(KCPW News) A bill that imposes a one-year moratorium on new historic districts is only one vote away from being sent to the governor’s desk. SB 243 has jammed a wedge between residents of Salt Lake City’s Yalecrest neighborhood. Democratic Representative Larry Wiley told a House Committee this morning that there’s no leadership from the city on this issue, and a moratorium would be a step in the right direction.
“Why hasn’t the mayor chimed in on this and stepped in and brought these people together and worked out the issues?” he said. “I guess I’m somewhat appalled but then it doesn’t surprise me, so, I think this is one way with a moratorium to bring people together and force the issue with or without the mayor, and bring this to a head.”
Republican Representative Jack Draxler said he’s torn over the idea of a moratorium, but he voted against the bill on the grounds that the state is exerting too much power.
“We talk a lot about local control until we think it’s time to control the locals and I just don’t think this is appropriate,” argued Draxler. “There’s nothing preventing the neighborhood from coming together, other than their own stubbornness.”
The bill failed to pass out of committee earlier this week, but was approved on a 9-to-2 vote this morning when it was reconsidered. It’s been amended so that the moratorium is targeted directly at the Yalecrest neighborhood. Now the bill goes to the House floor.
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