The current Park City mayor and City Council have developed a credibility problem. On split votes they have made decisions, in my opinion, that have gone against the wishes of the voters.
The 5-acre plot on Bonanza is shaping up to be another problem. There is a group including the mayor and council wanting to develop the land with affordable housing, underground parking, gym, day care and commercial space.
Another large group wants to turn it into a park. This is extremely valuable land (just like Central Park in New York City) on one of the busiest streets in Park City.
Currently the mayor and council have turned the idea over to the Planning Commission after their approval of the development on a 4-1 vote, Councilor Tana Toly dissenting.
I am sure the Planning Commission will make some modifications based on codes and traffic flow. The members of this commission are appointed by the mayor and council, which makes me believe they will find a way for this to happen without public input on the basic idea.
In summer 2017, the mayor and council voted to condemn several businesses and develop an art center on the land with Sundance and Kimball Art Center as the two primary tenants. Many residents did not agree based on traffic, closing the ethnic food store. and eliminating one of the two gas stations in Park City.
I believe history may be repeating itself with the residents now split on how these 5 acres should be developed. In the fall of 2017, the mayor lost his election.
We will never know how this played in the election, but I am a great believer in getting the question of whether to proceed with the proposed plan or make it a park should be on the ballot this fall. The residents are currently split and by putting the question on the ballot the mayor and council are showing they care and are listening to what the residents want.
We are a democracy and hopefully most will go along with the results. Lastly, the mayor and council gain credibility by showing they are listening.
Bill Watson
Park City
Editor’s note: Utah law does not permit municipalities to set referendums on land-use decisions like this. Citizens can petition for enough valid signatures of voters to place a referendum on the ballot only in the case of a split final decision on the development.
Also, then-Mayor Jack Thomas did not run for reelection.