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Friday, November 11, 2011

The Future Is Now!


The Future is Now!


If you feel a little tremor once in a while, it is the development engine starting up again in Ogden Valley.


The citizens of Ogden Valley should be aware and prepared to respond

to the development forces that are always at work to use the land

and water in our Valley to further their view of progress.


The Valley Citizens for Responsible Development (VCRD) does not view all growth or development as negative. However, we do believe it should be accomplished within the guidelines set forth by the existing zoning and subdivision ordinance guidelines in place to protect the ambiance and unique qualities of Ogden Valley.


On November 22, 2011 both the Weber County Commission and the Ogden Valley Planning Commission (OVPC) will review several issues that may have serious impacts on how developers operate within Ogden Valley, and how well developers and the two Commissions communicate with the residents about proposed development plans.


It appears the OVPC may be intent on taking some “short cuts” by recommending changes to provisions of the subdivision approval process that may not be in the best interests of the citizens of Ogden Valley.


It is our understanding from the most recent GEM committee minutes that the OVPC is considering a change in the review process that would move the requirement for the OVPC and Weber County Commissioners review/approval from 3 units to 10 units in a subdivision, and also eliminate the notification to nearby landowners of such developments. While this would probably speed up the approval process, it will exclude the impacted neighbors from providing public input, eliminate the critical review process of both commissions and may erode the respect that citizens should have for our elected or appointed representatives.


We suggest to you, the Valley citizens, that the most effective way to engage and influence the decision makers on the OVPC and the Weber County Commission is to have a strong, effective participation by the residents in Ogden Valley. We ask that you contact these decision makers and let them know how you feel about the impact of accelerated growth in the Valley. All contact information for both the OVPC and the County Commissioners is available on the VCRD web site at www.vcrdutah.org


We also ask that you join the VCRD to receive e-mail and blog updates to keep your informed on the development activities of the Weber County Planning department and our elected or appointed officials.


The motto of the VCRD says it all:


“Speak up for what you want, or take what you get”.


Join the VCRD or renew your membership for a $10 yearly individual fee. The VCRD web site has been updated.


Send your membership fees to:


VCRD

PO Box 115

Huntsville, UT 84317


The VCRD is a nonprofit Corporation and your dues and any contributions are tax deductible.


Let’s stay ahead of the development surge and try to maintain our

Valley’s charm and beauty as much as we can.


Your VCRD Staff

2 comments:

Thomas Paine said...

When you look at the direction of the Ogden Valley Planning Commission and the Weber County Planners, it is obvious they are out do anything to increase the tax revenue for the County by using the Valley's open spaces as the vehicle to do so. Look for continuous efforts to compromise existing ordinances and zoning requirements to further that aim.

George F. Babbit said...

The important point of the post seems to be that we in the Valley need to act together and speak on issues as much as possible with one voice. Fragmented opinions no matter how valid, bounce off of our elected and appointed officials like grains of sand.

If we can collectively bring political power to bear on these decision makers through an active group of citizens, you can bet they will listen.