• Nelsen Michaelson (1187 votes – 25.93%)
• Cory R Ritz (1061 votes - 23.18%)
  
• James Madison Young (966 votes – 21.10%)
• Dustin Siler (619 votes – 13.52%)
• Tyler Turner (459 votes – 10.03%)
• Justin LeCheminant (259 votes – 5.66%)

In which Farmington voting precinct do you reside? (http://www.farmington.utah.gov/img/File/VOTING%208×11.pdf)

My family resides in West Farmington, Farmington voting district 1.

What is your vision for the commercial growth of west Farmington in particular and for other areas of Farmington?

The commercial growth in West Farmington is largely planned to occur in the Station Park area.  The area also includes a master planned class A business park, which is on the north side of Park Lane.  I would like to see the more commercial applications stay in Station Park and its immediate vicinity; and close in to the Park Lane ramp on the north side. I believe it is the responsibility of the City to protect existing residents. As the growth transitions out toward the existing neighborhoods, I support buffering through landscaping and open space; as well as graduation of building height and use.  The quality of life in our existing residential neighborhoods needs to be preserved through proper land use and developmental controls.

Please comment on the West Davis Corridor EIS?

I am gratified that the state of Utah and UDOT are doing the EIS.  They originally were moving forward on “informal” corridor designation; requesting city support; and even some corridor preservation without the benefit of the EIS.  The EIS process was further out on their calendar.  It was at least partially through Farmington City’s refusal to “rubberstamp” UDOT’s designation of a corridor, through the middle of West Farmington, which began the EIS process to determine hopefully the best route.

Which of the current refined alternatives WDC EIS alignments do you support through Farmington (Glovers Lane or Shepard Lane) and why? (http://www.udot.utah.gov/westdavis/uploads/map/4Maps_RefinedAlternatives_AlternativesAB_1of3_FarmingtonKaysville-0.pdf)

Having been heavily involved in both Planning Commission and the City Council decision making process, I support the official Farmington position in support of the “northeast/ Shepherd Lane” option. I strongly feel this option is the best for the community of Farmington as a whole. Please see the attached letter for more information; and why I have this opinion.

http://farmingtoncitizens.org/web/letter-from-city-councilman-cory-ritz/

Given the divisive nature on the community of the WDC alternatives through Farmington how as a City leader will you help displeased residents cope with the EIS’s inevitable decision?

It is the unfortunate truth that either option will have negative impacts on some of our Farmington neighbors.  It is a UDOT decision; however, as a city leader I will work to insure that the city has as much input as we can.  We can influence, as we have done, the transportation officials to consider new ways of addressing issues to minimize the impacts to residents.  Only by minimizing impacts to Farmington residents, and maximizing the benefit to the community as a whole, can the impacts become more acceptable.

What changes if any do you want enacted in Farmington and Farmington City government?

Farmington has been well served, by both its elected leaders and the fulltime staff.  We weathered the economic downturn, and have a positive funds balance.  We did this without layoffs, reduction of city services, or raising taxes. Our various departments have been efficiently run; due to dedicated employees and managers.  As we have hired a new City Manager and Fire Chief, we tried to be mindful of Farmington’s future. However, there are always areas which can be improved. For example, we are continuing to implement ways to better communicate with, and involve our citizens.

What Farmington issues are most important to you?

The biggest reason that I chose to run for a second term on the City Council, was to see projects completed in ways that benefit Farmington residents.  The current successful launch of Station Park has good things happening, and a very positive funds balance for Farmington.  The proper planning and implementation of the surrounding commercial and business park areas is vital to our residents.  It will also affect our ability to plan; and to implement our infrastructure and capital expenditure needs. I am dedicated to using the proper use of commercial development to benefit Farmington citizens; to avoid property taxes hikes which would otherwise be required. Transportation is also a big concern. We have needs for new streets, and re-paving of many of our streets.  There is also too much pressure to plan and build multi-family housing.  While some of this is beneficial and desirable for any city, we should not be the location for all of south Davis County’s rental housing needs.  We need to continue to use our planning and zoning functions to insure that development occurs in a fashion that suits our residents.

What else do you what said about you on farmingtoncitizens.org?

Eighteen years ago we fell in love with the small town character of Farmington. Heidi and I built our house, and are raising our 10 children here. We love the people, the tree-lined streets, and the wonderful sense of community. I have worked hard to earn a reputation of exercising common sense, openness, and integrity. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I ask for your support, so I can continue to preserve this unique place we all call home.

Cory R Ritz
Coryritz.com

In which Farmington voting precinct do you reside? (http://www.farmington.utah.gov/img/File/VOTING%208×11.pdf)

Just over three years ago, my wife and I moved into Farmington with our three sons from Connecticut, where we lived for nearly twenty years. We were excited to make Farmington our home as it had the feel of the small town that we moved from. We chose to live on the west side because of the rural atmosphere that it provides, knowing that at some point most of this land would eventually be developed. We are in Farmington’s Voting Precinct 1, near the Legacy Events Center.

What is your vision for the commercial growth of west Farmington in particular and for other areas of Farmington?

I have been serving on the Planning Commission for the past two years and have been able to learn a lot about the general land use plan for Farmington. I am supportive of the plan as it is designed to balance the growth of both residential and commercial development. This is key to managing the cost of providing services without raising property taxes. The town I moved from in Connecticut was resistant to commercial development and the citizens paid the cost in terms of high property taxes. (A link to the current general land use plan is below, for those readers who may be interested in it.)

http://www.farmington.utah.gov/downloads/community_development/general_land_use_plan_11x17.pdf

As a city councilman, I will continue to support the general plan with its goals of:

• maintaining Farmington as a community with a rural atmosphere
• preserving Farmington’s historical heritage
• providing for harmonious, coordinated and controlled development

Please comment on the West Davis Corridor EIS?

It is difficult to summarize all of my thoughts about the West Davis Corridor. I have been following its development since I first contemplated moving to Farmington. I knew at the time I built my house there was a possibility it could be located in my proverbial “back yard”. Like most of the people who live in west Farmington, I still wonder where it will be located and how it will impact me and my family.

Which of the current refined alternatives WDC EIS alignments do you support through Farmington (Glovers Lane or Shepard Lane) and why? (http://www.udot.utah.gov/westdavis/uploads/map/4Maps_RefinedAlternatives_AlternativesAB_1of3_FarmingtonKaysville-0.pdf)

I recognize that Farmington City is one of the stakeholders who can provide UDOT with input, but the final decision is outside the control of Farmington City leaders. As a private citizen, I have expressed to UDOT my concerns about the impact this highway will have on Farmington and its citizens. I recognize that no matter which alignment UDOT eventually selects, it will impact my neighbors and friends in Farmington.

Given the divisive nature on the community of the WDC alternatives through Farmington how as a City leader will you help displeased residents cope with the EIS’s inevitable decision?

From an overall planning perspective, I support the City’s position for the Shephard Lane alternative. I know that the city has been planning for that alignment for several years and believe it will be in the best interest of the entire city to not have another major highway running down the west side of the city. I recognize that no matter which alignment UDOT eventually selects, it will impact the citizens of Farmington. I believe that as neighbors and friends, we can support those who are directly impacted and help them adjust to the disruption that this will cause in their lives.

What Farmington issues are most important to you?

There are many other issues facing Farmington as it continues to grow. I am opposed to raising taxes and want to help guide the city down the fiscally conservative path of living within our means. I also want to ensure that Farmington remains a healthy, attractive and pleasant living place for us and our children.

What else do you what said about you on farmingtoncitizens.org?

Farmington City Councilmen are responsible for making decisions about a myriad of issues. I wish I could address all of them, but they are too numerous to elaborate on in this response. We live in a culture that is impatient with complexity and one that wants quick solutions. I wish I could provide simple “sound bite” answers, but that is not reality here in Farmington. I can promise that I will be deliberate in my decisions as a representative of Farmington citizens and that I will remain true to the values that we hold dear. I invite readers to contact me personally if they would like to discuss any issues facing Farmington. You can also learn more about me by visiting my website: www.nelsenmichaelson.com.

Thank you!

Nelsen Michaelson

In which Farmington voting precinct do you reside? (http://www.farmington.utah.gov/img/File/VOTING%208×11.pdf)

I live in precinct FA11.

What is your vision for the commercial growth of west Farmington in particular and for other areas of Farmington?

I see growth as the number one challenge facing Farmington in the near and long term.  This growth entails both residential, business, and infrastructure.  When it comes to growth I feel it comes down to a balancing act, you want to plan your building and residential areas so that you can grow but also continue to provide services to your residents.  Farmington residents, myself included, expect a very high level of service from our city and I want to continue to provide them with that high level of service.

We need to allow business in to the city but at a reasonable rate, we have two areas of development that we have for future use, the full station park area and the area north of lagoon.  I would like too see businesses enter both of those areas.  But I would refuse to let a mega chain like wal-mart or target into that area.  I think
business that are in an area like the gateway are much more preferable.

We also need to consider traffic, crime, and fire when creating these business zones.  I love station park and having a place that is close when I need to shopping or want to go to a movie is great.  The cities plans to make it a walk able mall type area that is very close to frontrunner was another excellent idea.

The same can be said for residential areas.  We want growth in population and property taxes.  But with increased growth comes a heavy demand on infrastructure that can often cost more than the increased tax revenue.  So I feel our goal should be to match the residential growth with the business growth and make sure we can still provide what our citizens need and love about Farmington.  That might mean some developers or business owners might not get what they want, but we should be looking out for the long term of Farmington.

I would really like to see a long term plan come into place and at the last planning meeting I attended there was discussion over a 10 year growth plan and how to achieve the things you’ve asked about. Growth is the number one thing when I think of challenges facing Farmington in the future.  We’re moving away from the small bedroom community we were 10-20 years ago and are facing some important metropolitan questions.

Please comment on the West Davis Corridor EIS?

Since Davis and to some extent Weber County have a very limited geography we have very few transportation options.  The east side of Davis county is pretty much built out as much as it can.  This only leaves the west side for any growth.  Because of this we’ve seen rapid growth in this area.  Because of this we have seen the need for a transit option on this side of Davis county.  I feel UDOT has done a fairly good job of the EIS allowing for a wide variety of options and taking into account citizens concerns, especially those of Farmington into account.  This issue is even tricky because of the mix of federal and state laws they must deal with.  No doubt there will be hard decisions to be made, but it needs to be made now for future growth. I would prefer no freeways be built but the growth we have seen in Davis and our norther county neighbors is necessitating this move.

Which of the current refined alternatives WDC EIS alignments do you support through Farmington (Glovers Lane or Shepard Lane) and why? (http://www.udot.utah.gov/westdavis/uploads/map/4Maps_RefinedAlternatives_AlternativesAB_1of3_FarmingtonKaysville-0.pdf)

I believe the C-1 option is the best option we have available to us. It  affects less people, costs less, saves more wildlife and wetlands.  I would prefer that over the Glovers lane option (and not just because I live right off Glovers Lane).  Either option is going to result in hardship for some but the C1 is the best of the options.

Given the divisive nature on the community of the WDC alternatives through Farmington how as a City leader will you help displeased residents cope with the EIS’s inevitable decision?

While the city council can’t do everything, we need to make sure we listen and do what we can for our citizens.  I think the first thing is to listen.  People are upset and have concerns and they are extremely valid.  When we can the council should also stand up for its citizens.  I don’t want to see anyone living in Farmington get ramrodded by UDOT or the county.  I also believe education and informing people of the whats and whys involved in the decision making will greatly help.  Sometimes I feel too much heated rhetoric gets involved and if we can educate people on all the nuances and why these decisions are being made would greatly help.

What changes if any do you want enacted in Farmington and Farmington City government?

I personally think the city government is very well run, I like the openness of the council and have found.  If anything I would like to see more openness in decision making.

What Farmington issues are most important to you?

I see future growth as the biggest issue to Farmington.  This affects quality of life which I think is extremely important to preserver for Farmington.

What else do you what said about you on farmingtoncitizens.org?

I’ve lived in Farmington for 6 years and it is absolutely the best place I have ever lived.  I want to continue to see our community grow but keep its great way of life.

• Nelsen Michaelson (410 votes – 24.38%)
• James Madison Young (368 votes – 21.88%)
• Cory R Ritz (339 votes - 20.15%)
• Dustin Siler (274 votes – 16.29%)
• Tyler Turner (143 votes – 8.50%)
• Justin LeCheminant (76 votes – 4.52%)
• Raymond M Walsh (72 votes – 4.28%)

Sally Beauty Supply, Famous Footwear, and Tilly’s are coming to the stores south of Harmons. Some restaurants in the project will be Johnny Rockets, Settebello Pizzeria Napoletanam ParkStone, and a sushi restaurant.

Other features of the project will be a children’s play area, a fountain, Santa House for Christmas, ice skating arena, summer concerts, and live entertainment.

One factual correction to the article comes from the statement, “The Shepard Lane option paves over 10 homes in Hunters Creek, while the Glover Lane route would wipe out a similar number in the Ranches subdivision farther west.” The reality is no Ranches homes will be taken but homes on Glovers Lane would be the ones to get the ax.

In the resolution Kaysville repeatedly mentions support of the 2001 North Legacy Transportation Corridor and 2001 study. However in item 5 the City deviates from supporting the 2001 study (and its own master transportation plan) with regard to the I-15 alignment and “strongly favors and fully supports” the Glovers Lane and westerly alignment.

ABC4.com news article

Monday February 28th at 7:00PM there will be a Save West Farmington meeting at Eagle Bay Elementary, 1933 Clark Lane. Event organizers want people to bring signs, kids, and excitement for the I-15/ Shepard-Lane/C-1 alignment. There will be a petition to sign to show solidarity with Farmington City officials who support an I-15 alignment for the West Davis Corridor.

Visit the “Save Farmington” Facebook Group for more information.

Link to Davis County Clipper coverage on the protest

The video below was an earlier version of the video above. The above version was edited to remove an interview. The person stated that she had signed a waiver acknowledging that a corridor was being preserved through the neighborhood when purchasing her home.

• Comment period extended to March 25 so as to be included in this phase of the study
• 5000 comments so far
• Lines on the maps are not final until 2013
• Refinements to the alternatives will be published in spring/early summer
• “Impact Analysis” is the next step in the study
• “Mutually-exclusive options” are now dotted lines. This means there is equal weight given to the Shepard Lane and Glovers Lane alternatives. Whereas before it appeared that the Shepard Lane alternative was preferred because it was printed as a solid line and the Glovers Lane as a dotted line.

• Faster posting of comments: Comments posted to the old site sat in a queue until someone came along and cleared them out. Now comments can post instantly if not flagged by the spam checker.
• Links to the Facebook Page: That’s right Farmington Citizens has joined the modern world of communications with a Facebook Page. Go there and check it out and post something.
• Links to subscribe to RSS feed: For those of you who digest your Internet knowledge in an an RSS reader (Google Reader, Bloglines, etc.) then finding the RSS feed just got easier.

And now for the ugly:

• Only the last 30 posts were ported over to the new website. Lots of the historical stuff from 2007, 2008, and 2009 just didn’t make it over to the new system. Never fear all is not lost. The old site is still going to hang around. You can find it here: http://www.farmingtoncitizens.org/old/
• No old comments. Any comments made on the old website also didn’t make it over to the new system. Again they can be found on the old website.

Give us your feedback. We want to know what you think about the new website. Post a comment.

To all who have taken time to contact me regarding the West Davis Corridor issue;

I truly appreciate your time and effort, to get involved in important issues facing our town! Despite being out of town on business, I have wanted to individually respond to each of you. However, because of the large amount of emails I feel it is best to address the concerns and questions I have received, in this format, prior to the scheduled town hall meeting tomorrow night. I will attempt to address, at least in a macro scale, the issues that have been raised.

First let me respond to those who have stated, or implied, that the Mayor and /or the council have “ulterior motives”, “personal gain”, or ”bowed down to big money”. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Mayor and council members have always put the greater good of Farmington as a whole first. In this experience, commercial and financial considerations have been one of our minor considerations. In fact, we voted to spend funds for a study; which would provide alternatives and solutions to our dilemma. The accusations and threats have been offensive; and honestly do not help in any reasonable discussion. Our Mayor in particular has served with fidelity and honor, and is particularly undeserving of the implications that have been made.

Any response to your questions must first begin with a bit of history. The gentleman who referred to his investment of “over a year” in this process, must realize that this process has been going on for over 8 years. Some neighborhoods have been actively involved in excess of 6 years. As I respond and try to explain; I will refer to the proposals as the NE (current C-1 along freeway and Shepherd Lane area), and SW (along Glover lane and out west).

Farmington’s planning commission and City Council decided several years ago to try to be pro-active; when it became apparent that a transportation corridor needed to be preserved. Before the beginning of construction of the Hunters Creek and Quail Crossing neighborhoods; long negotiations were had with developers looking to build in the area. As a result, concessions in density and neighborhood design were made; in order to preserve a corridor for a “Legacy North” connection. Homes were then built and sold in proximity to what was always intended to be a transportation corridor
for future “Legacy” needs.

When UDOT first came to Farmington with its first official request for corridor designation; the request was for a route that cut diagonally (along the D&RG rail bed) north through the west side of Farmington. This route would once again bisect our small city, by another major roadway. This would severely impact EVERY west side neighborhood; and harm county and other family facilities. At that time, after many difficult and heated meetings, the Planning commission gave a no vote on the request. UDOT revisited this idea, and the request was withdrawn. As a city, our first choice always was for the legacy connection to be in the existing transportation corridor, adjacent to the I-15 and Park Lane interchange. That is the reason why many had worked so hard to preserve a corridor. Originally, UDOT’s analysis at that time stated that neither the NE or the SW options were viable. After the withdrawal of the request, Farmington City Council authorized a transportation study to determine the validity of other options. Our goal was to find options less harmful to Farmington as a whole. With the assurance of UDOT, at the time, that the NE option could not happen; we approved our current transportation plan. This designated the SW route as our preferred alternative. The fact is that because Farmington City Council was proactive, it resulted in UDOT taking a more in depth look at the alternatives. It was also furthered by private input from a Farmington resident. UDOT has recently determined that not only did the SW alternative have merit; but that the NE alternative did as well. That NE planned alternative was what the community overwhelmingly supported during those first rounds of public hearings; and now looks to be UDOT’s preferred alternative at this time.

This recent request from UDOT to the Farmington City Council was for us to support the current C-1 (NE) alternative. This we could do in good conscience, since this is congruent with our original request to them; and the forward land use planning which we had previously done. At the same time we are choosing not to abandon our Master Transportation Plan which contains the designated SW option. Our desire is to do what makes the most sense for Farmington as a whole, and keep our preferred options open to accomplish this. However the NE (C-1) alternative more closely fits the original
desires, and planning by our community.

On a personal note, it is unfortunate that the road needs to be built and our community affected. Many have asked, “why do we have to say yes to anything UDOT requests”. Or “why don’t we just say NO!” Unfortunately, UDOT has the authority to build the road– and due to the narrow geographic nature of Farmington, we will all be affected. Whatever final route is chosen, it will impact some of our citizens and neighborhoods. Ironically, all previous proposals had roughly the same impact on the Shepherd lane area homes and SW Kaysville. Both of the current options result in roughly the same amount of disruption to W. Farmington. Under both scenarios roughly the same number of homes will be displaced. Roughly the same number of homes will be left within close proximity to the road. The shorter distance involved in the NE route should result in better mitigation. The addition of a Shepherd Lane local interchange adds accessibility to the transportation system, especially for north Farmington, and Kaysville residents. Does that take away the discouragement and frustration for those most closely affected–not in any way!

One focal point for the Farmington council will be to encourage UDOT to install effective mitigation along the sections of WDC that have proximity to neighborhoods. This should include berms, sound walls, and landscaping. If this is properly done, it will minimize sound and sight impacts. This, along with the “zero access, protected highway” concept, should alleviate and prevent most of the safety concerns that have been expressed.

As to the access concerns; rest assured that accessibility to and from various areas of town is one of our foremost concerns. City streets will continue to flow, and have connectivity, whether by means of under or overpasses. Access to the retail and commercial centers around Smiths will continue; as will access to the new center around the new Harmons and theaters which will open this May. Neighborhoods that have accessibility and safety issues to schools, will most assuredly be addressed by bus service or boundary adjustments. In all honesty, I believe that long before this road becomes a reality we may have a new school in west Farmington; which will change boundaries and student flow.

The same can be said for the many church attendance issues that were raised. Given the history of boundary movements and new ward creations; I am sure we will yet see many ward, and perhaps even stake, boundary adjustments. We are consciously addressing these road accesses, and similar issues raised by neighborhoods.

I personally live in West Farmington, and have always tried to fairly represent the views and concerns of my neighbors; as well as those I have had the opportunity to know throughout Farmington. I live in the central part of west Farmington, and our family will be equally affected by both options. One of my dear friends, who I love and respect, in all likelihood will at worst lose his home, or be severely affected by one of the proposed options. Because we have spent so much time trying to find solutions, we are not removed from the affects of this decision. The construction of this road, if it is deemed necessary by the state agencies, who truly control this decision, will move forward. However, UDOT hopefully will consider the needs and recommendations of a city council who tried to plan in advance, in order to protect their citizens. We hope that if, or when it occurs, it will be at a location that creates the least negative impacts. Hopefully we have suggested options that will provide some benefits to the city of Farmington. The interests of Farmington, as a whole, are best served by the NE (C-1) route in my opinion. I have worked with Farmington city leaders going back 10 years, during which time we have struggled and tried to proactively prepare. I hope at the end of this process, we can all be good neighbors, and work cooperatively to find the best way to influence this decision. Hopefully, we can come together to help implement it in a way that will minimize negative effects as much as we can. Hopefully, this gives some history and basis for Farmington’s city council decisions. We encourage Farmington citizens to come to our Town Hall discussion tomorrow night at 7:00 pm.

Sincerely;

Cory R. Ritz
Member Farmington City Council

More meetings, why? In short the City wants to educate residents and allow some comments (although unofficial, official comments should be sent to UDOT's WDC EIS team). Naturally the City has taken flack because officials changed their stance on where the road should go. The decision is ultimately UDOT's to make (through the EIS process) but the City has major influence.

Regardless if you go to the town hall meeting Wednesday you must comment on UDOT's alignment alternatives (just send an email to westdavis@utah.gov). Many Farmington residents that don't like the Shepard Lane alignment have already commented, but very few who do like it have. Maybe the folks in the south, Glovers Lane, and the Ranches don't really care as much as the folks in the north where this road ends up going.