It is a simple, undeveloped, six-acre chunk of property.
But to city officials here and their counterparts in Sandy, the land on the northwest corner of I-15 and 10600 South has all the strategic importance of an Iwo Jima. The tiny island of commercial soil is critical to both sides in their respective battles for economic prosperity.South Jordan owns the land, but the tract is located inside Sandy's boundaries. And therein lies the dilemma that has sustained a prolonged debate, both in courtrooms and board rooms, for more than three years.
Six months ago, South Jordan, for the second time since 1992, asked a 3rd District Court judge to wrest the property from Sandy's grip. The city's previous attempt at a disconnection suit was defeated, as was an appeal to the state Supreme Court.
The city filed suit a second time after becoming dissatisfied with continued negotiations with Sandy.
But a truce may be imminent.
South Jordan officials met behind closed doors last week to consider a settlement offer from Sandy. Byron Jorgenson, Sandy's chief administrative officer, has asked South Jordan officials to consider a boundary swap that would place the six acres inside South Jordan, while reconfiguring Sandy's city limits to include undeveloped South Jordan property of similar value.
"What we're trying to do is work with them to find some way to reach an agreement on it and not have an adversarial relationship and not let this issue fester any longer," Jorgenson said.
He said the Sandy City Council would prefer to trade municipal control of property rather than split sales tax revenues on the land in question for a five-year period, which he said South Jordan proposed previously.
"We'd rather do a land trade if this ground is that important, but Sandy should receive something of equal value in return," he said. "I sure hope they agree to that."
As of last week, South Jordan had yet to respond to the Sandy offer. Even if the city is interested, a number of details would need to be worked out.
Ken Leetham, South Jordan's planning and economic development director, said the City Council hasn't even addressed what property it would trade, nor has it discussed the rights of the owner of any property that might be annexed into Sandy.
Ultimately, the boundary swap might fall through. But officials on both sides said they are encouraged by the dialogue.
"Our first choice would not be to litigate this matter, and I think everybody knows that," said Leetham, also acting city administrator. "Our first choice, as friendly cities, would be to resolve it outside the court system."
There are few vacant parcels with as much tax-producing potential left along the I-15 corridor. Just to the east in Sandy is the South Towne Mall, which remains at the hub of a south-county boom in commercial development.