North S.L. yanks funds request on disputed parcel

On Monday, North Salt Lake officials withdrew a request for LeRay McAllister funds to help conserve a controversial parcel of foothill open space.

The request was withdrawn as a result of a court fight between Salt Lake City and North Salt Lake. The land is owned by North Salt Lake but within Salt Lake City's boundaries. North Salt Lake wants to develop a portion of the land; Salt Lake City wants to preserve all of it as open space.

John Bennett, project manager for the LeRay McAllister fund, said North Salt Lake's application was qualified to receive funding. He said he suggested to North Salt Lake Mayor Kay Briggs that he withdraw the application because of the litigation.

"At this point, there are too many things hanging over the property," he said. "We didn't want to be in the business of trying to referee a decision between two cities."

Bennett said North Salt Lake is invited to resubmit their request once the legal battle is settled.