West Jordan may pull the plug on unfinished development

WEST JORDAN — A rusty, red, empty, metal shed stands with its door banging in the wind. The white vinyl fence that separates the subdivision from the Oquirrh Mountains is missing slats — looking much like gaping teeth. Dying trees that line the streets limply cry out for help.

"We have no confidence in the developer," said resident Cathi Hughes. She and other homeowners in the Sycamores housing development are encouraging the city to take over the unfinished work list.

West Jordan City Council has agreed to allow 30 days for developer Terry Diehl, owner of Wasatch Pacific Inc., to finish his punch list. If its not completed by Sept. 10, the city won't approve the project and will fix the problems themselves.

"Let's get it done. Let's get it done right," said Sycamores resident Scott Hardey. He is one of dozens of frustrated homeowners who live in the new subdivision at the foot of the Oquirrh Mountains, at the far west side of West Jordan City.

This isn't the first time Diehl has come under fire. His proposal to build a Tavaci group resort, hotel and condo project at the gateway of Big Cottonwood Canyon has been decried by residents. Diehl has also been scrutinized as a member of the Utah Transit Authority board. Allegations of insider trading came about last year when it was revealed Diehl had a financial interest in the team that was developing a large new project next to a proposed FrontRunner stop in Draper, according to reports.

Diehl didn't return phone calls from the Deseret News.

Robert McConnell, an attorney representing Wasatch Pacific, said he doesn't know if Diehl will agree to accomplish the Sycamores tasks within 30 days.

Regarding the residents' allegations of poor workmanship, McConnell said, "There is probably some truth to some of them — and others that are not defects in workmanship or material. There may be things that were damaged as a result of acts of other parties, vandalism and general wear and tear."

About 50 angry Sycamores homeowners filled the West Jordan City Council room Wednesday night.

"We are lobbying our city councilmen. If they approve the development as it is, we will vote them out of office," said Aaron Thompson, spokesman for Sycamores residents. He serves as chairman of the West Bench Organizing Committee.