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Show WASATCH MOUNTAIN FTER TIMES PURCHASE, WORD by Troy Duffin t's been four years and a few million dollars since the Park City Municipal Orporation sec retly negotiated the 100purchase of the picturesque plus acre Osguthorpe farm and buildings at the edge of town, in the midst of what Park City now terms its “entry corridor But the property is still unused Park City residents were almost unanimously in favor of the deal to purchase the property because they believed the beautiful pastures and big white barn, which is now the unofficial Park City landmark, would be spared from yet another subdivision like those which have been successfully eliminating most of the county’s open space. Residents were pleased that uses such as K-Mart and tract houses would be kept out of the area. They were also excited about the recreational possibilities which certainly would be a part of the farm’s future But any plans for recreational use, or any use, for that matter, remain on hold, and no one knows for how long. Park City’s delayed action on a plan for use has prompted many residents and passers-by to wonder what is going on. Many ask what, if anything, will ever happen to the Osguthorpe Farm, and PE why is the city government stalling? The fact is that anything, including residential and commercial development, could take place in the alfalfa field that sits as a historical icon of Park City’s past. This farm and its historic buildings set the tone for this resort area, as othér open spaces fill in, and areas like Old Town rapidly become new. What the Park City administration and the Park City Council did not tell the public, through the smiles of celebration at the time of the 1990 purchase, is that there are no deed restrictions, conservation easements, or any other form of dedication of the land to permanent open space. It is unprotected. SR cp Authentic European © FROM The City once expressed to the public a plan to sell some of the farm off for development in order to come up with the $4.4 million price tag. The negative public reaction from the plan resulted in its immediate retraction. But the general community is probably not aware that some Park City officials still consider it a viable option to sell a portion of the farm for development. When this issue is raised, those officials are quick to point out that it was a public relations blunder to release the “purely conceptual” plan, and they claim really pursue any they never would But when disdevelopment of the farm. cussions continue, City Manager Toby Ross admits that “anything is possible.” And City Engineer Eric DeHaan, who was the designer of the small residential development plan for the farm, will talk openly about the possibility of selling a portion of the property to pay for the rest. Ross claims Park City has held the property without a conservation easement or other guarantee of open space largely because it keeps the land’s value higher. Keeping the property open for a wide range of uses gives the city increased paper assets, which in turn gives it a better bond rating and greater borrowing power. ee as Specialty Food °¢ PUBLIC “She result, though, is that there is no official restriction on development of the farm, aside a from its zoning. current Falling into the city’s Recreational Open Space classification, the property can today be improved with recreation-related structures, but not with residential or commercial development. However, changes to zoning designations, as those familiar with the process are well aware, are not only common, but are relatively simple to accomplish, especially when initiated by city staff members. And the present zoning provides little comfort because the purchase and sale agreement for the property includes “Among other the following language: uses, the city may lease, sell, use or develop part or all of this real estate for agricultural, open space, recreational, educational, residential or commercial purposes.” That fact distresses Wendy Fisher, Director of The Summit Land Conservation Association. Without a recorded guarantee that the farm will remain open space, she warns, political changes in city government could lead to modifications in the original vision of the farm as open space. “What insures the public that a at ————— Market & Cafe ERCATO MEDITERRANEO — The popular American trend of “coffee to go” is a foreign concept in Europe. At Mercato Mediterraneo, we carefully blend Old World ambience with American hospitality and prompt service. We hope you will try our special receipe for a memorable gourmet experience. Anchoring Historic Old Town © Park City, PAGE Utah 10 ¢ 801-647-0030 e¢ A... Fax 801-647-0369 |