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A healthy debate is raging in Ogden over the northern Utah city's future.
Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey and developer Chris Peterson have outlined bold plans to redefine the city as an outdoor recreation and tourist destination mecca.
The key is Peterson's proposal to develop a ski resort/condominium complex in Malan's Basin, in the mountains just above the city, to be accessed by a gondola based near Weber State University. He would buy and redesign the city's Mt. Ogden Golf Course, then sell housing lots around the new course to help pay for the project. The city, in turn, would use proceeds from the golf course sale to build a unique urban gondola from downtown to the Weber State campus.
Occasionally, KSL has encouraged local political and community leaders to "think outside the box" in their efforts to creatively improve their communities. So, we're decidedly interested in what Mayor Godfrey and developer Peterson are proposing. It has the potential to rejuvenate a city that once was Utah's second largest, but has struggled with its identity since losing its stature as a railroad hub.
However, many questions about the project are yet to be answered. So, yes, the debate in Ogden is raging as answers are sought, and we find that healthy for a community that is looking to define its future.
