Developments spreading farther out from downtown Salt Lake City mean developers have to plan for roadways and service to the residents, but Bradshaw said the distance to downtown has not been an obstacle for Rosecrest builders or buyers.

Planned open spaces and mixed-use commercial pockets can also help downplay the feeling of suburban sprawl as housing inches southwest.

"I don't think downtown's going to die anytime soon, but we see people making lifestyle choices to live close to the mountains," he said. "If they are well-planned and sustainable, I would say that's not spreading and sprawling."

County Mayor Peter Corroon's office has taken notice of the growth. The mayor recently hired two new planners to help ensure good planning as west-side growth continues, said Jeff Daugherty, director of the county's planning and development services division.

As the county expands, city and county officials will have to work together to make sure growth doesn't become unmanageable sprawl, he said.

County leaders will also be busier trying to provide services like sanitation and sheriff's patrols to the new areas, Daugherty added.

"It's always a concern about how we keep up. The council and the mayor have been very proactive in their support, and that is going to pay off big in the long run," he said. "A little thoughtfulness today is going to save us a lot of headache in the future."

---

E-mail: estewart@desnews.com; bsnyder@desnews.com