Opposition to Sandy Open Space Purchase Falls a Vote Short

Apr 30, 2008 by Jeff Robinson

Council Members Wanted New Appraisal

(KCPW News) Yesterday afternoon, Democrats and Republicans alike on the Salt Lake County Council almost managed to overturn the county's decision to buy 10 acres of open space in Sandy for about $2 million. Leading the charge was Democrat Jim Bradley, who said it wouldn't be a wise use of the open space bond approved by taxpayers.

"What you have is a large park which Sandy city will maintain as an open space, you have the foothills going up, which are always going to be foothills and open space, and you have this little 10-acre parcel stuck over to the side of it, of which only which two-and-a-half acres is developable," said Bradley.

Bradley suggested that instead, Sandy grant an easement to the landowner to allow him to develop his landlocked property, in trade for an easement allowing public access to the Bonneville Trail.

Fellow Democrat Joe Hatch accused Bradley of being motivated by political gain in his opposition to the purchase. Hatch says all 10 acres should remain undeveloped.

"I defy anyone to go up there, and take a look at that two-and-a-half to four acres that is buildable, and say, gee, it would be a great thing for this community to have homes put in there," said Hatch.

But opponents of the purchase also said the property's high appraisal was based on the extraordinary assumption that five lots could be developed on the property. This despite the fact that the landowner previously told the county he should be taxed less because the property could not be developed.

Bradley's motion to get another appraisal and re-evaluate the purchase failed by a 4-to-5 vote, with Republicans and Democrats voting on both sides of the issue. If the landowner won't settle for a lower price, the county will pay $1.8 million while Sandy chips in half a million.

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