Protesters rail against planned sports complex

SALT LAKE CITY — An e-mail campaign and online petition have been launched by Jordan River enthusiasts opposed to a Salt Lake City proposal to build a sports complex at approximately 2200 North along the Jordan River.

The group, which is being led by the Jordan River Restoration Network, also is urging residents to attend the City Council's meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday to voice opposition in the allowed two-minute comment period.

The City Council is scheduled to discuss the soccer complex and the issuance of $15.3 million in voter-approved bonds for the project during a work session Tuesday. The council is expected to set a public hearing for Feb. 2 to allow the public to weigh in on the project before making a decision.

Real Salt Lake has kicked in another $7.5 million for the complex, which would include soccer fields and baseball diamonds.

Opposition, which includes the Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club, stems from the complex's planned location.

"This is the last, relatively large, publicly owned land remaining on the Jordan River," said Mark Clemens, Sierra's Utah chapter manager said. "It should be preserved in its entirety for its great ecological value."

Additionally, conservationists contend that planning behind the project has been absent meaningful public input and that no alternative site locations were seriously considered.

"We certainly support the notion that we should look at the need to put in so many soccer fields and if this is the right place to put them in," Clemens said.

Mayor Ralph Becker said Salt Lake City is "taking a balanced approach by establishing a nature preserve along the river" while also "fulfilling the wishes of the voters who approved the sports complex seven years ago."

"I have personally discussed the athletic complex with many who have a variety of perspectives and will continue to consider all public comment that is offered," Becker said.

Given that the area is in a flood plain, Clemens also questions the prudence of such a massive infrastructure investment that is likely to be jeopardized by inundation.

Lisa Harrision Smith, the mayor's deputy director of communications, said the complex "adheres to all FEMA guidelines" and "incorporates environmentally sustainable design and best-management practices to address its location along the Jordan River and on a flood plain."

The meeting is at the City-County Building, 451 S. State, in Room 315. The petition is at www.petitiononline.com/jrsp0001.

e-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com