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Show Volume X Issue VII THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 13 July 15, 2004 POLARIZED cont. from page 1 lived in Eden for five years. Critics, however, said the boundaries were tweaked to silence opposition. Haynes Fuller, a 75-year Eden resident, is upset that the proposed boundaries omit much of the original settlement. “I’m not some fuddy-duddy,” he said. “I iidetstad some day we’ll have an NBA basketball team, but under the proposed boundaries, | think this is ill-advised.” The petition was verified in late January, and the County Commission approved the feasibility study a week later. would have 18 months to file another peti- Then the matter would head to a special election in which a majority of Eden’s voters would decide the community” 's fate. If the study indicates it’s not feasible, Again, critics howled Among other complaints, opponents of incorporation said many of the 197 people who signed the petition thought it was an official Weber County document—including Reed Richards, a county attorney. State law prevents removal of a name from the petition, even if it was mistakenly signed. John Klisch, an Eden Hills resident, said only 88 of the 197 signatures came from residents of Eden’s 84310 ZIP code “So there is not a whole lot of support for this = the actual residents of Eden,” Klisch si Once. the process is started, though, it cannot be stopped until the voters have a chance to weigh in, in the form of another petition. “Under the state code, there is no allowance for civic opposition,” said Sharon Holmstrom, an Eden resident for 30-plus ears. “We intend to go to the Legislature to talk about getting the code changed.’ Options The study is being conducted based on two boundary options. One omits Wolf Creek Resort and hundreds of homes in the resort’s vicinity from ps proposed city limits, since they opted The other option leaves the bulk of Wolf Creek’s land in the proposed city’s boundari ies. If the feasibility study indicates Eden can provide its residents a level of service comparable to that it currently receives—and the cost of providing those services is within 5 percent of projected revenues within five years—then the group pushing for the study reveal incorporation is feasible. “I’m sure it’s feasible, but why should we do it?” Eden resident Bill Siegel said. “Unless you’re a supporter of development, unless you want to see a Wal-M there in the square, there is no benefit.” valley because of the rural atmosphere,” Holmstrom said. “Why would you want to spoil it? If you don’t like it, then move to North Ogden. Move to Layton.” Carried away? But Clarke said those against incorporation are oe carried away. n hardly support a pizza parlor. We Sanat even envision a Wal-Mart,” he said. “We think planning is the primary issue of this process. The Ogden Valley master plan is wonderful. If we incorporate, the city’s leaders would undoubtedly immediately adopt an ordinance that we apply the master plan.” It would be tinkered with, however. “Tt’s got some good stuff in it, but it’s not eae enough for a city,’ Manley said. Probably what would happen is we would eventually adopt a specific master plan with e same general philosophy.” Water? Others are concerned about the water system of a new city. iegel fears the city’s leaders would either buy out the community’s water systems, which are owned by the landowners, or condemn them for the public good. “My biggest concern is that Eden Waterworks right now can handle 100 new hook-ups, but if we become a city and they say we need more residents to build the tax base, what are they going to do,” he said. Clarke said the new we would not alter the water systems in any w: But Siegel thinks cy" eaders would eventually be forced to borrow through bonding, causing ae taxes to rise. so, he’s worried that Eden’s growth would cause increased nitrate levels to seep into Pineview Reservoir. “Then we'd have to worry about that 900-pound gorilla, the EPA,” he said. There are too many risks to justify incorStandard-Examiner poration, Schussman said. ‘Everyone we’ve talked to, the services Dave Holmstrom fears the community we get from Weber County, we think are he’s called home for three decades would superior. become pocked with fast-food joints and “We see no reason to scrap a system that big-box chain stores as a new master plan is works very well. It flies in the face of reaput in place—one that’s more friendly to son.” development, which would help grow the tax } above article and map first base needed to provide services in an incorporated Eden. appeared in the Standard-Examiner, and are being reprinted by permission. “Most of the people came to live in the eg) however, Clarke said the issue would die. “The only reason this study is being conducted is in response to approximately 90 citizens who met and voted overwhelmingly to find out what the facts are and what it would cost,” he said. “We’re not pushing this down anyone’s throat.” Growth fears Those in opposition fear the study will Fela Settle into the relaxing resort lifestyle at Wolf Creek. Surrounded by mountain peaks, overlooking Pineview Reservoir, Wolf Creek Resort is family friendly with 4 unique communities offering condominiums and free standing homes from $249,900 to $550,000. Gently sloping homesites offer the opportunity to create your own mountain retreat with captivating views of the valley. Homesites are approximately 1/2 acre with a great selection of view options with prices starting at $ 66,000. Wolf Creek Resort Properties, LLC (Toll Free) 1.877.492.1061 Ext. 212 (Office) 801.745.2218 3900 N. Wolf Creek Dr., Eden, UT. Sales Offices in the Wolf Creek Clubhouse and Moose Hollow Discovery Center RESORT www.wolfcreekresort.com |
