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BOUNTIFUL — Despite strong opposition from some residents, the Bountiful City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to move forward with plans to construct a new City Hall and plaza with an estimated price tag of $13 million to $14 million.
The new facility will replace the old Stoker Elementary School, 75 E. 200 South, and a soccer field in the downtown Bountiful Historic District. It would also close 200 South between Main Street and 100 East.
During a packed and sometimes tense meeting, residents at times shouted from their seats, calling out council members for not listening to them by going ahead with the plan.
"You were elected by the people and for the people,” one woman told the council “Now why can't you listen to us! We don't want it,” she said to applause.
But council members told the crowd the new plaza and City Hall will help bring business to downtown.
“You know what? I would rather have a community that is passionate about what it is that they would like to see,” Councilwoman Beth Holbrook said, adding she really appreciated the opportunities residents had to voice their opinions.
“It was a long and hard-fought process," Holbrook said.
Council members also pledged to get public input on the design of the new building, which they hope to begin building next spring.
