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No Comments [ Add Comment ]Expansive Ideas
By Bryon SaxtonFARMINGTO
N -- The $13.2 million expansion of the Davis Conference Center continues to inch forward as county officials have set a date to reveal their plan to Layton city leaders.
The County Commission Tuesday authorized Assistant Community Economic & Development Director Barry Burton to approach Layton leaders next month with the county's plans for the center, at 800 W. Heritage Park Blvd., Layton.
Burton, a longtime county employee, said he is scheduled to appear before the Layton City Planning Commission at 7 p.m. Feb. 13. He will seek a site plan approval for the expansion work, and a conditional use permit needed for the project.
"Just because we are the county," Burton told the commission, "doesn't mean we don't have to comply with zoning regulations."
The county, using tourism tax revenue, would expand the existing center in a northwest direction by 35,000 square feet, adding space for an exhibit hall.
Based on an independent feasibility study by a Minnesota firm, the expansion could bring an additional $15 million a year in tourism dollars to the area.
The commission, after giving Burton the authority to work with the city, met briefly with Layton Mayor Steve Curtis, City Manager Alex Jensen and City Attorney Gary Crane.
Burton said county officials have been meeting with Layton leaders periodically to ensure both entities are on the same page.
"We talked with them of their intentions," Curtis said of the conversation between the two groups. But the city, he said, has yet to see a proposed design on the project.
"It's on its way, and it would be a great addition to the city," Curtis said.
Layton, in an earlier agreement with county officials, will waive the city fees associated with the development of the expansion project, including the $325 site plan fee.
The city essentially waives the same fees for other governmental agencies and the Davis School District, Curtis said.
In addition to the fee waivers -- estimated at $175,000 -- Layton also contributed $50,000 to install pedestrian-friendly improvements near the center, Jensen said.
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