"Unless we have incentives, we're not going to bring business into the state of Utah," Randy Sant, redevelopment director for the city of Sandy, said in an earlier interview with the Deseret Morning News. Sant was the RDA consultant for the development.

West Bountiful's city manager said the city tried to assist businesses in relocating. For tenants like All Seasons and Barton's Scooters, Wild said the city tried to work within the parameters of their leases. He said negotiations with Hasratian "took on a little different complexion," but did not elaborate.

"I believe that we were fair, and again, it comes down to an individual's interpretation or feeling," said Wild. "I think we really tried to be fair with folks and I believe, having known and worked with the developers, that they have as well."

Others say RDA abuse is common. The Utah Taxpayers Association said the West Bountiful Costco project is one of the top examples of RDA abuse in Utah.

Ryan Jolley, manager of All Seasons Pool and Spa, said the project was a mystery from the beginning. He was given a month to move his shop.

"We can't complain too loud and bellyache too much," Jolley said. "But we thought they would be clear in communicating about the project and not have it be this huge mystery."

While now open in Centerville at 704 W. Porter Lane, Jolley says sales are down 20 percent over last year. And he had to cut two to three key people to stay in the black.

Barton was forced to leave his earlier site during the beginning of his busy season, opening shop at 445 S. 500 West. He said in the three months after the move, his sales were down 73 percent.

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Contributing: Erin Stewart

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com