EAGLE MOUNTAIN — Alpine School District chiefs were in town Thursday afternoon, looking for an alternative site for a proposed elementary school in the Ranches neighborhood.
The school district may reject the original site for the proposed school, in the equestrian-friendly Cedar Pass Ranch subdivision, because about 40 neighbors showed up to the school district offices Tuesday before the regularly scheduled board meeting and asked administrators not to build in the neighborhood.
But if the school district cannot find a better site for an 850-student elementary school, it will continue with plans to buy two lots in the southeast corner of the subdivision, Alpine spokeswoman Jerrilyn Mortensen said.
Brett Wright, president of the Cedar Pass Ranch Homeowners Association, was pleased at news that the district may build elsewhere.
"That would be great if it turns out to be true," he said.
The Cedar Pass Ranch subdivision boasts open spaces with four- to eight-acre lots, horse-riding trails and an open arena for horse riding.
The arena is adjacent to the 11 acres the district wants to purchase for about $1.5 million.
The streets in the subdivision are narrow and lack sidewalks. Residents believe increased traffic, student pedestrians and horses will increase the risk of accidents.
The Cedar Pass Ranch HOA has hired a lawyer, who is researching statutory and case law to determine whether the district legally can violate the HOA's codes.
The 12-year-old codes only allow one residence per lot. No apartments or condos are allowed.
The HOA in the past has rejected the building of an LDS church in the subdivision.
E-mail: lhancock@desnews.com