For decades, Park City residents have voted in support of open space bonds. We do this because open space defines who we are. It separates us from the sprawl along the Wasatch Back and protects the natural setting that makes our community special. That is why what is happening at Clark Ranch should concern everyone who has ever supported an open space bond.
Despite a cap of 10 acres for limited municipal use, Park City Municipal and the Alexander Company are working together to advance a plan to develop 14+ acres of recreational open space and build three large apartment buildings and 34 market rate townhomes. Their justification rests on a long-held misunderstanding that the Citizens Open Space Advisory Committee (COSAC) once recommended this land for affordable housing. That claim is false.
COSAC was not a development task force. It included conservation, recreation and government leaders assembled to guide open space acquisitions and the easements that govern their use. The minutes from Aug. 25, 2015, state, “Potential development parameters if necessary: Up to 10 acres, located in the northwest corner of the parcel adjacent to Park City Heights, to be excluded from this easement for other city uses to be determined by council.” Only if necessary, 10 acres maximum, and no mention of housing. Earlier meetings confirm a focus on conservation and minimal passive recreation uses such as trailhead bathrooms.
The misconception traces to a March 3, 2016, staff report that noted affordable or senior housing had been discussed. Over time, that single discussion reference hardened into the falsehood that housing was recommended. This is now repeated in staff reports, public presentations, the project website, and some candidates’ campaign speeches. Housing was never part of COSAC’s recommendation, yet it now underpins a plan to pave over taxpayer purchased open space.
Three candidates, Ryan Dickey, Tana Toly, and Diego Zegarra, support rezoning this part of Clark Ranch for housing. Jeremy Rubell and Jack Rubin oppose rezoning and stand with residents who want to honor the open space intent.
Park City urgently needs housing for our local workforce. However, because the Clark Ranch proposal intends to use federal funding, it must comply with Fair Housing laws. These laws generally prevent giving preference strictly to Park City residents or workers unless special approval is granted. Without such limits — and given Clark Ranch’s remote location and lack of transit — there’s a real risk that Park City taxpayers will end up subsidizing housing that primarily serves Wasatch County’s workforce rather than our own.
Clark Ranch should remain what it was meant to be — wild, open, and protected for generations. Vote for leaders who honor our open space legacy, have the courage to correct a false record, and respect the community enough to promote our values over their personal agendas.
Email [email protected] to join the effort, and vote like our open space depends on it.
On behalf of all, the Keep Clark Ranch Wild members whose names don’t fit …
Kim and Jeff Allen, Danny Barber, Mary Caire, Carol and Jeffrey Chen, Mindy Fauntleroy, Eric Flach, Stephanie L’Ecuyer, Nicolas Marin, Danielle and Will Meister, Elizabeth and Jeff Micsky, Jamie and Brennan Murray, Zach Richter, Eric Shuey, Jessie and Jason Vanderhoof, Whitney Zaino
Park City