Pleasant Grove approves annexation

PLEASANT GROVE — City Council members voted swiftly Tuesday night as they unanimously approved annexation of a Trophy Homes development that will also be home to Liahona Academy.

More than 100 spectators, including Liahona Academy students, crowded the council chambers for the less-than-15-minute decision, which evoked a rousing cheer.

"It's nice to finally have this annexation resolved," said Trophy Homes president Bill Pepperone. "We've been in this annexation process for six months."

Pepperone wasn't the only one who was relieved. Matt Smith, who owns six acres to the west of the Sager Annexation, has been waiting to annex his property to Pleasant Grove by way of Pepperone's project. His annexation was also approved Tuesday night.

"It's nice to get the bullies off our back," Smith said, a reference to American Fork, which nixed a development agreement for the properties at a meeting last week.

Both projects— and the private LDS-themed school — were initially approved to be annexed into Pleasant Grove based on the development agreement with American Fork.

American Fork's Planning Commission and City Council quashed the agreement because of a border dispute involving the annexation and other reasons.

A meeting between the mayors to discuss border issues took place Monday, said Pleasant Grove Mayor Mike Daniels.

"The issues raised (in the meeting) were more global in nature," said Pleasant Grove City Attorney Tina Peterson. "Anything that has to do with property close to American Fork seems to be broader than what has to do with this specific annexation request."

The property lies between the cities. American Fork initially proposed a development agreement between American Fork, Pleasant Grove and Trophy Homes as a method of resolving a protest the city made against the annexation. The development agreement required Trophy Homes to complete a portion of 860 East in American Fork and set density limitations for the project, among other things.

Under the agreement, Pleasant Grove would have been required to provide a park in the vicinity.

Pepperone said Trophy Homes will still work with the county to complete portions of 860 East in the remaining unincorporated areas. The project will have about 13 units per acre, which is within the requirements stipulated by American Fork in the defunct development agreement.

---

E-mail: achoate@desnews.com