Peterson's plans include exciting venues

(Originally published March 22, 2006)

I can hardly wait to learn more about the proposals being considered by Chris Peterson and Ogden city. These appear to present some powerful possibilities.

• Despite its beautiful setting, Mt. Ogden Golf Course continues to lose more than $300,000 yearly. Many golfers reject it because of its poor layout. The creative proposal would improve the course and halt the losses while maintaining access, and at the same time preserve and improve adjacent trails and parks.
  
• Mr. Peterson's plans include unique and exciting venues on property he owns from above 36th Street to the mountain top. Making land available to optimize the development is worth pursuing.
  
• The potential for exciting solutions to key transportation challeneges is intriguing. Breathtaking scenary will be available to many more people, many of whom would not otherwise have the experience, time or physical ability to access it. Obviously much needs to be evaluated.

I am pleased that our mayor has been meeting with community leaders to provide information and to obtain their input. I was disappointed that two City Council members refused to participate in these discussions, effectively blocking their input on preliminary plans prior to formal presentation to the full City Council.

I hope officials at Weber State University will look seriously at the proposals. There is great potential to impact some limiting and long-standing challenges which the university has faced, while having great positive impacts on finances, enrollment and campus life, and while creating unmatched recreational, sporting and educational opportunities.

Ed Allen
Ogden

(Editor's note: Allen is Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey's father-in-law.)