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Letters to the Editor, Jan. 10-13, 2015

PR

Basin residents must speak up now to limit growth

Editor:

Tuesday, Jan 13 at 6 p.m., at the Ecker Hill Middle School auditorium, there is a hearing on Synderville Basin’s future development affecting 16 neighborhoods. You say, "hearings are boring." We say, "this one is urgent." We attended an open house, studied the Draft General Plan, and talked to staff. The staff and commissioners want to hear from people.

The state told the county to anticipate 100,000 new residents. Planners imagined these residents in the Plan. "Smart Growth" is a priority in their recommendations — protecting open space/preventing sprawl. This is a good idea. However, the plan lacks UPPER density limits. It doesn’t require snow-storage areas. Neighborhoods will pay thousands of dollars per truckload to haul snow outside their areas. It doesn’t address how tens of thousands of people placed in ANY high-density, mixed-use neighborhood will destroy amenities the plan seeks to protect. Neighborhood trails will be too crowded with pedestrians to imagine skiing/cycling. This is not why residents pass open space/recreation bonds.

For example, Kimball Junction is already at its allowable density. The Plan allows replacing existing structures with high-rise apartments/condos to house 50,000, even 100,000 people. Only future rules on building heights or setbacks will restrict numbers. Skiing/cycling for the thousands of residents living by the Swaner trails will be impossible. Kimball Junction residents will drive to other neighborhoods to access trails. Even with improved transit, expect MORE traffic jams on State Road 224 and I-80, and in or out of Kimball Junction.

We’re fortunate to have talented county staff, commissioners, and councilors. They’ve invited input. We urge people to request reasonable UPPER limits on density in neighborhoods and protect trails for cycling, skiing, and walking for all residents — not just residents of low-density neighborhoods. Input is needed NOW. Waiting until a Plan is adopted, then complaining when developers create neighborhoods the size of cities is a bad strategy.

Please join us as advocates of smart growth—"Park City Style."

Kathy Becker and David Maxfield

Park City

* * *

Vail needs to put more attendants on lift lines

Editor:

I want you to know I am very excited that Vail has purchased Park City Mountain Resort. What I am disappointed about are the awful lift lines we experienced during the holidays. There were very few lift-line attendants assisting guests and directing traffic. If they were there they were so outnumbered that it was impossible to control.

The lines were atrocious with people pushing, shoving and stepping on skis trying to make it to the next chair as quickly as possible. Customers did not know how to alternate. It was not any different from drivers knowing how to navigate our new traffic circles.

I am asking Vail to personally reconsider placing enough lift-line coordinators during the holiday seasons and all weekends.

Thank you

Liz Lister

Park City

* * *

Diabetes, what can we do about it?

Editor:

Diabetes has been around for ages and affects millions of people. In fact, in 2012 more than 29 million Americans had diabetes and it is estimated that one out of every three children born after 2000 in the United States will be directly affected by diabetes. Sadly, diabetes is also the 7th leading cause of death in the United States. Type 1 Diabetes is a specific type of diabetes that is an autoimmune disorder where the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar and other foods into the energy required for daily life.

While this information may be discouraging, it is a good reminder that each of us should do our part in supporting causes and research designed to find ways to overcome this disease. An undergraduate research project at Weber State University is set to further the understanding of Type 1 Diabetes. With this local research project you can now take an active part in diabetes research and be actively involved with helping to improve the lives of many Americans, your neighbor’s life, or possibly even your own. We are looking for volunteers that have been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and non-diabetic volunteers to help as a control group. Those who are interested please contact Samantha Morgan at 435-659-9821.

Samantha Morgan

Park City

Letters

School district must lead

Park City School District is being investigated by the federal Office of Civil Rights for persistent and ongoing violations. It’s a very big deal that has a lot of our community on edge.



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