Sky-Bridge Drama Injected Into District Race

None by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) The City-Creek development sky-bridge saga is likely to spill over into next week's primary elections. The issue was a focal point of today's Midday Metro debate for the District 4 city council seat on KCPW. Incumbent Nancy Saxton says she's supportive because it may allow other benefits.

"I actually think that there is a bit of a tradeoff in getting six acres of open space," says Saxton, "If they don't get the sky-bridge, then they would have to pave the whole area and make it a one level mall. Which would then lose all of the open space for both sides of the block, so I think there's a tradeoff."

Candidate Brian Doughty says the sky-bridge isn't the right solution. However, he adds the city council, in its current makeup, is likely to approve the project.

"At least try to keep it from being a glass and steel tube," says Doughty, "try to make it an open deck type environment with access to main street on both sides of the street, be it escalator, elevator or stairs."

Candidate Luke Garrott says structures like the sky-bridge should serve the public's interest and he doubts that will happen.

"I see it serving the developer's wish to keep people in the mall," says Garrott, "I don't see it helping Main Street and the general public interest of the city at large."

To listen to the debate, including discussions about Pioneer Park and efforts to make Salt Lake City a more walkable community, download a podcast of today's Midday Metro.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW