Layton candidates offer their opinions on geological hazards
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No comments [ Add Comment ]By Dave Weaver
Spokesman for Falcon Ridge Community Coalition
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em>Editor's note: Layton's Falcon Ridge Community Coalition invited each candidate running for Layton City Council to offer their own statements about how they view the landslide issues facing the city. Candidates were asked to submit their comments before Oct. 11. Candidates Renny Knowlton and Don Wilhelm did not respond before the deadline.
During the past few years, dozens of Layton families have been affected by landslides, in some cases destroying their largest investment: their home.
Other neighborhoods in Layton are threatened with a similar situation. With the elections just around the corner, the Falcon Ridge Community Coalition has invited candidates for Layton City Council to voice their stance on the geological hazards that are threatening the safety, health and welfare of Layton residents. The position statements below provide residents with the stance of each candidate regarding the proposed development seeking to culvert Kays Creek just below Falcon Ridge in Layton.
Richard M. Allen: "There are areas located in Layton that have been determined to be unstable and not suitable for building a habitable structure. My position is clear.
"If it is unstable, DO NOT ALLOW CONSTRUCTION THERE! Developers love to build without considering the consequences and later loss to the buyers. The Master Plan should show all areas that are unstable and be locked in concrete as to not issuing build permits there. This would apply to not only currently unstable areas, but also those which would become unstable in an earthquake scenario.
"The Master Plan needs to be reviewed, updated and changed to reflect the growing nature of Layton city. This includes the availability of water, adequate road systems geared to the future, fire and police protection, schools, and other infrastructure issues. Then, when completed, it should be locked into no developer driven changes. Let them develop within the guidelines of the Master Plan and any changes must be minimized."
Joyce Brown: "If or when a way to safely develop the area is decided upon, the city and council will see that a Development Agreement is in place that will specify what measures need to be in finished before any construction could be started.
"I personally would like to see the creek stay above ground. I understand the developer has suggested that it be put in a culvert and covered. Before this could be done, not only the city would have to give approval but other organizations as well. This would not be an easy process.
"The Falcon Ridge Community Coalition is a well organized group of concerned citizens. I hope they will stay involved in the process. They are well informed and have studied the issue carefully. Their input is welcomed.
"Hopefully if the area is eventually developed it will be in a way that the coalition can feel comfortable with."
Barry Flitton: "I have been a resident of Layton for over 45 years, but not being a lifetime resident, there obviously had to be development in order for me to move in to the city. So, I am not opposed to development in Layton and I feel we have seen some very good and desirable development that has been for the benefit of all. However, I feel that prudence needs to be exercised in all aspects of growth.
"I am concerned with the idea of putting three quarters of a mile (estimate) of Kays Creek in a culvert under tons of earth fill for any reason. Kays Creek has been a part of Layton's landscape and beauty for over a hundred years and the idea of altering that natural beauty for any reason is alarming. Unless this decision was for the safety, health, and welfare of the majority of the residents of Layton, I would be opposed to it. I don't think this fits those criteria.
"Clearly the development of that land or any land adjacent to the slide areas of Heather Drive or Sunset Drive would not be in the best interest of the people of Layton and specifically the neighborhoods in those areas."
Scott Freitag: "I have diligently studied and researched the issues related to the proposed Adams LLC and Hawkins Homes development. I have also reviewed the findings of the Governor's Task Force, the city council meeting minutes, and spoken with interested parties from the developer's representatives, the city, and most importantly, the current residents. It is obvious that the proposed development is in an unstable area that is prone to movement. Geotechnical reports of the U.S. Geological Society have documented previous slides and have projected that there may be more in the future. I can say with much confidence that I would not vote to approve a zoning change if there was any doubt or question in my mind that the development would jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of current residents and future residents."
