pressman Don Ferney Pressman Jimmy Elkins Pre-press Mike Hall Controller Valerie Waite Office Staff Sandy Trost Ethel Bradford Mail Room Marilyn Case Distribution Ray Scoggins Mike Fischer Antonio Contreras Fred Pigeon Cartoonist John Kilbourn Contents of the The Park Record are copyright © 2007, Diversified Suburban Newspapers. All rights reserved. No portion may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the managing editor or publisher. The Park Record (USPS 378-730) (ISSN 07459483) is published twice weekly by Diversified Suburban Newspapers, 1670 Bonanza Dr., Park City, Utah. Periodicals Postage paid at Park City, Utah. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Park Record, Box 3688, Park City, Utah 84060. Entered as second class matter. May 25,1977 at the post office in Park City, Utah 84060, under the Act of March 3,1897. Subscription rates are: 1 year, $37, 6 mos., $25 (inside Summit County); 1 year, $70, 6 mos. $45 (outside Summit County). Subscriptions arc transferable; $5 cancellation fee. Phone (435) 649-9014 or fax (435) 649-4942. Published every Wednesday and Saturday. Home delivery subscriptions in Summit County include delivery of the Sunday edition of The Salt Lake Tribune. There are no other service options available. * |