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Richard Piatt reportingPressure is mounting on both sides of the Nordstrom issue, over whether to allow the retailer to move to Salt Lake City's Gateway.
City council members plan to hold a public comment session Thursday. They're expecting to get an earful and then some. But they'll also be hearing a voice that may sink in a bit deeper than most, the results of a study about what it will cost the city if Nordstrom leaves.
It's hard to get around it: If Nordstrom leaves Salt Lake, there will be a price. And Salt Lake's City council members, who also serve as the Redevelopment Agency, find that argument persuasive to say the least.
Eric Jergensen/Salt Lake City Council "I THINK AS AN ECONOMIC FACT, WE SHOULD DO THE BEST WE CAN TO KEEP NORDSTROM IN OUR CITY."
But councilman Eric Jergensen says that doesn't necessarily mean letting Nordstrom move to the Boyer Company's Gateway project--another way of saying he hasn't made up his mind on the issue yet. It's going to be a tough decision for city officials, from the Mayor to the city council.
There is growing pressure that urges the city to stick to its original plans for Main Street. A full page ad in weekend newspapers was signed by dozens of downtown stakeholders, including the Stringham's at Utah Woolen Mill.
Bart Stringham/Utah Woolen Mill "THE CITY'S INTEGRETY IS AT STAKE. EITHER THEY STAND BY THEIR WORD AND THE POLICIES THAT WERE MADE OR THEY DON'T. AND THAT'S WHAT IT COMES DOWN TO."
Stringham says resistance to Nordstrom's move isn't sour grapes.
"WE SEND CUSTOMERS TO NORDSTROM DAILY, THEY TO US. WE'RE FINE WITH NORDSTROM."
But he, and dozens more, plan to be at Thursday's meeting, keeping the pressure up--arguing money isn't the only thing at stake.
Van turner/Salt Lake City Council "THERE'S A LOT RIDING ON THIS. THE FUTURE OF OUR CITY AND HOW WE'LL EXPAND. WE'RE TALKING IN 25--50-100 YEAR TERMS HERE. WE'RE PUTTING THE DIRECTION OF THE CITY TOGETHER NOW. "
