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WEST JORDAN -- Neighbors in West Jordan are upset because the Utah Department of Transportation has its eyes on their property for an upcoming road project.
UDOT has expressed interest in relocating four families in order to create a planned continuous flow intersection (CFI) at 7000 South and Bangerter Highway. The department also wants to make the road wide enough to accommodate for future expansion along 7000 South.
Andrew Cortes and his family just learned about the plans Tuesday. They're upset they may have to leave the only home they've ever owned.
"We don't understand how anyone has a right to come in and say you have to move for the better of everyone else," Cortes said.
The power of eminent domain gives governments the ability to take private property so long as the property owners are fairly compensated.
UDOT spokesman Adan Carillo says the department will not leave the families hanging. He says each resident will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with federal laws.
"We realize sometimes it's rather shocking to learn that you may be having to relocate, but we try to make sure that process is smooth and fair for everybody," Carillo said.
Cortes said he believes UDOT will cover the appraisal value, but he is concerned what comes after that. In the poor economy, the ability to secure a new home loan is scary to him.
"For one family in particular, they're unemployed," Cortes said. "A bank wouldn't even give them a second look. They're going to have a hellish nightmare to get a home loan."
Cortes said he would like UDOT to look deeper into alternatives. Meanwhile, he is trying to rally public opinion in favor of the families' cause through a petition and social networking.
Carillo said the earliest an appraisal would be returned to the families is November and possible relocation would come later.
"We try to be as fair as possible," Carillo said. "We give them several chances to get back to us, perhaps go out and even get their own appraisal if they need to. We'll pay for that second appraisal."
The CFI at 7000 South and Bangerter is part of a larger UDOT project. Construction on additional CFIs is planned next year on Bangerter at 3100 South, 4100 South and 6200 South. UDOT also plans to build an overpass at 7800 South.
"By the end of next year, we will have approximately seven CFIs on Bangerter Highway and a separated-grade interchange," Carillo said.
UDOT has planned an open house on the project for Tuesday, Sept. 21. It will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Oquirrh Elementary School (7165 Paddington Road) in West Jordan.
E-mail: aadams@ksl.com
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