Residents of Salt Lake City's east bench learned Wednesday that their application to preserve a 15-acre parcel of land on the hillside as open space likely will be accepted by the City Council.

The proposal is one of at least five open-space projects city officials are reviewing. They have set aside $5.3 million for land acquisition and some equipment purchases, according to Rick Graham, the city's director of public services.

The land residents want to preserve contains a trail into the foothills. It sits below the "H" rock and above Foothill Boulevard. It would take $1.7 million of the city's funds to acquire the property.

Open space was one of many issues discussed during the East Bench Community Council's meeting Wednesday night.

At least a dozen city officials, including Mayor Rocky Anderson, attended the meeting. Anderson said they attend such meetings every once in a while to keep the lines of communication open between government and the people.

"It's good for problem-solving and good for communication," he said.

Anderson encouraged residents to look for other opportunities for the city to buy land and preserve it as open space because the city has the resources to do so now.

"This is a very pivotal time. ... We don't want to lose any opportunities," Anderson said.

Transportation issues along Foothill Boulevard were also discussed. The area receives significant traffic congestion during peak travel times.

City transportation director Tim Harpst said a study is being organized to assess the area for alternative modes of travel, including new bus routes, road-revisions and additional street signs. The study will begin within the next two months and will take approximately a year to complete.

Concern for the lack of oversight at This is the Place Heritage Park was also addressed. Cameron Carpenter, an east bench resident, said he has seen land-lease signs up on the state park property and worries that its management is using the land for profit and development opportunities.

"It was sold to the public and the running of it has been done with gross incompetence," he said.

City officials said they have no control over the private foundation but would look into how much of the park is actually publicly owned.

Several residents took the opportunity to meet with city officials after the meeting. Anderson encouraged all in attendance to call his office with any questions, any time.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com