Aspen Resort Plan Gives Developer Clean Slate

None by KCPW

Rather than build a luxury resort in Heber Valley, Arizona developer Dean Sellers is planning a ski town he hopes to call "Aspen."

"We'll have our own police and fire department. We will govern ourself," says Sellers. "The taxes will be levied on a local basis. We'll be a full functioning municipality."

By incorporating, Sellers says he won't have to abide by Wasatch County's zoning and development code. That means he'll be free to develop the eight-thousand acre plot just east of Heber City to suit his vision. It remains to be seen whether a ski resort is feasible on the land, but Sellers says there will be at least nordic, biking and equestrian trails. And Sellers says the whole thing will be financed privately:

"We will not be asking for any tax subsidies from the state of Utah," says Sellers. "We will be building and improving this property with private funds."

Sellers has already filed for incorporation. A law enacted by the State Legislature this year allows a town to incorporate without county approval.

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