Developers' vision a nightmare to some

JORDANELLE, Wasatch County — Touted as among the best-planned areas in the state, the 22,000 acres surrounding Jordanelle Reservoir are a developer's dream.

Not everyone, however, shares the current vision of thousands of homes, condominiums and hotels ringing one of Utah's best-known and utilized state parks.

Chief among Jordanelle's critics is Heber City Mayor Lynn Adams, who tags development plans around the reservoir as "San Francisco around a lake."

Adams' criticism is joined by a chorus of others, from environmentalists like Paula Trater of Kamas, opposed to east-side golf courses she believes will affect breeding sites of the spotted frog, to nearby Heber residents apprehensive of encroaching development.

Jordanelle State Park, one of the state's biggest and busiest parks, already turns away summer boaters on weekends and holidays.

And should consumer demand for luxury homes smile upon Jordanelle, one day nearly 13,000 units may rise from the landscape.

"On the Wasatch Back, as developments occur, there is going to be more competition for those recreation sites," said Courtland Nelson, director of Utah's Division of Parks and Recreation, who advises that recreationists look to more out-of-the-way places such as Starvation Reservoir or Bear Lake.

Big dreams and big developments awaited the building of the $114 million Jordanelle Dam.

Even everyday folks grab at the chance to own a piece of paradise.

Take, for example, Star Harbour, a single-lot subdivision on the reservoir's west side.

Less than 60 days after going on the market all 35 lots were sold, said Rory Murphy, vice president of United Park City Mines Co., owner of the property.

Average price, $95,000.

Views — anything but average.

Adjacent to Star Harbour, another 132 condominiums units are charted in addition to 78,000 square feet of office and retail space.

But some believe the county has sold its soul to Jordanelle developers.

Heber City resident Annie McMullen, who sits on the Wasatch County Board of Adjustments, believes too much density was granted to developers.

"My biggest concern is that there are so many houses approved for that area," McMullen said. "There is no more room to develop in Park City. . . . Now all of those developers in Park City have come over the hill."