In a May 5 reply to Porter, Briggs added that he does not represent any developers and has "no interest in doing anything without public comment and open debate." His motive is to bring needed cash to the city, but also preserve open space, said Briggs.

Of the 80 acres in Salt Lake City, a maximum of 30 could be developed under current city plans. That would net the city anywhere from $4 to $6 million.

Over the coming weeks, Briggs and other North Salt Lake officials will meet with Salt Lake City to discuss a compromise to Tuesday's decision. Zoning the land for zero development is not a reasonable compromise, said Briggs.

If needed, the city or a developer will file suit against Salt Lake City to obtain the land.

In the interim, some North Salt Lake residents are preparing language for a ballot initiative to allow residents to vote on plans for the 100 acres. Juan Arce-Laretta, an opponent of developing the land, said the "majority" of North Salt Lake residents want the land preserved as open space.

"We can only tell them (city officials) so many times what the public wants," he said.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com