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An Aspen for Utah? Developer submits plan to incorporate new Wasatch County town

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Heber-ite | 3:20 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

I have lived in Wasatch County my entire life. I am a 6th generation member. I happen to live about a mile away from the proposed town. Ok so I was a little over the top on my earlier post. I'm still ticked off about the wally world situation. Any way not the point of this article.

Just to shed some light on this article that wasnt printed. Sellers has been blackmailing the residents around his land. He has been telling them that if they get in the way he will destroy their lives. He has been a jerk to everyone envolved. Nobody in the area wants him here or the proposed development. The residents that live in the area of his proposed town are trying to get incoorperated in the Daniels Township so he will not have the 100 people he needs for his town.

BTW I love to hunt and yes I walk and hunt like hunting is supposed to happen, no I dont get drunk and yes I do make jerky from the meat.

Deseret Dawg | 4:07 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

Re: Heber-ite:
If Sellers is actually trying to blackmail you guys into supporting his "planned community" then you need to get that type of information out. Sellers sounds like some sort of feudal baron who wants to create his own little "duchy" in the Heber Valley.

And just how likely it is that there will be affordable housing for the $7.00 per hour service workers? I can just envision the mostly-immigrant workers from neighborhoods like Rose Park and Glendale cramming themselves in six to a vehicle and chugging up and down Parley's Canyon seven days a week to work those jobs. Feudalism - 21st century style.

CalifLadyreturningtoUtah | 4:21 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

My great great grandparents and my great grandparents and my grandparents pioneered that very land at the mouth of Daniels Canyon. It is one of my favorite places on earth. Now it makes me sad to think it is all going to change "commercially". I do not call that progress. It would be better to develop the area as peaceful places to live not ski.
There are plenty of resorts in Utah for that. I am all for economically adding to the area with new shops and downtown community services. Maybe I should move there soon to turn grandpa's house into a B & B...or just preserve the farm in case it grows extinct. OH and how is there going to be enough water to support more growth?

Comments continue below

Heber-ite | 4:24 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

They have called the cops, the cops are aware. Sellers has called the cops on one of my friends for walking on his own land. Sellers says the land belongs to him which it doesnt.

Sellers posse has also complained about the animals that the Seuses have. They are the people who train the animals for the movies, etc. Bart the bear, and Tank. Let me just say that Sellers doesnt have any friends in the Heber Valley with this proposition.

In the Know | 7:39 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

I find it interesting to read the negative comments about Dean Sellers. A I don't believe a word you are saying about him trying to intimidate others. I have known him for over 50 years and what you are saying is completely false. He is a very honorable and fine person and you shouldn't be so quick to judge his actions or his character. Whether he will have funds to accomplish his goals remains to be seen and nearby landowners are not the only Utahns that are entitled to use public and private land for their families and friends enjoyment. Although the property is located close to the small town of Aspen, nobody has said, as far as I know that the resort will be named "Aspen."

Abish | 7:42 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

To Springfield: Stupid comment.

Folks, this is what some call progress. It's going to happen--adjust to it or move.

So do I | 9:53 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007

What you didn't know is that Dean Sellers was a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Arizona and barely lost to John McCain. He'll do what is right for the Utah community. His family was one of the early pioneer families in Utah and later in Arizona. So, he really isn't an outsider like some may feel, but had roots in Utah long before many of those who have commented on his development plans.

Friends, settle down | 2:43 a.m. Nov. 11, 2007

After reading comments, I am left with 2 impressions: 1) Mr. Sellers is a man with great dreams and vision, and 2) some people can't handle change and feel a sense of entitlement. Well, thank goodness you live in a free society where you are free to use your land as you see fit, within the boundaries of the law; conversely, your neighbor enjoys that same freedom, even if his use is different than yours and, in your opinion, the use is undesirable. It's called property rights. If you live near open and undeveloped land and think it will never (or should never) change, you might want to evaluate your grasp on reality. If you disagree with the use the property owner has chosen, consider the wisdom of pursuing refinement of the law instead of attacking the man.

I suggest this from experience. It's really easy to get caught up in the fervor and succumb to the fear mongering and mob mentality that accompanies a controversial issue, but it's a lot harder to live with the consequences of your actions afterward. Disparity, malice, gossip, character assasination, spitefulness and animosity hurt good people and ruin lives on both sides.

Attacked | 10:04 p.m. Nov. 11, 2007

every wonder why we keep hearing about why we have more bears, and even moose attacking people? we are encrotching on their ground. Go ahead.. keep pushing the wildlife and they will keep pushing back . And then you have these freakin' enviromentalists that won't allow us to kill an animal that has killed a human. No! we have to re-locate it. let me tell you, once a wild animal tastes human blood, it will attak again.
So go ahead and build your Aspen Utah (stupid name) but don't complain if you have people getting killed by the animals that are more important than humans. Get a clue you enviromentalist goof balls!!

Heber-ite | 10:16 p.m. Nov. 11, 2007

To Abish:

I am getting sick and tired of people telling me that if I dont like the new change then I should move. Why should I uproot my family and leave my heritage and move? Why cant he build his ritzy development on a different hill? Why should I move out of his way and make it easier for him to do something that I dont agree with?

BTW anyone who knows where he is intending to build a ski resort knows that the moutains are really just hills compared to other ski resorts.

Heber tomorrow | 10:28 p.m. Nov. 11, 2007

Heber is changing (and it is sad to lose the old appeal) though the time to fight it was last year when the city complained about losing all of the horse farms and starlight, then voted in (at the same meeting) all the commercail developments... residents didn't resist hard enough so now we have Walmart arriving, I applaud people with vision, I hope it's done right... This area of Utah can use some growth and change, there are millions and millions of acres left to hunt and do those similar "sports" on. Fruitland anyone?
And yes, I think "Aspen" sounds like he's trying way too hard... a white horse??!? what?

It happens | 7:14 a.m. Nov. 12, 2007

Come to Pagosa Springs, Colorado and hear, read and talk to the folks about the rich Texan auto dealer and his dream to put a town of 10,000 people up near Wolf Creek Ski Area,with hotels, condos, homes etc.
But the town folks and surrounding folks in the area have him stopped - at least we have stopped construction for the last several years and are working to stop him completely.
We all hope this massive development never happens to our nice Wolf Creek Ski area and this wonderful little mountain town, We too have the once in a while folks who build the huge homes,who tear up the landscape and expect City life here in the mountains. And we wish they would all stay East and in California.

Born and Raised in Heber | 7:42 a.m. Nov. 12, 2007

We starved for years, but we raised great families. Then the Olympics, Now we can't afford the property tax. If there are any locals left why don't you stand up. What does the impact study say, what about the DEQ, Wallsburg is running out of water now, use the EPA. Find a spotted owl, in those blue spruces. Wal-mart isn't going to help, low wages, no insurance. If you can't stop him make him pay, he has deep pockets. Maybe he'll make it a game preserve like the Smith's did. Wrong he doesn't love the country, he loves money. Sounds like he doesn't know his boundaries, Doug has been there for years. Places to entertain the rich, more drug users and tafficing. Hello people your losing controll of your way of life and wholesome environment. Goodbye, Strawberry, Currant Creek, Lake Creek, Center Creek, if you don't like it stand for yourselves. Condos from Park City to Aspen, Colorado. Now is not the time to spend the money on entertainment, invest the money in something that cleans the air, gives use energy to heat our homes, and cooks our food.
A child of the Heber Pioneers

attacks by animals?? | 1:37 p.m. Nov. 12, 2007

This person owns this land. The animals do not!!! You have a right to develop your property. Animals tasting blood and fighting back is STUPID! Hunting v. Development - I will pick development every time! Get a clue! Don't name it ASPEN - also STUPID!

Locals always lose! | 7:47 p.m. Nov. 12, 2007

Congrats to the people of Southwest Colorado for doing the impossible: Saving Wolf Creek. Development is a plague that has killed every ski town/mountain village. IT IS ALL JUST A REAL ESTATE SCHEME! Golf courses are being built everywhere, and they aren't making their money off tee times. Aspen? There's already dozens! Aspen, ParkCity, Jackson, Sun Valley Ketchum, Incline Village, Banff, Telluride&C.B., Big Sky/YellowstoneClub, Vail, Breck, Mammoth,BearLakes,etc- THEY SOLD OUT... Now you've got to go to Carbondale,Hailey,Gunnison,Reno,Driggs,Bozeman,Georgetown, to find any character local enough to be a year rounder. Please make this ski resort exactly like deer valley though. I don't like seeing them on my slopes. Also, some of you Utahns making this post need to re-rinse your washed brains. I stay out of Utah, so please build it, and ask Wolf Creek for Red McCombs' phone number...Good Luck, and if there are cool people in Heber, than maybe you should form a revolution.

Paul W | 10:35 p.m. Nov. 12, 2007

Whoa, everybody! It is not at all certain that this guy is even going to get his "town" incorporated. He is in for a rude awakening when he finds that his plans must be approved by the Wasatch County Council before going to the Lt. Gov.(state law is quite clear on this), and that more than 75% of the 100 people necessary for his incorporation are already being annexed into the Town of Daniel which is adjacent to his property and southwest of the mouth of Daniels Canyon. And to "In the Know," 0bviously you weren't present when this guy said to one of my neighbors,"The people of Daniel have their heads up their *****," and to another, "If you people try to get in my way, I'll bank-rupt you all." He has drilled a well without a permit and has been very rude to my neighbors.The only reason he needs a town is so that he may bypass county protocols for land use. His land is now zoned for grazing. I say let him graze his cattle on his vast acreage and leave the mountains alone. We don't need any more scars on the mountains around Heber Valley.

Born in Daniel | 11:31 p.m. Nov. 12, 2007

I'm afraid the map in the paper and on this website does not give a very clear picture. The Town of Daniel (no "s") is immediately adjacent to this developer's property. And the issue isn't really so much about hunting (although for years we have hunted over those hills sometimes walking all the way from the top of Big Hollow to Three Forks in Daniels [with an "s"]
Canyon. The real issue is land use planning. We spend hours, weeks, and months developing a Master Plan and then stand in danger of its destruction by clauses in a recent very bad state law allowing "towns" to be spread over thousands of acres where no naturally occuring group of people exists. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to find that this developer lobbied very heavily for this law. It seems clear that the only reason he wants a town is so he will not be required to deal with county zoning ordinances. I believe his land is now zoned for grazing. We Danielites and numerous others will fight hard to keep it that way.

Anonymouse | 11:42 p.m. Nov. 12, 2007

This is for GoogleEarthRocks. According to google maps, the real aspen is 339 miles (by roads) from the area this guy wants to build his city.

Heber will always be home | 8:30 a.m. Nov. 13, 2007

This guy wants a town (country) of his own with a mayor of his choosing so as to have the power of eminent domain.
He will then be able to use condemnation to get the property that he needs to get a road from his "piece of beauty" out onto the county road system.
So why doesn't he just buy the ground he needs? Because he has bullied the landowners around him to the point that no one will sell him what he wants.
If the people of Arizona picked a goofball like John McCain over this guy what does that tell you?
The newsies need to look into this thing, check the police reports, review the court records of the law suits that have already resulted from this man trying to rip off his neighbors, talk to the people involved, and then they need to print the truth.

Live free or die!!! | 10:07 a.m. Nov. 13, 2007

Hey, this sounds great. We can call it THE ENERGY SOLUTIONS RESORT! Then everyone else on this planet will know that Utah does'nt care at all for anything but the almighty dollar. Just remember to give 10% of the proceeds to the biggest corporation in the state. (Just like Larry does).

WOW | 9:00 p.m. Nov. 13, 2007

This should be enough to get a Heber chapter of the Earth Liberation Front established. He can't just have an 8000 acre ranch? That's got to be worth something. The snowmaking costs are going to be staggering money and water wise in an already water starved state. If he's going to move forward with this he might try to promote it as an environmentally concious city development using the latest technologies and steer away from the money grubbing angle he's working now. I heard him on the radio this morning and this buffoon has definitely worked in politics. Blair Fulner couldn't get a straight answer out of him. If I were Jack Johnson I'd distance myself from this moron. I lost some respect for them with the fact that one of their reps were with Mr Sellers on the radio. I like Heber Valley, this will alter it forever and not for the better. I hope the deciding bodies on this think long and hard before making any decisions. Your land will be worth a lot, but will it be worth it? It's got to stop somewhere. And Aspen for a name? Take only pictures, leave only footprints PLEASE!

Good name! | 10:26 p.m. Nov. 13, 2007

What's the big deal about the name? You all must hate Texas for "stealing" the city name Paris. And who's to blame for stealing "Glendale"--California or Arizona? Come on...this guy likes the trees. I love Quaking Aspen.

No big deal | 9:43 a.m. Nov. 14, 2007

Just think with a name like Aspen, more rich people will come to Utah and spend money. Good for the local economy and the tax base.

Heber Girl | 11:46 a.m. Nov. 14, 2007

I am a 5th generation Heberite and am appalled to hear about these plans. We do not have to develop every square inch of land just for the almighty dollar! There is value to open, wild places and all you anti-hunters need to stop and think about where your food comes from - the grocery stores don't just magically refill with food. I can't even begin to imagine how this land can be developed into a successful ski resort - have you noticed there is not enough snow in the higher mountains of Park City for them to open on time? This is not the first year this has happened. Hang in there Heber-ite - I'm with ya 100%!

Mediation | 1:18 p.m. Nov. 14, 2007

Has anyone thought about going to mediation and try to have their voice, and the other side's voice heard as well? Open communication is a great thing.

One who knows | 10:11 p.m. Nov. 14, 2007

I know Dean Sellers. I know that he is a great family man. I know that he's a hard worker that has gotten himself where he is today. No one handed him his success. I know that he's good to other people and generous with what he has. Those of you that do not know him should be decent enough not to attack him personally for something that you do not agree with or understand.

Coming Back To Utah | 10:49 p.m. Nov. 14, 2007

My husband is from pioneer Utah heritage. His parents left Utah for 40 years (wandering in thw wilderness :-> ) and now we are coming back. I see Utah as continuing to grow. Stop putting your heads in the sand and manage the growth responsibly.

Heber will always be home | 6:25 p.m. Nov. 15, 2007

"One "who knows" sounds like Dean sellers selling him self of maybe it's his mother looking out for her boy.
If you want to see just how "good,and generous", he is look at how he has treated the people of Daniels.
How does the saying go?
"By their fruits ye shall know them"

RE: So do I | 4:18 a.m. Nov. 16, 2007

So, what you're saying is if I was a candidate for the U.S. Senate, and my family was one of the early pioneer families in Utah and later in Arizona; like they were. Then I could come back to Utah and push people around like this guy is and you'll stick up for me? Because, "I had roots in Utah long before many of those who have commented on his development plans." Right.

PCres | 9:09 a.m. Nov. 17, 2007

Utah needs as many outsiders as possible. The native population is way too conservative and we need people from both coasts to give Utah some diversity. This town is one way to get new people in. Utah is such a great state for recreation, now we just need to make it a great state culturally.

heber dude | 9:23 p.m. Nov. 17, 2007

Where will the water come from for all the snowmaking and culinary water he will need. Will he drill wells that will further deplete our aquifer, making us that have wells have to drill deeper...What of the residents of Storm Haven and Daniel..What about their wells and water quality and availibility. I think that land should remain zoned as it is...

doggera | 11:37 a.m. Nov. 18, 2007

I grew up in the real Aspen, which itself isn't even the real Aspen anymore. I think it would be great to name every new gated-community development "Aspen." Perhaps we could fool these consumptive second-home owners to dilute their presence thruoghout the West, whereby reducing their concentration in our small town. Maybe, if there are enough Aspens, they will forget about us, the originals, and even move out. Yeah, that's the ticket!

Jeff Smith | 6:45 p.m. Nov. 19, 2007

My family has had a cabin in Daniels Canyon for over 50 years. It was built by my great grandfather. What Mr. Sellers is proposing to do to the land in outright unethical and should be illegal. He is your typical developer, he cares more for profit than he does the land. There has been no mention of open space or the impacts this development will have on Daniels Creek which have provided many great fishing opportunities for my family. I became aware of a petition being signed by local land owners that are against this development. Mr. Sellers was quoted as saying that anyone who signs the petition would be arrested as soon as they stepped foot on his property. Mr. Sellers sounds like the big BULLY on the block. If this comment is true, then I will do everything in my power to fight him on this issue. I feel Mr. Sellers should be willing to talk with local land owners and give us the facts instead of hiding behind his money. This is a challenge to you Mr. Sellers, work with us, not against us. The land is for everyone not the elite.

I live in DanielS | 9:44 p.m. Nov. 19, 2007

Dean Sellers is trying to get the good people of Storm Haven and Crazy Acres (part of this neighborhood) to sign the petition to incorporate this little town of Aspen but he is planning all along to make that very area his little Main Street with little shops and restaurants. He is doing his best to fool good people into thinking that his idea will benefit them somehow. But we're smarter than that. Mr. Sellers even had his excavator (the guy who bulldozed a road onto other people's property) move into the area so that he could count his signature. This guy needs to be stopped.

Brad Young | 9:43 p.m. Nov. 21, 2007

build it .you can still hunt sanpette county whats that south eastern and i think northeasrten is still hunt-able, just don't shoot an oil rig.

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