The accident was caused by a driver who ran through a stop sign. The Farmington City Council just allocated $370,000 to improve the intersection.

"I'm sick and tired of the Farmington City Council knuckling under to developers," Andersen said. "They've lied to us, they've not lived up to commitments. The place is a mess. We are really tired of it. It's our city government that's sold us out."

Development pressure

Like Andersen, others worry the city has "sold out" to bring commercial development into the city. Farmington property taxes are the highest in Davis County, and officials admit to pressure to add to their tax base.

Two new developments, Station Park and The Village at Old Farm, are already planned. If built, they will more than double the commercial property in Farmington.

"It becomes clear to me that unless you are willing to literally have a very substantial property tax increase, and I mean double or triple the property tax, there is no way you can fund the level of services expected simply with residential development," Connors said.

Of the two developments, Station Park is the larger but least controversial. It is to be centered around the Farmington commuter rail station and will include a mix of housing, retail, offices and retail.

By fall, developer Rich Haws plans to announce retailers that will locate there. One is a national theater chain; two other national retailers are expected to anchor the development.

"I cannot give you the theater name just yet," he said. "I can tell you there is major enthusiasm by the city."

City officials haven't been enthusiastic about controversy surrounding the second proposal, which is advanced by developer Rulon Gardner. For a year, residents have fought plans for the site, saying planned zoning regulations are loose and would spawn crime, traffic and big-box stores.

A member of the city planning commission, John Montgomery, recently resigned over the issue. In early June, the commission recommended zoning text that will apply to the development. The Farmington City Council will review the recommendation and hold a public hearing on July 20.

Planning commission chairman Cory Ritz said the controversy is unfortunate. But the commission recommended something that will allow for tight control of development, he said.

"Farmington is changing," he said. "Farmington is a different town from when I moved in 12 years ago. You can't get the kind of growth it's had without bringing change."

But careful planning, he continued, should allow the city to manage that growth.

---

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com