My campaign ads state I’m the only City Council candidate pledging to keep open space open. Other candidates’ recent comments about a conservation easement on 330 acres of Clark Ranch in the candidate forum are misleading.
Here’s the truth: Clark Ranch, a 344-acre parcel bought with taxpayer funds in 2015, was intended for preservation, as outlined in purchase documents, the Utah Open Lands agreement, and the Citizens Open Space Advisory Committee (COSAC) recommendation. Later, the City Council discussed up to 10 acres could be allowed for other uses while zoning the entirety of the 344 acres as “Recreation and Open Space” (ROS), allowing for some light municipal uses like trailhead bathrooms, not housing. Yet, other candidates support rezoning 14 acres for high-density housing, contradicting the community’s original intent.
Watch for yourself: VoteRubell.com/forum
I’m the only candidate advocating for a conservation easement to protect all 344 acres. I voted against rezoning Clark Ranch and recently opposed sinking in another $750,000 of your money to study a $5 million road. I also voted against rezoning open space in Deer Valley for a 200,000-square-foot, city-led, high-density housing development, opposed reducing open space requirements in Bonanza Park as the city contemplates upzoning, and opposed taking yet another chunk of the golf course to support commercial development.
Park City has fought to preserve open spaces like Treasure Hill, Bonanza Flat, Round Valley, Armstrong Pasture, McPolin Farm, Clark Ranch, our golf course, and our parks. When we acquire land for protection, we must honor that commitment. It’s what our community has asked for time and time again.
That’s what being “the only City Council candidate pledging to keep open space open” means.
Jeremy Rubell
Park City Council Candidate