After months of quiet negotiations, the West Jordan City Council approved the purchase Tuesday of 36 acres of former U&I Sugar property for $660,000.
Located adjacent to the city's main park east of 2200 West at about 8200 South, the land will be used to continue the park's development, said City Manager Terry Holzworth."It is really a significant acquisition for our community in terms of our goal to flesh out the city park," Holzworth said. The purchase will increase the size of the park by almost a third, he added.
The U&I Sugar property was owned by a company controlled by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Holzworth said.
West Jordan will pay about $200,000 from its capital projects fund and cover the rest of the cost over a five-year period or with the proceeds from the sale of its City Hall property at 1850 W. 7800 South.
A new, $2.5 million City Hall and civic center is being built near the city park. Revenue bonds are paying for that project, which is scheduled for completion by late 1992.
Holzworth said the addition of the U&I Sugar property fits into the community's master plan for the area.
"We are thrilled about it," he said. "It's been in the works for a long time, and we consider it a major accomplishment."
Holzworth said detailed planning for the park enlargement will begin immediately.