OCR Text |
Show City Should Consider Variance on IRoad Construction Over a period of time the policy of Cedar City Corporation relative to .the development of streets and roads has undergone some drastic changes -- changes that were necessary with the growth of subdivisons and extensions ex-tensions into undeveloped areas. That change in policy has created a misunderstanding relative to the development of a through street on 1100 west where a new Stake Center is being constructed by the Cedar North Stake of the LDS Church. The development of a policy whereby developers would be responsible for the installation of roads and other services facilities is based on the sound principal that the city should not expend tax dollars for improvements im-provements that would ultimately provide monatary gain for the developers. It is on the basis of this policy that the Cedar City Council has identified that it will not develop the extension of 1100 West as was previously indicated by a letter from a former City Manager. . No action of the Council has been taken that would bind Cedar City Corporation to such an improvement although there has been an assumption of longstanding long-standing that the road would, in fact, be provided by the city. It is important that the City Council stand by the policy and deny the responsibility to provide the roadway which would be located on the west side of the proposed new Stake Center. However, we believe that the City fathers should be open to an appeal for a variance in this particular situation. Several factors would tend to persuade the city that they have a responsibility. The Church is not developing the property for any monitary gain. Value of adjacent property may be increased but when and if it is developed, an equitable payment should be charged to help defray the cost of the street improvement. Eleven hundred West has already been designed as a through street on the Cedar City Master Plan and it is anticipated that the street will eventually be completed to conform to that master plan. With that in mind certain other utilities have been installed along the right of way including a sewage line and a water line. The health and safety of the community is also a matter of concern. If the street is not completed there will be only one entry to the proposed new Stake Center. That entry is also the main entrance to the Cedar Knolls Subdivision and would present a real traffic problem for all concerned. Cedar City need not change its existing policy and establish a presidence in this matter. It could be handled in a cooperative venture with the Cedar West Stake, or as a variance in the interest of all residents of the community. |