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Show Police Chtef Says Resorts Balk at Payment; Traffic Cops to Disappear Park City Police Chief Frank Bell is pointing the long finger of guilt at the Park City and Deer Valley Resorts, claiming that the two ski areas are unwilling to pay for traffic control, resulting in the suspension of traffic police on Heber and Park Aves. this ski season. Bell says the resorts have contributed to the hiring of officers in the past, but "have balked" at contributing this season, reportedly telling the city it should provide the service as a part of normal operations. Bell says the traffic control, which is used to prevent the sometimes two-hour traffic jams from upper Main Street to . Alpha Beta, is needed because of the resorts and he said the city budget does not provide for the hiring of the extra officers. "I've got people ready to work," Bell said, "but I don't have the money." The city, in a police department release, said the resorts failure to pay will result in "substantial delays in departing . ski traffic." Bell said skiers are urged to use the bus whever possible to cut down on auto traffic. He also said he expected long delays at the corner of Main Street and Heber Ave. because of the extending pillars of the newly built Silver Queen Building, which obscure the view of oncoming Heber Ave. traffic to a Main Street vehicle whose driver is attempting a left turn. Bell said the curbside on both sides of the building have recently been posted no parking because of the problem, but he said the ban is being violated. "Someone turned the signs around," the chief said. He said the city will begin to respond to the problem by towing offending cars. |