West Valley Voters to Decide on Open Space Bond

08.18.2010 by Jeff Robinson

(KCPW News) West Valley City residents will decide this November whether to pay higher taxes for open space.  The city council voted last night to put a $25 million bond on the ballot that would pay for nearly 28 miles of trail, a new green space for Granger Park, and additional parks in other locations.  It has the strong backing of Mayor Mike Winder.

“We’re really at the crossroads for that City Center development in West Valley, and we need the crucial green space in it,” said the mayor.  “It’s also a time when interest rates are low, construction costs are at historic lows, so it’s a wonderful time to re-invest in West Valley City.”

Winder says the bond will help local companies by connecting the various trails that lead through business parks in West Valley, and it will create jobs.

“The council has talked with the city staff about, eventually as projects come up to bid for parks and trails, preference will be given to firms that use West Valley employees, and that will be one of the criteria that’s factored in to who they choose for the different parks and trails construction projects,” said Winder.

The 20-year bond would raise annual property taxes by $25 on a home valued at $177,000 .