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Show THE Page 12 OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume X Issue IX August 15, 2004 The Ogden Valley General Plan Compiled by Shanna Francis Ogden Valley News In the middle of the Eden incorporation debate, the value of the Ogden Valley General Plan has entered the fray. What is a general plan and what verbiage is incorporated in Ogden Valley’s that has some—primarily realtors and developers—at odds with the current plan? In this, and future issues of The OGDEN VALLEY NEws, we will print portions of the general plan. Does the plan verbalize your view and vision for Ogden Valley’s future? An understanding of the current plan is critical to Valley residents as they participate in the political process that impacts their community. The current plan’s vision states: Ogden Valley is a place that, a Values and protects its natural beauty and natural resources a Cherishes and maintains its rural atmosphere and rural lifestyle ao Empowers its citizenry to take part in decisions affecting the Valley What is a general plan? A general plan, when adopted by a local governmental body, becomes the official statement for the community. The plan establishes and articulates policies for future physical development. The published document describes the community’s general goals for the future, channeling recommendations for goal and policy implementation. In the book “Planning and Zoning Administration in Utah,” a planning textbook used by the University of Utah and developed by the University’s Center for Public Policy and Administration, it states, “The importance of the comprehensive plan as a policy document cannot be overemphasized. The plan is a compass for the community. It indicates the vision that the community has chosen for its future and the course it must follow to achieve the vision. It is a navigational tool which aids in following the course of development chartered by a community’s representatives and people.” A general plan may also be called a “mas- ter plan” or “comprehensive plan.” T. J. Kent, in his book “The Urban General Plan,” gives the following description and purpose of a general plan. 1. To improve the physical environment of the community as a setting for human activities— to make it more functional, beautiful, decent, healthful, interesting, and efficient. This purpose is in accordance with the broad objective of local government to promote and protect the health, safety, morals, order, convenlence, prosperity, and general welfare of the community. These phrases are customarily associated with police power, but they actually pertain to all acts of government. 2. To promote the public interest, the interest of the community at large, as well as the interests of individuals or groups within the community. The comprehensive nature of the general plan contributes to this purpose, for it facilitates consideration of the relationship of any question to the overall physical development of the entire community. 3. To facilitate the democratic determination and implementation of public policies that guide the community’s physical development. The plan is primarily a policy instrument that constitutes a declaration of long range goals and provides the basis for the programs that will accomplish the goals. By placing the responsibility for determining policies on the elected officials and providing an opportunity for citizen participation, the plan facilitates the democratic process. 4. To effect political and technical coordination in community development. Political coordination signifies that a majority of the community is working toward the same ends. Effective coordination .. . requires a unified, integrated plan. This is essential if the physical elements of the environment are to be managed without costly conflicts and if the political forces of the community are to deal with controversial development issues . . . in a constructive manner. 5. To inject long-range considerations into the determination of short-range actions. In effect, this purpose is intended to achieve coordination through time, to attempt to assure that day-to-day decisions will lead to achievement of [long-range] community goals. 6. To bring professional and technical knowledge to bear on the making of political decisions concerning the physical development of the community. This purpose is intended to promote wiser decision-making, to achieve informed, constructive government. Through the general plan, the special knowledge of the professional planner is brought into the democratic political process. The Ogden Valley general plan was developed through a very exhaustive study conducted by Bear West Consulting firm. The plan states, “The Ogden Valley General Plan is intended to provide guidance for future land use decisions by Weber County and other entities affecting Ogden Valley.” Was Ogden Valley’s general plan developed with input from its citizens? “Tn early summer, 1995, more than 350 residents of Ogden Valley attended five meetings to identify major issues facing the Valley. The top issue, according to the attending public, was growth and development, followed by . . . “community services and facilities, water resources, rural atmosphere, and natural resources.” Citizen input was given to planning and county commissioners, and the result of this input was summarized for the public. “Tn the fall and early winter of 1995-96, planning consultants and Weber County staff analyzed information on these topics and conducted a series of workshops in Ogden Valley. Workshops with detailed questionnaires were held on Growth and Development, Community Facilities, and Services and Public Lands and Recreation. Responses to those questionnaires have provided valuable input.” According to Ralph Becker of Bear West Consulting, their firm never had experienced previously the large amount of public participation and attendance in the public process as they encountered in Ogden Valley during the development of the Ogden Valley General Plan. When was the Ogden Valley General Plan adopted? in the Wolf Creek Golf Section 2.01 of the General Plan provides a Vision Statement Narrative The residents of Ogden Valley care deeply about the Valley they call “home.” They enjoy their rural lifestyle and the natural beauty that surrounds them. They are justifiably proud of the unique characteristics of Ogden Valley, its timeless mix of pioneer heritage, agricultural lands, recreation opportunities, abundant wildlife, scenic vistas, and quiet living. Visitors to the Valley are struck by its unspoiled character and its unassuming charm. The people of Ogden Valley value these qualities and recognize that protecting, preserving, and fostering these qualities requires foresight and wisdom. Their shared affection for this Valley and their hopes for its future guide them as they embark on this planning process. Complete copies of the Ogden Valley General Plan can be obtained from the Weber County Planning Office located at 2380 Washington Blvd., Ogden. For more information, you can call the planning office at 399-8794. SHOP 7 DAYS A WEEK Wolf Creek Gift Shop Located “On August 28, 1996, the County Commission held a public hearing on the Plan. The County will (would) include new land use ordinances to reflect their new policy changes for Ogden Valley.” Since then, over a period of the last eight years, county commissioners have worked diligently to direct planning commissions to develop ordinances that reflect the vision of the General Plan. What is Ogden Valley’s Vision Statement as found as stated in its General Plan? The Ogden Valley General Plan begins by stating the Vision Statement that was adopted by residents of Ogden Valley. As described previously, it states: Ogden Valley is a place that, a Values and protects its natural beauty and natural resources a Cherishes and maintains its rural atmosphere and rural lifestyle a Empowers its citizenry to take part in decisions affecting the Valley 7AM TO 7 PM Shop PERFECT FOR LAST MINUTE GIFTS! s WF Gee BRING IN THIS AD FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE RESORT 3900 N. Wolf Creek Resort Drive Eden 745-3737 THE SLUSHIE MACHINE IS BACK! Coffee & Chai Slushies Coming soon: Spiced Ciders and Cocoas of the month EDEN COFFEE & COCOA Co. Located next to Valley Market OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 6:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. SATURDAY & SUNDAY 7:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. 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