More than just a new interchange is being constructed at U.S. 89 and U-193. A 19-lot private subdivision has also been granted preliminary approval in the foothills just east of the interchange.
The Raz-de-Maree subdivision will include low-density housing on 2.5-acre lots in the steep foothills - where only a portion of the 123 privately owned acres is suitable for homes.The Utah Department of Transportation has been constructing an access road up the hillside to the proposed subdivision in the midst of its interchange work.
According to Raz-de-Maree developer Greg Lawson, UDOT's work is legal compensation for land taken by the state for the interchange construction.
Lawson intends to construct a small parking area for the public at the bottom of the access road near U.S. 89. A walkway will allow access to U.S. Forest Service land to the northeast, near Hobbs Canyon.
Because many hikers and horsemen currently have to cross private land to reach the Forest Service land, the new development could be an advantage.
However, several of the adjacent property owners aren't happy that the public will still have to cross a small section of their land in a four-cornered area to reach the public land.
The City Council is also concerned about fire access to the subdivision and the type of roofing for the homes. Lawson said he would work with the Layton Fire Department to ensure the safest design for the homes in light of the recent California foothill fires.
Lawson said the subdivision's unusual French name has some sort of significance to the owner.