Open land debate, residents of Ogden City speak out

OGDEN, Utah — Ogden City is ready to purchase more than 12 acres of open land from the Ogden School District. But the city and some Ogden residents aren’t necessarily on the same side when it comes to how the land will be used.

Residents wanted to preserve the open land in the area and create space for parks. They were opposed to the 26 single-family homes that are set to be built. 

When it came time for lawmakers to weigh in, they said they were unsure if creating more housing or more open spaces would be best for the general public.

And that’s when the Ogden City Council stepped in.

“If we had not intervened with our voices and our discussions with the administration then they would have probably used all the land that was available that they purchased,” said Luis Lopez, a member of the Ogden City Council.

“It would have all been used for housing developments.”

Lopez is one of the members backing the residents who advocated for the preservation of open land.

He said if it wasn’t for the residents of the city, the land may not have been preserved. Consequently, he is appreciative of those who stepped forward.

Now, about half of the open space will be used as a park development. But at least for now, the city has no timeline for the park.

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