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KEARNS — This week, the people of Kearns voted to become a Metropolitan Township. That designation brings new business opportunity for one of the economic underdogs of the county. Today, the community broke ground for Kearns Parkway, a gateway to Kearns.
"We are about to turn this thing into one of the coolest parks that you'll see anywhere in the state of Utah," said Rep. Eric Hutchings, R-Kearns.
The community is on the threshold of a new chapter in government and economic development. It is already clearing trees for the Kearns Parkway, which should helps boost economic interest.
This strip of land on 5400 South between 4200 and 4400 West has been vacant and overgrown since houses were torn down to widen the road several years ago.
"There are a lot of assets out here to build upon, and there is a lot of pride in this community," said Patrick Leary, Kearns Township Executive.
Kearns Parkway will feature a 10-foot wide walking path that will meander through an urban orchard with 300 fruit trees to be harvested for the community and food pantries.
"We want it to be a place that Kearns can be proud of," said county councilman Michael Jensen. "This is considered the gateway to Kearns."
The community voted Tuesday to become a Metropolitan Township, which secures community borders and gives it an opportunity to creating its own zoning, without the power to raise its own taxes.
Steve Landeen/KSL-TV
"It gives us an opportunity to really begin investing in the infrastructure, economic and otherwise, to help develop this community, and that infrastructure has been neglected for too many years," Leary said.
The neglect is because, over the years, too many business assets were annexed by surrounding communities, depleting the tax base for that part of the unincorporated county, Leary said. Community leaders see this next chapter as an opportunity to broaden the tax base and create a greater sense of pride. They believe the Parkway will give visitors and potential businesses a positive first look at Kearns.
"When you have beauty around you, that stimulates pride, and that helps in so many ways," Leary said.
The stretch of 5400 South leads to the Olympic Oval, which attracts thousands of visitors for international speed skating events. It will host the World Cup in two weeks. That kind of traffic rolls by the Gateway to Kearns every day.
"It's going to make us look good," Hutchings said. "It's going to make us look classy. Kearns is a great community with great people."
Clearing and site preparation will continue in the months ahead. Tree planting and landscaping will begin in spring.
