DAVIS COUNTY, Utah (ABC 4 News) - The controversy over plans for the West Davis Corridor continues to stir as residents in both Kaysville and Farmington appeal to the Utah Department of Transportation.
If UDOT goes ahead with the corridor, an interchange will be built at either Glovers Lane or Shepard Lane. Farmington city leaders are pushing for the Sheperd Lane option because they've already based many of the city's future business plans on an interchange there. In addition, they're concerned the new Station Park retail center off of I-15 would be bypassed if the exit is at Glover's Lane. "It's frustrating because they spend so much money to create this station. How are we going to make this all fit together," said Farmington resident Shannon Day.
Meanwhile, the city of Kaysville is in favor of Glover's Lane because they they it's less expensive and less homes would have to be torn down.
Business owners in both cities are concerned about the loss of possible revenue if UDOT does not make a decision in their favor.
For example, the OakRidge Country Club is located in Farmington, but the general manager is siding with Kaysville residents - arguing that an interchange at Shepard Lane would mean tearing down three of their golf holes and restructuring their course. Tearing down and rebuilding means a loss of revenue and membership. "It's hard to play a round of golf when there's only 15 holes to play," said OakRidge general manager Mark Jensen.
According to WDC Project Manager Randy Jeffries, fewer homes would be affected by the Glovers Lane route, but it would have a greater impact on the environment. For some Davis County residents, the issue of homes being torn down outweights the potential business problems either city could encounter. "I would rather see homes saved. I think the businesses will do okay," said resident Margo Day.
UDOT will complete an initial draft proposal next spring. They will continue to take public input on the proposed routes until a final decision is made in 2014.
