Click to see part one, part two and part three of this series. South Bench Drive is a **proposed** road, meaning that it hasn't yet been formally adopted. Public comment for South Bench Drive as well as the rest of the general plan is currently underway. It is so important for the public to become educated on what is being proposed and the effects those changes will have on the city.
Should South Bench Drive be adopted into the general plan, the road will be built when property owners choose to sell and develop their land. As the city is in no position to do eminent domain, this process may take decades as many properties are still working farms. We have been told that developing this road will not fall on tax payers, it will fall on the developer. They will be the ones who will pay for and put in the road, though certain maintenance will fall on South Weber resident's property taxes (sweeping, plowing and lighting). However this is an issue we are still looking into and trying to get further information and clarification. Other costs that could potentially fall on South Weber tax payers is the studies done to ensure the safety and stability of this road, particularly as it travels up our southern slopes.
Time will also be needed to do the necessary studies for the safety and engineering of this road.
In light of the information posted on on part 3, it is clear that the city is actively pursuing getting the word out about this road. They have presented at a Wasatch Choice workshop. They have talked to UDOT as well as Layton City about connections. Further information shows that they have even introduced it to Hill Air Force Base as a way to help with theirs and Layton traffic. This is felt premature by many since public comment and input hadn't even started (and very few knew about it) when these meetings occurred.
Because of the grade of our slopes, the instability and the amount of cost to engineer this road, it is possible a developer will not be able to fund this road, so there is a chance it could fall under state discretion. While that may relieve some pressure off of South Weber tax payers, there is concern about it becoming a state road. The state will then mandate this road and potential changes or direction would fall under state advisory rather than the citizens of South Weber. It could also mean that it could be completed much sooner than expected if the state is able to buy up land for the proposed road rather than the city having to wait until property owners are willing and able to sell their land. (see link below, upon further research it was found that federal and state grants were already pursued in early 2019 to help fund this project).
Below are screenshots of reports by Mayor Jo promoting South Bench Drive to Layton, UDOT and the Wasatch Choice workshop.
Up Next: Viewpoints: Those in favor, and those against. #swmorethan20
More information was soon discovered about applying for state and federal grants for South Bench Drive. See post here to learn more.
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