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by Jim Mackley, Managing Editor Willard Planning Commission
by Managing Editor
Willard Planning Commission met December 3, 2009 to hear about 2 planned Developments
Doug, a representative for the planned “community” for property listed as: “- Eddie Wells, Emily Watkins and Buckskin Land and Livestock-” presented new information to the Willard Planning Commission on December 3. 2009. They sought preliminary approval and offered to put up a bond of several million dollars for this project. Because of the size of the planned development, (380 new residential units eventually planned, according to Jay Aguilar of Willard City), Doug said that the School District has sent a representative to the City Council; and the District likes a location within the development for a new school. He said there has also been a representative from the LDS church (to presumably look for a new potential church location). Jay Aguilar indicated that with average household size, this development would result in approximately 1,000 new Willard residents. Doug indicated that water would be sought through a water right process called water exchange from secondary to culinary water. Water exchange is essentially a voluntary water right trade between willing parties. It seemed that Doug’s group wanted to work with the city, and so his group’s business plans were very flexible in meeting Willard City’s plans and desires. He assured the Commission members that the City has control and offered to put his group’s bond in the bank for the city. This meeting was for information only. Thus no decisions were made at the meeting.
Joel Murray presented a plan to build 900 South Street on his property to access a proposed rock pit also to be located on his property. His neighbor to the North, Carla Parsons, objected during public comment that the proposed road was too close to her house and would disturb her. She spoke to correct a communication in previous City minutes where Mr. Murray had stated that she could live with the road. She corrected that by stating that she originally said “no, she didn’t want the road”, but in talking with Mr. Murray essentially understood that there could be worse alternatives. So, in the December 3 meeting she emphatically stated that she didn’t ever want the road. Mr. Murray presented both a short term plan to build the road he would use to extract his rock, and a long term plan to eventually create access to a subdivision. The subdivision access was proposed to be operational in 25 to 40 years depending on the life of the pit. For the time being, the road would remain a private road for use by appointment only. Eventually 900 North would connect with 200 East, a platted road to go North and South and potentially connecting in with a subdivision planned just to the North of Mrs. Parson’s property. Mr. Murray provided information from the State of Utah, and Box Elder County Willard City Flood Control District demonstrating his permitting and development plans with them. Sunrise Engineering provided information to the City and recommended that “It is our opinion that Mr. Murray needs to either submit a formal application to the City for a haul road or a subdivision.” When a Sentinel News reporter asked: “Couldn’t you build your own road on your own property?” Mr. Murray’s companion answered, “You would think you could.” Joel answered that he wasn’t sure what the City requirements are to develop a road on his property – but he wants to get along with everyone because this is where he lives and he is going to be here for a long time. During the meeting, Joel’s presentation was conciliatory, but firm; and he stated that something like disconnecting from the City is in the realm of possibilities (if absolutely needed) such as happened in Pleasant View. However, Joel indicated that he wants to plan for the future and look at long term plans, and thinks it is good for the city to do the same. |