Public Hearing on Skybridge Tonight

None by KCPW

City Council is "Open-minded" About the Proposal

(KCPW News) Salt Lake City's mayor says there's no way he'll approve a skybridge over Main Street to connect the new City Creek Center mall. But the City Council isn't nearly as adamant:

"The City Council is trying to be open minded about it," says Councilman Eric Jergensen. "If there are extenuating circumstances, then maybe there is a reason to see if the skybridge makes sense - if it can meet all of these other criteria."

Jergensen, along with fellow council members Soren Simonsen and Nancy Saxton, came up with a list of criteria the LDS Church would need to meet in order to gain approval for the skywalk. It would have to be attractive and not obstruct the street view too much. The church would also have to prove the skywalk is necessary for pedestrian safety. Jergensen says the city council would also need proof that businesses along Main Street won't suffer:

"If that skybridge takes away or significantly degrades pedestrian-level activity on Main Street, then that's going to be the sticking issue," says Jergensen.

Developers for the LDS Church say the skybridge is necessary to link the two sides of the mall and to ensure continuous flow to shops on the second floor. Tonight at 7 the City Council will take public comment before considering changing the downtown master plan to allow a skywalk.

Hear more with Councilman Eric Jergensen on KCPW's Midday Metro this morning at 10.

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