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City to Close Pedestrian Access

Aug 04, 2016 03:39PM ● By Tori La Rue

An aerial photo showing the pedestrian access (circled in red) that connects 3530 West to 7800 near Bangerter Highway. After a motion at the June 22 West Jordan City Council Meeting, the access will be vacated. -- West Jordan City

By Tori La Rue | [email protected]


West Jordan, Utah - West Jordan City will be blocking the pedestrian crossing that connects 3530 West to 7800 South after residents in the surrounding area requested the change. 

“It’s an issue that is very near and dear to us,” resident James Anderson said on behalf of his neighborhood. “We have noticed an increase in graffiti. My home has been graffitied, the neighbor across from me, and some neighbors down closer to the circle have. We have also noticed an increase in ne’er-do-wells because they can just come in and out of 78th and get in a car and they’re off to Bangerter, so nobody can find them and chase them down and see what they were doing in that little corner right there.” 

The plat from 1980 shows a pedestrian access at the end of the cul-de-sac, but the access no longer serves as a route to school. When 7800 South and Bangerter became ridden with traffic, school routes were switched to ensure safety of the students. The residents now feel the pedestrian access is a risk to their kids who like to bike and walk around the neighborhood, according to Anderson. 

Upon researching the request to vacate the pedestrian access, city staff found that there weren’t any unsafe conditions or car crashes associated with the pedestrian walkway, but reports of vandalism had increased within the past 10 years, with on account in 2013 and one in 2014, according to the staff report. City staff said the feelings of the residents should not be ignored and suggested that the pedestrian access be filled. 

“I feel for what the citizens are saying, but if I was there I would want it there. I’d want the access,” Councilmember Chad Nichols said. “I’d want to be able to hop over to the restaurants. But that being said, I vote that we approve the ordinance since the residents aren’t in favor of it.” 

Nichols’ motion passed unanimously at the June 22 city council meeting. 

The access closure doesn’t have to be permanent. If there is interest in the future, the item could be brought back to the attention of the council in a public hearing, city attorney David Brickey said.