Lehi voters emphatically rejected measures Tuesday that would have limited residential growth to 3 percent annually and allowed the city to build a $17 million community center.
The limited-growth initiative sparked emotional debate and bitter conflict in this normally quiet Utah County town. Sponsors of the measure posted poll-watchers at each of the seven polling places after 5 p.m. Tuesday.However, careful monitoring of ballot counting was not necessary. The initiative failed 2-1. Its demise was apparently sealed by strong opposition from developers, Realtors and the City Council.
"I would say it's kind of a wake-up call to the new mayor and council that people (want them) to watch the growth a little more than they have in the past," said sponsor Richard W. Smith.
Councilman Dee Ray Russon said the measure's failure shows that residents believe elected officials "work close to the pulse of the community and know what the community needs."
Meanwhile, Lehi voters also rejected a $17 million bond, proceeds of which would have built a community and recreation center that included a swimming pool, jogging track, 1,000-seat auditorium, rock climbing wall and other workout areas.