Pleasant View—There is a regional “vision” for growth along the Wasatch front., and for growth and development in Weber County. In the next 30 years, it is estimated that Weber County will add 142,000 new residents whether the infrastructure is ready to accommodate them or not. How that much growth is handled will directly impact the quality of life in the years to come. Common-sense decisions on development now will greatly increase the value of the scarce dollars we do have to spend on transportation and other infrastructure needs in the future. In order to meet this challenge, the Wasatch Front Regional Council, in association with the area cities, including Pleasant View and others in Weber County, has taken a comprehensive look at this issue and prepared a plan for growth and development in the area. This vision can be found at www.wfrc.org. Since the Vision’s adoption will have the distinct possibility of affecting how the public will live and work in future years, the Regional Council encourages visiting its website noted above and leaving thoughts and comments on this issue. Making the right decisions now will make the community that much more livable later.
There have been a lot of meetings, surveys, and input in the changes that are needed for the 2700 corridor. Here’s a brief break down:
Pedestrian crossings at Farr West Drive, I-15 and Hwy 89 are desirable. Pedestrian trails along rail Right-of-Way, Trail loop East to West, empty lots to the North of 2700 North could all be used to improve pedestrian and bike travel, and create a ‘side channel.’ Improvement to backroads/interior circulation to create a pedestrian/bike friendly circulation is needed. There is a lack of complete sidewalks; and at eastern end, sidewalks are needed on both sides of roads.
Cars are the only realistic mode of transport on 2700 north where speeding is a problem. Other problems include: no traffic enforcement, business cross traffic, need for improved or created additional traffic signals, east-bound left turns are difficult along north side of 2700 North, business access issues, medians will cause further difficulty in accessing businesses, I-15 interchange difficulties, and circulation alternatives are needed at chaotic Farr West retail businesses.
Commercial and Retail ideas: Destination office at CSM property will take advantage of market-driven land use, create jobs and a town Center. Other ideas for growth: grocery store, destination retail, Station Park service, regional commercial at 2700 North & 2000 West, restaurants/mixed use, more development around Frontrunner other than fast food eating choices, but not to include “title, payday lending or pawn” establishments.
There is congestion throughout Farr West exit corridor, especially near Farr West retail and the Highway 89 intersection. Mom & Pops are dead in the area. Pleasant View is not small business friendly, so codes are needed that allow user-friendly landscape and xeriscape. Expansion of what can be used is needed, along with pedestrian connections across 2700 North, especially at businesses. Highway 89 is a wall you can’t get through—especially on foot or bike. It is a dangerous pedestrian corridor.
Along I-15 and 2700 North, sound walls west of I-15 need to come down due to visibility issues. West of I-15, commercial opportunities, such as a grocery store, is needed. Some residents want a town center, like Station Park with housing components. Higley Road and 2000 West intersection is to be realigned to be perpendicular.
We have an opening for a writer in the Pleasant View area. Contact Dawn at 801-731-9191 or mgeditor@sentinelnews.net.
