ST. GEORGE -- Two public officials who want to build a golf course and houses near Snow Canyon State Park should acknowledge a conflict of interest and resign, residents who oppose the development say.

St. George City Councilman Larry Gardner and his brother, Washington County Commissioner Alan Gardner, are real-estate developers asking the city to annex 3,300 acres of grazing land on U-8."They sold us a rural lifestyle," said Lyn Zimmerman, a Winchester Hills homeowner. "And now they're proposing developing a golf course and high-density living around us."

In a 120-name petition, Winchester Hills residents are demanding the Gardner brothers step down from the City Council and County Commission.

The brothers say they have no plans to resign.

"Either one of us would simply step down when zone changes or subdivision plats are proposed for property in which we might have an interest," Alan Gardner said. "This is commonly done when a potential conflict exists."

But critics argue the Gardners can still influence the outcome of their development proposals.

"Even though they may refrain from voting on the proposal, they have access to people who will be voting," says the Winchester Hills petition. "They also have the opportunity to exercise influence that is not in the best interest of the residents of Washington County or the residents of the city of St. George."

Other applicants behind the "Ledges Annexation" proposal are the State and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, Pete Tolman, Ted and Earl Snow and Jennings Management Inc.

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By trying to persuade St. George to reject the annexation, Winchester Hills residents hope to stall development around their homes. But the developers say construction will proceed regardless.

Last week, state officials endorsed a land swap with the Gardners and their business partners.

The trade would exchange land at the south end of Snow Canyon State Park for private property north of the park that features tortoise habitat, rock petroglyphs and scenic views.

The private land belongs to a development company owned by the Gardners and others.

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