1995 was the year that juvenile crime decreased, economic development increased and communities became more organized.
In other words, it was a banner year for the state's second-largest city. A city that, in July, celebrated its 15th year of existence.These are some of the facts and figures the City Council and City Manager John Patterson mused over during their fourth annual strategic planning retreat at City Hall last month. And, pleased with the progress West Valley City made this year, the administration decided to keep the same strategic objectives for development that were adopted last year.
So in 1996, crime reduction will continue to merit extra attention as the city's population steadily grows and is expected to reach the 99,000 mark sometime that year. Between 1994 and 1995, West Valley City's population increased 2.9 percent. During that same period, calls for police service increased 3.5 percent, the smallest increase since 1989.
According to uniform crime report tracking, West Valley City's crime rate (67.31 crimes per 1,000 people) is fifth-lowest in the state, bettered only by South Jordan's 26.67, West Jordan's 39.46, Sandy's 44.8 and 55.88 in Salt Lake County.
Larceny/theft and burglary stayed at the top of West Valley's serious crimes list. Shoplifting, vandalism and assault were tops in the minor offenses. Patterson credited the city's comprehensive approach to fighting crime - eight new officers, a special enforcement team, an aggressive graffiti-control program and neigh-bor-hood organizing efforts - with the leveling off. He called the 42 percent drop in juvenile crime "remarkable."
Other points in West Valley's strategy for growth are physical appearance and beautification efforts, a public awareness campaign centered on the city's positive attributes, upgrading streets and other infrastructure and concentrating on attracting new markets and industry. Plans to increase the city's parks and recreational offerings and upgrade the city-center commercial development round out West Valley City's eight-point strategic objectives wish list.
"We're coming off the best year we've ever had. We're working in a very optimistic and motivated environment," Patterson said. "We've made great strides, thanks to the City Council's great leadership. They're now beginning to see the fruit of their labors."
Indeed, with recent announcements of the International Hockey League Grizzlies hockey team relocating to West Valley City, plans to construct a 10,000-seat arena for the team by September 1997 and the 640-acre Lake Park Corporate Centre development coming in 1997, it's apparent that this young city, which has fought to improve its image, is now coming into its element. Patterson added that a national medical firm is making plans to locate its headquarters at the Westridge Business Park, 5600 W. 4700 South. The announcement is expected sometime after the first of the year. The 5600 W. 2100 South area is expected to blossom as a retail-service hub, in addition to it's current status as a transportation hub and home to several large trucking firms.
"There is a general feeling that the city is moving forward," Councilman Russ Brooks said. "I came away (from the recent retreat) more motivated to look after the welfare of the citizens, the welfare of the people who work here and seeing West Valley City be recognized as a city of the first class."