BOUNTIFUL, Utah – Hundreds of South Davis residents turned out for a rally Saturday to speak in opposition of a proposed swap of public lands in Bountiful. Those residents said they use the property for recreation and don’t want another subdivision in the area.
Hundreds of residents were at Twin Hallow Park Saturday, asking the Bountiful City Council to deny a developer’s request to build on public lands.
“It’s an area that's accessible to middle class families, you know, anywhere else in Bountiful now, easy access is blocked by McMansions, huge homes, wealthy areas,” said Andrea Edwards with the Twin Hallow United Group.
They were celebrating the mountain Saturday, going on trail runs and bike rides to show how much they love the mountain and want to save it.
“It's one of the few places left where you can actually get to the mountain, and have sort of a public playground,” said Randall Edwards with the Twin Hallow United Group.
A developer who owns private land wanted to swap his property for the foothills in Bountiful. When these residents heard about it, they turned out to city council hearings to voice their opposition.
“Of course, our biggest fear is that this will be paved over, and become nothing but asphalt roofs, parking lots, and that our Bountiful quality of life will be diminished,” Andrea Edwards said.
City council members are making a final vote on Tuesday. Some who attended Saturday’s rally said they have heard the public’s voices and want to do what’s best for the community.
“I know that all of the members of the city council have been concerned with what they have been saying,” said Richard Higginson with the Bountiful City Council. “They’re also concerned with preserving open space. It’s one of our top priorities as a city council, and I think that the vote will be favorable for the residents.”
The city council will make its final vote at their regular meeting Tuesday night. Residents at the rally say they hope the rally shows their love and commitment to preserve the mountain.
