2 recent developments underway has caught the attention of many South Weber residents, but it's not located within the city. So why do many citizens feel it is imperative others know about it?
Falcon Hill
In early 2012, news broke of a new development on the west side of Hill Air Force Base, the beginning of what officials say "will be a bustling retail center for years to come." The Falcon Hill Project is a 550 acre private development, built under an Air Force Enhanced Use Land Lease (EUL - military land lease of under-utilized lands to a developer for 50 years). It will feature over 2 million square feet of commercial space in its first phase, with additional phases planned for the future. This development will bring additional jobs, infrastructure, new buildings, roads and utilities to the Base. Buildings that are owned by different tenants and are located outside of the gate are open to the public.
Falcon Hill, located on the west side of the base and running adjacent to I-15 will be the largest EUL in the United States. The project is an Aerospace Research Park both inside and outside the fence of the Base, including 10,000 square feet of retail building outside the gate. When our county commissioners visited our city on August 27th of this year, Commissioner Lorene Kamalu described a new facility involved in the missile defense program that will bring 2500 new hires with another possible 2500 hired later. Other reports state the public retail centers off-base will bring upwards of 10,000 jobs to the area.
In March of 2017, ground was broken for a 21,000 square foot Utah Science Technology and Research Innovation Center (USTAR) within Falcon Hill in what is hoped to kick start high-tech companies at "Silicone Hills" - Layton City's own version of the bustling tech industry in Utah County dubbed Silicone Slopes. Chief Operating Officer at Woodbury Corp Taylor Woodbury stated "Our goal for this new USTAR building is to be the cornerstone of the Silicone Hill movement that will help create a thriving tech community in Northern Utah." The new facility will offer space for 15-20 start-up companies. As the companies mature, they will move on and be replaced by other start up companies.
East Gate
East Gate, another development within HAFB, is business and research park similar to Falcon Hill adjacent to the East side of the Base. Surrounded by 2 18 hole golf courses, East Gate is an economic development area that focuses on aerospace research, and defense. Included within East Gate is a business park with a 100,000 square foot high-tech industrial building for its tenant, Janicki Industries which "manufactures sophisticated aircraft parts for the military and has 66 acres on which future industrial development is planned."
There is also the Runway at East Gate, a 90 acre project area and runway access marketing to private businesses which will run complimentary to Falcon Hill. While Falcon Hill will focus on research and development, East Gate will focus on manufacturing and distribution. The Utah Air National Guard may also be relocating to The Runway as they have outgrown their current space at Salt Lake City International Airport.
With all this growth, new residential areas will also be sprouting up, like Vistas at East Gate, a Century Home's Community which touts of a "new subdivision in the desirable east side of Layton, tucked amongst existing development in the area that continues to see substantial growth"
Why does it matter?
Many may be wondering why South Weber residents would be concerned about these developments. They aren't happening in our city after all. These residents are worried about the close proximity East Gate is to us, especially to 1900 East.
If you observe our annexation map, you will see the areas that are in blue-properties we are willing to provide services for should the property owner choose to develop - butt right up against this East Gate development.
This is in part why annexation had such a engaging conversation at our general plan. Currently zoned at business commerce, the probability of developers wanting this property is high, especially in the coming years. In order to develop it, they will need access to a road and utilities, most likely offered by South Weber since it sits well below in elevation to Layton City. While this business commerce means potential to add commercial for our city, it also will mean increased traffic to our roads - a residential road nonetheless.
When a development of this magnitude and scale comes in, bringing with it thousands of jobs and industry, the surrounding areas are bound to see significant growth as well. Some residents feel that if the 1900 E connection to Layton is materialized, it will not only mean more traffic to a road many feel is not safe or wanted, it will also create a new traffic pattern for the thousands of people now making their way throughout the base and the surrounding cities. The East Gate Development lies just above us on the edge of Layton's border to South Weber. Many feel that traffic congestion, compounded by the upcoming construction on Highway 89, will mean more cars will be using our road as an alternate route. Others worry that because HAFB is such a powerful entity in our state, if 1900 is opened, it will only be a matter of time before it is expanded and enlarged to serve as another very needed entrance to the Base.
This is in part why annexation had such a engaging conversation at our general plan. Currently zoned at business commerce, the probability of developers wanting this property is high, especially in the coming years. In order to develop it, they will need access to a road and utilities, most likely offered by South Weber since it sits well below in elevation to Layton City. While this business commerce means potential to add commercial for our city, it also will mean increased traffic to our roads - a residential road nonetheless.
When a development of this magnitude and scale comes in, bringing with it thousands of jobs and industry, the surrounding areas are bound to see significant growth as well. Some residents feel that if the 1900 E connection to Layton is materialized, it will not only mean more traffic to a road many feel is not safe or wanted, it will also create a new traffic pattern for the thousands of people now making their way throughout the base and the surrounding cities. The East Gate Development lies just above us on the edge of Layton's border to South Weber. Many feel that traffic congestion, compounded by the upcoming construction on Highway 89, will mean more cars will be using our road as an alternate route. Others worry that because HAFB is such a powerful entity in our state, if 1900 is opened, it will only be a matter of time before it is expanded and enlarged to serve as another very needed entrance to the Base.
Many will have different opinions on whether or not this is good or not for our community. Please make sure to let our elected officials know your thoughts and comments by emailing them and filling out our next survey of our general plan. Your voice matters.
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