BOUNTIFUL, Utah — Private developers are no longer seeking Bountiful City’s approval for a proposed land deal after public outcry.
Developers informed Bountiful City leaders late last week that they were no longer going to seek the city council’s approval for a proposed land exchange with the U.S. Forest Service, according to a press release from Bountiful City Monday.
Last month, Jaren Davis and landowner Ron Crapo asked the city council to provide a letter of support for an exchange of 160 acres east of Bountiful for 154 acres of the Forest Service land, which included the Lions Club Gun Range.
In this story
- Bountiful City Council special meeting
- When: Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.
- Where: Millcreek Junior High, 245 E. 1000 S.
The exchange would allow for the building of 100 to 150 homes above Maple Hills Division.
“Mr. Davis told me over the phone that he and Mr. Crapo wish to withdraw their request of support,” said Mayor Randy Lewis. “I believe they know many in the city are opposed to the trade.”
Hundreds of Bountiful residents flooded a city council meeting on Oct. 28 when they heard of the proposed land swap.
Residents told city leaders the mountainous open space is a popular place for recreational activities and they don’t want to lose it.
On Saturday, the public organized a rally at Twin Hollow Park, 1370 N. 900 East, in protest of the proposed exchange. They spent the day recreating and enjoying the open space.
A special meeting was planned to discuss the issue on Tuesday. City council members plan to still conduct that meeting, which will take place at Millcreek Junior High, 245 E. 1000 South at 7 p.m.
“The land owner can always pursue a trade without support of the city,” said City Manager Gary Hill. “Although the request is withdrawn, the city council would like to respond to the many issues raised by residents.”
