The dangers of Marsac Avenue are predictably ignored when approval is granted to whoever contrives a land swap in exchange for rights to build more luxury residences high up on Empire Pass.
Never mind the community that fought long and hard to restrict the urban sprawl to pods, and eliminate disturbance on the downside of Marsac (now ignored, amended, and approved), it’s become a yearly ritual for a truck to hurtle through town — brakes lit up, and threatening the safety of those who live under the shadow of this monstrous development, with no end in sight.
It’s time to put a fork in the Empire Pass development after 30 years and say no more. Marshal the trucks and shuttles down the alternative route, and demand the employee buses as directed by the development agreement.
Should we then be satisfied with the protective measures these land exchanges promise? They start with a statement from the city: “Acquiring the properties zoned Recreational Open Space (ROS) will ensure these lands remain protected, publicly accessible, and managed in alignment with PCMC’s long-term open space goals and enhance wildfire resilience.”
Only last year, the City Council narrowly rejected a brazen attempt to develop hundreds of hotel employee housing units on public unspoiled and sensitive open space on Empire Pass, proving the tenuous nature of unprotected ROS under the city’s stewardship. The Park City Chamber CEO called it “compelling” with “powerful inducements and hoteliers and restaurateurs said it was “essential” while a councilor motivated by “mind blowing” profitability was willing to donate substantial public money to further its feasibility.
The formation of these public-private partnerships puts all public lands at risk when a municipality openly solicits them by characterizing a community benefit in partnership with the dominant special interest. The microscopic focus that befalls these projects is where the danger lies to a community that values preservation, character and livability in a natural setting.
These values are not obstructions to development, but standards to achieve if we are to preserve Park City’s unique vibe, character and appeal. They should be the highest priority, along with public safety.
Clive Bush
Old Town