"North Salt Lake is still entertaining proposals from developers that are very eager to push the issue, even if it has to be through the courts," he said. "I think probably at this point, if the issue is not resolved between the two cities and it goes to court — if and when it happens — the only decision remains as to whether we or a developer pursues it through the court."

Wood added that if the city does eventually develop the land, boundary issues won't be difficult to accommodate. Eric Keck, Draper city manager, said his city's struggle with hazy boundaries "hasn't been that big of a deal."

"This happens all over the country," he said. "It has an indirect impact to the city, and I don't know if it's something to be feared."

As for the preservation of open space in North Salt Lake, Wood says the city is committed to protecting sensitive lands.

North Salt Lake Mayor Kay Briggs just applied for money from the LeRay McAllister Fund to preserve at least 50 of the 80 contested acres. John Bennett, who oversees the fund, said the mayor has indicated he would use money to conserve more acreage in the foothills above North Salt Lake.

Arce-Laretta said all 80 acres should be preserved, but his desire for preservation may be hard to oblige.

While qualified nonprofits, state and local entities can apply for money from the LeRay McAllister Fund, North Salt Lake must agree to let acreage be preserved. The city would do that through a conservation easement or selling development rights for the land.

Wednesday was the deadline for pre-applications to the LeRay McAllister Fund. The Utah Quality Growth Commission oversees the fund, which has a $3.3 million budget after an allocation during the recent legislative session. The budget is typically $500,000 each year.

Arce-Laretta said he asked Utah Open Lands to apply for funding to preserve all 80 acres. But North Salt Lake still has to agree to preserve the land.

"It would make a ton of sense for us to work with North Salt Lake," said Arce-Laretta, "but the mayor has other things in mind now."

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com