Conflict of interest alleged in rezone for soccer complex near Jordan River

SALT LAKE CITY (Deseret News) — Opponents of a planned soccer complex along the Jordan River say a city planning commissioner failed to declare a conflict of interest and recuse himself during a vote to rezone the property last week.

Michael Gallegos, director of Salt Lake County's community resources and development department, voted to approve the rezone petition last week, clearing the way for the $22.7 million complex to be built near 2200 North, despite ongoing negotiations between the city and the county to operate the 13-field complex.

"From the beginning, the sports complex has been fraught with insider deal making, agreements made behind closed doors and conflicts of interest," Jeff Salt, of the Jordan River Restoration Network, said in a statement. "The public expects government processes to be fair and impartial, not determined by people with apparent biases and vested interests."

Salt filed a formal complaint with both city and county officials Tuesday.

Gallegos, meanwhile, said he does not believe there was a problem with his vote.

"I don't see any conflict," said Gallegos, who has served on the city Planning Commission for about a year. "The county is a huge organization. There are a lot of things that go on. I would have no knowledge of what's going on between the city and the parks and recreation department."

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