June 2000 Some question Legacy highway's impact ? Residents raise concerns at open house over property sales By JOE PYRAH Standard-Examiner Davis Bureau FARMINGTON - The development of the North Legacy transportation corridor is still 10-20 years down the road, but some residents and at least one couple, who own land along the 30-mile proposed route through Davis and Weber counties, say they are being impacted today. At a public meeting at the Davis County Fairgrounds, residents were presented a proposed corridor that stretches from Farmington to the southern end of Box Elder County, west of Interstate 15. They are being asked for input to narrow the two-mile wide strip to a 100-meter transportation stretch that would accommodate possible highways, light rail and a bicycle path. What Kenneth and Alta Earl of Bountiful found was that the property they are trying to sell falls within the proposed corridor. Despite the fact the corridor isn't set in stone, Alta Earl, who is also a real estate agent, said selling the land will be much more difficult because perspective buyers will fear the possibility of losing the property in the future. "Having knowledge that this is the proposed site, I have to disclose it," she said. Mick Crandall, program director for the Wasatch Front Regional Council, said property problems present questions that are difficult to answer at the moment, though he said acquiring land along the corridor, wherever it will be, is a given. "We're going to buy some houses when we're done with this deal," Crandall said. Questions like those from the Earls are exactly why planners from the Wasatch Front Regional Council and the Utah Department of Transportation had in mind when they set up the public meeting. Corridor study Study area Standard-Examiner "I think UDOT's trying to be more proactive and get stuff to the public sooner," said Scott Lucas, an engineer working on the project. Mary Herring of Layton said she appreciates the chance to see the proposals and just hopes planners are environmentally conscious. "Hopefully they'll pick the route that's least intrusive to the (Great Salt) lake," Herring said. "We want to see them do a very careful study before they get started." The corridor is nothing new to some cities, who have had their own plans for the proposed West Davis Highway on the books for years. "It's been there for 18 years. Anybody who says it's a surprise hasn't come in to see it," said Scott Carter, Community Development Director for Layton City. Weber County residents will have a chance to see the corridor proposal June 28 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Weber County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall, at 1000 N. 1200 West in Ogden. Crandall said the final corridor should be narrowed down by October, when they will have another round of public hearings. You can reach reporter Joe Pyrah at (801) 776-4951 or by e-mail at jpyrah@standard.net June 23, 2000 Public wants more details on D.C. duck What a great way to wake up in the morning! With sleepy eyes I began my morning thumbing through the paper only to be greeted with the great mystery of who financed the all-expense paid trip for our Washington-loving feathered friend (June 23 news article, "Mystery thief ducks out to D.C"). My day has been filled with laughter as I called everyone I know to retell this story. However, what I have found is that we all would love more information. Is there a chance that a tell-all book will be published, including copies of pictures, the itinerary, journal entries, postcards and lists of souvenirs? Will there be a press release to follow up on DNA testing? Is there mutiny in the ranks because other ducks want to take vacations to far-off places? And most importantly, is there any way we can get the address of this famed duck to see her ourselves? Please, please, the public wants to know! Dawn Gilbert Washington Terrace 310