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There's a new ultimatum in the saga in Sugar House over a massive pit waiting to be developed. But locals are skeptical anything will change.
The city now says the massive hole near the corner of 2100 South and Highland Drive must be backfilled by Halloween. The developer says that may nix the project altogether.
Sugar House Coffee was in that location, but now it's across the street.
Nick Boll is a regular. "I think the guy's getting burned, who bought it, because he can't get financing," he said.
The corner was demolished last January. The original ultimatum to backfill the property came May 23 with the threat of criminal citations.
The developer says backfilling the hole will cost him $80,000. He says the development is being delayed by the struggling economy. He says a couple of mortgage brokers still are telling him they can get him the funding for the project if he gives them enough time.
According to The Salt Lake Tribune, the timeline is as follows:
- December 2007: Mecham Investments was issued a demolition permit.
- January 2008: Crews began demolition.
- April 30, 2008: Deadline to begin landscaping property, if no building permit has been granted.
- May 2008: City threatens seizure of $20,000 bond. Mecham Investments and Craig Mecham ask for a 40-day extension.
- May 23, 2008: City rejects Mecham's extension request and tells Mecham to start back-filling the pit within 10 days or face criminal citations.
- May 29, 2008: Mecham asks for more time.
- June 5, 2008: The city agrees to landscaping of only the perimeter of the property.
- Aug. 13, 2008: The planning commission approves Mecham's plan for development.
- Oct. 8, 2008: The city orders the developer to fill the pit by Oct. 31, 2008.
E-mail: aadams@ksl.com
