Monroe Blvd: From North Ogden With Love...Or Extreme Prejudice

With as many awesome amenities and the cool historic vibe Ogden has, many people have wondered why it isn't further along in its growth trajectory than people would expect.  As a resident of downtown for 8 years and a former suburbanite (from Roy) myself, I have to laugh at an article recently published in the Standard Examiner while also citing it as Exhibit A in my explanation of what has historically held Ogden's resurgence back and, ironically, is now propelling it forward.

The story in the Standard regards an effort to connect North Ogden and Ogden via Monroe Blvd.  For decades the unfinished portion of Monroe Blvd. has been perceived as acting as a buffer between Ogden and North Ogden.  Since North Ogden boasts the second highest income per household in the County, there has been an air of exclusivity to the town.  This proposed connection has openly exposed the citizens' latent condescending sentiments toward their southern neighbors.    

However, before we get to the gaffe gallery, it is also important to understand that Ogden experienced a significant population drain in the 1960's and 1970's as people left Downtown Ogden to flock into budding suburban developments on the fringes of the county.  These suburban pioneers taught their children and grandchildren the reasons for their exodus from Ogden and created an ongoing local market sentiment.  The reasons for leaving were valid at the time, but today, those reasons are more myth than they are fact.  Yet, these suburban pioneers today are at a stage in life where adaptation to change is not quick nor necessarily desired (for instance, just ask them to download an app on an iPad for you and see how that goes.)       

Hence, we have presently unjustified and lingering perceptions of Ogden. The Standard reports what I think are nakedly honest, yet regrettably prejudiced, quotes from North Ogden residents on their feelings about connecting Ogden and North Ogden via Monroe Blvd:

I’ve got to be careful here. I’m not prejudiced, but we do live here for a reason,” Bigler said regarding crime and what kind of people would move to North Ogden if the road is expanded.

Resident Mary Beus said she moved to North Ogden to raise her family in a safe environment.

“I used to live in Ogden. I know a little bit about what Ogden is all about,” she said, becoming emotional. “You are taking my dream away.”

The North Ogden City Council and citizens do need to be very careful.  Because, if Monroe Blvd. is expanded, there is a good chance I might move there.  Then what could they say about their town.

Fortunately, time is on Ogden's side.  Attitudes such as those expressed in these quotes are fading into history.  Also, as the local rising generation matures, they have demonstrated a much more open-minded attitude toward Ogden's renaissance and a desire to live in a Historic urban and residential center.  The amenities and entertainment are here.  The architecture and culture of Weber County are here.  Our family loves living in Downtown and we continue to work to make it an even greater place for people to live and play.