By Veeda Ware
Save Our Canyons filed a lawsuit Thursday, July 17, to prevent road construction in Big Cottonwood Canyon against Salt Lake County, for not following existing zoning ordinances.
Political ties are suspected to be behind the road approval.
“This developer has serious political connections with Mayor Nancy Workman, a former developer, and Randy Horiuchi, who is a personal friend,” said John Johnson, board of trustees member of Save Our Canyons.
Johnson said he thinks the relations involved have had an impact on the road approval.
“If you and I applied for this road as a developer, we wouldn”t stand a chance because we don”t have the political connection,” he said.
Approval was give to Terry Diehl, local real estate developer, to construct the road in February.
Diehl and Workman were unavailable for comment.
Shortly after the request was granted, Diehl purchased land to build a 47-luxury home, private neighborhood located in the foothills of Big Cottonwood Canyon.
The steep slopes of the canyons prevent easy access to the property, and a new road would need to be constructed.
The proposed road will require two overpass bridges 34 feet high, and a 36-foot retaining wall.
“The county is allowing our mountains to turn into a Los Angeles freeway,” said Lisa Smith, executive director of Save Our Canyons.
Smith said the construction for the $3 million road will violate zoning ordinances placed in the canyons area.
“The county is not following the laws it set to preserve the land,” Smith said. “If this road goes up, it will set precedence for other violations in the future.”
Johnson said the zoning laws were set in the canyons to control development, and accused the county of violating them.
“We really want the county to protect the Wasatch from further inappropriate development,” Johnson said.
“It is important for the community to be involved,” he said.
“The citizens of Salt Lake Valley don”t want to be driving up these canyons with their families to go on a picnic, or a hike, and be driving what looks like an L.A. freeway overpass,” he said.
Johnson said the public should be involved. He said to contact Workman with concerns and show support in protecting the county.
“I”m not a tree hugger,” said Scott Davis from West Jordan. “But I”ve used these canyons since I was a kid, and I disapprove of anything to change them.”
Martin McGregor, from Taylorville, is concerned about the effect the housing development will have on the wildlife.
“This area they are planning to develop is home to a deer herd in the winter,” McGregor said. “What will happen to them when people move in?”
Penny Smith, a teacher from Sandy, said an example should be set for the children.
“We need to preserve the earth we have, and teach our kids that money cannot dictate our choices,” she said.
