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Show Volume XIV Issue XV The Ogden Valley news Page 3 May 15, 2007 Guest Commentary There’s Something for Everyone on May 19 at the Ogden Marathon! No Incentives Necessary to Attract Developers to Ogden Valley When we contemplate the beauty of our valley and the year around recreational opportunities it provides, one must wonder why we find it necessary to provide bonus incentives for land developers. In other areas of the country where we have lived, an area with the advantages of the Ogden Valley would have land developers standing in line to present their development proposals and what they could contribute to the community. It has been our experience that land developers have agreed to build schools and recreational parks—at their own expense—just for the opportunity to have their plans approved! In our valley, we offer bonus density incentives for land developers, and with the new proposed ordinances under current consideration, the writers have proposed that we should increase these bonus density provisions. The most egregious of these provisions is in the proposed ordinance relating to TDRs. If passed, it would double the bonus units from 20% to 40%, and will significantly increase density to the original plan for each development. While the TDRs may be a good option for some local landowners, the Weber County Commission should remove bonus density provisions attached to the proposed TDR ordinance (See Title 37, 37-3A, Ogden Valley Transfer of Development Rights) In addition, we believe there is no reason to provide for any bonus density awards to make our valley an attractive investment for developers. The Weber County Planning Commission should consider changing the current ordinances, i.e., Chapter 22B, Cluster Subdivision Special Provisions, to reduce, and ultimately, remove all of the bonus density incentives for Ogden Valley. We encourage everyone in the Valley to read the new ordinance proposals and contact their Weber County Commissioner to let them know how you feel on this issue. They will vote on these ordinances in the near future. We should all assist in managing the growth in the Valley with active participation and oversight of both the Ogden Valley Planning Commission and the people who appoint them—the voter elected Weber County Commission. Larry and Sharon Zini, Huntsville OVBA Soliciting Volunteers for Ogden Marathon Transition Station at Eden Park The Ogden Valley Business Association (OVBA) will be taking an active role in the upcoming Ogden Marathon scheduled for Saturday, May 19. The OVBA will be hosting a booth and festivities at Eden Park, the location of the start of the Ogden Marathon Half, and also a transition area for the Marathon relay and aid station for all race participants. This start/transition area will be set up in the Eden Park, Saturday, May 19 from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. The Marathon begins at 7:00 a.m. at Red Rock Ranch and the Marathon Half begins simultaneously at Eden Park. The focus of the OVBA’s efforts is not only to support and embrace the Ogden Marathon, but also to give back to our community! At the OVBA booth, light refreshments will be available for purchase by spectators. In keeping with one of the goals of the OVBA, proceeds from refreshment sales will be donated to the Snowcrest Track construction project. Valley Market is generously donating coffee and hot cocoa, and Alpine Pizza and Harley & Buck’s are lending equipment for the event. This is a great opportunity to get involved in your community by having a presence at this poplar athletic event. How can you get involved? Volunteer your time to staff the booth in Eden Park on Saturday, May 19 from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m., or the OVBA booth at the Runners Depot at the Union Station on Friday, May 18 from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. If you would like to participate at this exciting event, please call 791-8801. The Zions Bank Ogden Marathon held its inaugural race in May 2001, which included not only a marathon, but a unique Marathon Relay. This year the event is scheduled for Saturday, May 19. The original course of the race had been selected by Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey who was also a long distance runner. The GOAL Foundation, a non-profit organization that brings sporting events to Northern Utah, took the reins as the local organizing committee for the marathon in 2006. Today, the event has something for everyone, the marathoners and half marathoners, a marathon relay for teams from 2-5 runners, a 5k, and a Kids K. Since its beginning, the marathon has been touted as the most beautiful course in Utah and, possibly, the most beautiful in the western United States. On Saturday, April 7, inspirational athlete and author Jeff Galloway told a group of over 100 running enthusiasts, “This is truly a great community; I will tell people.” That morning he had officially started the half marathon training run that began in Ogden Valley. Galloway intended to run about six miles, but after seeing the scenic course, he ran the entire 13.1 miles. He commented that evening that the course was “too doggone gorgeous to pass up,” and added, “there’s no more beautiful course.” Runners are given a once-a-year chance to run through picturesque Ogden Valley against the snow capped mountain backdrop; down Ogden Canyon experiencing the grandeur of the canyon walls and the sound of the raging river; along the Ogden River Parkway; and on to a finish-line welcome by roaring crowds on Historic 25th Street. From the beginning, the course has been certified as a Boston Marathon qualifier by USA Track & Field. Race Crews are needed to staff aid stations, work the Expo, and offer support to runners at the start and finish. Benefits of becoming a Race Crew member are a free T-shirt, race goodie bag, the satisfaction of helping others, and having a great time! For additional information and/or to sign up, visit <www.ogdenmarathon.com> Valley residents can expect significant traffic delays between 7:00 a.m. and noon on May 19. Alternative routes are suggested. Huntsville residents, please use Trappers Loop or the North Ogden divide, if possible, to travel in and out of Ogden Valley from 7:00 a.m. to noon. Expect significant delays in Ogden Canyon. Plan to avoid driving on Highway 39 east of Huntsville from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. Runners will begin running west from Red Rock Outfitters at 7:00 a.m. Eden residents, the North Ogden divide and Trappers Loop are recommended alternate routes from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Marathon runners will approach Eden from the east on Highway 166. They will turn west at 2200 N., and continue around the west side of Pineview Reservoir on Highway 158. The half marathon begins at Eden Park at 7 a.m. There will be access to all homes and businesses in Ogden Valley; however; there will be a 10 mph speed limit along the marathon route. Please drive carefully and watch for runners on the roads. Ogden Canyon traffic will be affected from approximately 7:15 a.m. to noon. Expect significant delays. We invite you to participate in or volunteer for this great event. Again, please visit our website at www. ogdenmarathon.com or call 866-728-9121. Thanks for your cooperation! Swimming Lessons For more information, call Kathy Allen at 745-2709. Memorial Day Cemetery Schedule May 28 2007 Each year on Memorial Day, the American Legion Ogden Valley Post 129 holds Military Honors Memorial services at five cemeteries. The schedule is as follows: Liberty Cemetery 8:00 a.m. 3900 N. 3500 E. Liberty Lower Eden Cemetery 8:30 a.m. (Meadow View) 5100 E. 2200 N., Eden Upper Eden Cemetery (Mt. View) 9:15 a.m. 5500 E. 2770 N., Eden Mountain Green 5100 W. Old Hwy Rd Mountain Green 10:30 a.m. Huntsville 5500 E. 100 S. Huntsville 11:30 a.m. A potluck lunch will be held at the American Legion Post 129 at 12:30 p.m. in Huntsville located at 604 South 7800 East. For more information, call 745-3802. |