PLEASANT GROVE -- "The Swamp" at 800 West and 600 North in Pleasant Grove is actually all it was ever supposed to be -- stagnant water, algae, moss and stink.
If it ever becomes a grassy picnic and park area with a small stream running through it, it'll be more than what was originally promised to nearby neighbors."When the development went in out there, the developer was required to replace the wetlands that were disturbed," said Frank Mills, director of public works. "In all reality, it's doing what it's required to do. It's wetlands mitigation is what it is."
Mills said Grant Bangerter, who developed the surrounding subdivision, was told to restore the wetlands by Army Corps of Engineers officials and donated the two-lot corner property to that cause.
Water was supposed to run through the property and drain into pipes laid beneath the pond, but over the years, algae and moss as well as weeds and garbage have slowed the drainage process.
In the summer, the algae smells fairly ripe, and as a result, the city gets calls nearly every week from neighbors who want to know what will be done to improve the eyesore, Mills said.
Mills said calls to the Army Corps of Engineers from both the city and from the developer are going unanswered, and the city must have permission from the Corps before it can improve or significantly alter the site.
The pond was listed as a project for the annual Clean Sweep effort this year, and city employees did some basic grading work and cleaning with loaders and graders.
In addition, the city is prepared to spend the estimated $4,000 it would cost to put in a sprinkling system and grass, once permission to do so is obtained, Mills said.
The fence on the street side would be taken down and natural vegetation left to grow freely on the other side, he said.
In the meantime, the pond sits virtually undisturbed and unattractive as well as unused.
"It's small, but it could be made nice," Mills said. "At least we could make some green space for the neighborhood out there, and we would maintain it like a retention pond.
"We've told the neighbors that's what we want to do."