Ogden Valley: The Tale of Two Visions

The Weber County Commission met recently to vote on issues related to Ogden Valley and its growth and development. There was quite a showing by local residents who rebuffed many of the proposals on the table and were able to alter the results of the intitial proposals.  Here are the issues discussed:

• Zoning - Providing an amendment to allow commercial storage buidlings on lots where that use is currently not allowed.  Result:  After critisism from the public, the commission tabled the decision for later consideration.
• Commercial Amenities - Provide an amendment to allow for larger commercial signs and those that are interior lit.  Result:  After critisism from the public, the commission passed the larger sign ordinance but declined to do so for the interior lit portion of the proposal.
• Master Plan - the commission provided an update to its 20 year master plan.  Debate arose about a proposed road that passes through sensitive historic farmland.  Result: The commission changed the name of the map to the Ogden Valley Elements Map.

The fight to make Ogden a quality resort location is the same fight going on in Downtown Ogden in the effort to rejuvenate and restore it.  The specific issues at hand in each area are very different from one another, yet the spirit of the causes are the same: Crafting Quality of Life.

In each community you have two visions of the future.  In Ogden Valley, there is a natural trend toward easy development to meet immediate demand.  The problem with this approach is that easy development makes for poor quality, which in turn affects everybody with the externalities of poor asthetics, and therefore reduced demand and property values.  Zoning and building plans should be carefully considered because once something goes up, it takes a generation or two to correct if it's bad.  Just take a look at all the residual atrocities frleft om zoning mistakes in Ogden in the 1960's.  If Ogden Valley wants to preserve its future as a resort destination, it would be best for it, and the County Commission, to adopt policies in line with that vision.  If Ogden Valley wants to be just another mountain town, then easy unthoughtful development will meet its needs cheaply.  Fortunately, the choice is in the publics hands.