Mt. Ogden Community Plan Meeting Report

The Little LepreCON performs a public jig, dancing to the tune of the "naysayer" pipers - Ed.

By David S.

I just got back from Mount Ogden Middle School where the Mount Ogden Community Plan was discussed by the community. During that meeting, the mayor was asked whether his intentions (mentioned in the paper and WCF today) related to protecting the golf course and park, or also the surrounding undeveloped city land and the trails as well. In other words, did it relate to just two parts, or to all four.

The mayor said his intention is to preserve all four and he listed them, as well as stating his own love and use of the trails.

I welcome this. Of course, I feel there must be concrete action for the public to believe the mayor’s change of heart is genuine and, shall we say, permanent. I feel it must happen very soon or people will see it as only a ploy. But having both mayoral candidates saying the same thing on this paramount issue, is wonderful. The council has also been looking at ways to protect these "four parts." They passed out their work after the meeting, but I haven't read through it yet.

There was also the strong sense that the public wants all the undeveloped benchlands – both pubic and private – left as they are, and would like the city to buy the undeveloped private land where possible, or where not possible, leave it zoned as open space. There were many other issues discussed. If there was any conflict in the sentiments of the community regarding any of the many issues discussed, I didn’t notice it.

So let us observe, the public has been speaking and are being listened to. Dan Schroeder said he’s never been more proud to live in Ogden than he has felt while participating in the Mount Ogden Community Plan process. I would concur. To see the public turn out and speak about the town that they love, to see the community so unified, and to see the officials really listening, made me feel very proud as well.

Anyway I thought folks might like to know.

BTW, what other city has a forum like this, to talk about things like this, like this?

Update 9/26/07 10:35 a.m. MT: Ace Reporter Schwebke contributes his own community meeting report in this morning's Standard-Examiner.