The fate of two of Salt Lake Valley's best-known landmarks may be decided by Murray voters Tuesday.
Residents must determine whether they want the city to borrow up to $3.4 million to structurally stabilize and preserve the American Smelter and Refining Co. smokestacks in downtown Murray.If voters defeat the proposal for a general-obligation bond, that would ensure demolition of the chimneys to make way for a massive billion-dollar-plus redevelopment project west of State Street between Vine Street and 5300 South.
If the bond is approved, the 450- and 300-foot-tall stacks could be renovated, but homeowners would see their property taxes increase about $17 a year per each $100,000 of taxable value.
Voter approval of the bond issue would force a City Council vote on whether Murray should acquire, renovate and assume liability for the chimneys.
But no matter how the vote goes Tuesday, city officials still plan to begin cleanup of the 150 acres next month under an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency.