Advocates push for open-space bond

(Park Record) In 2004, voters in the Snyderville Basin approved a $10 million bond to preserve open space in Summit County.

With that money spent, open-space advocates say another bond should be put before voters this year, even as many people in Summit County are coping with a recession. They are trying to convince the Summit County Council to place a bond measure on the November ballot.

Household budgets are tight and some open-space supporters fear voters would reject the bond due to belt-tightening.

"What is it that drives you now to propose a bond in the first place?" Summit County Councilwoman Claudia McMullin asked members of the Basin Open Space Advisory Committee.

The proposed bond was discussed at a County Council meeting Wednesday in Coalville. Officials in Summit County formed the Basin Open Space Advisory Committee about six years ago. The panel was charged with recommending how to spend proceeds from the first open-space bond.

BOSAC member Max Greenhalgh said it makes sense in a recession to purchase land if you can afford it.

"It's probably the best opportunity to buy property that you will have," Greenhalgh told the Summit County Commission. "There seems to be some opportunities and we do believe there are some specific projects that are on the radar screen."

He did not provide details about land the committee is eyeing.

Original Article