TO ANNEX OR NOT. THAT IS THE QUESTION.

As we discuss issues over water, this includes residents in the Greater Huntsville Area, or the GHA, which includes most of the area on the South side of the Valley. While covering an extensive area, it’s primarily made up of individuals not making enough numbers or loud enough voices to be heard by either the Town, the County Commissioners or the Planning Boards. They haven’t always agreed with what’s happened here, and felt at times over the years they’ve had to protect themselves from Huntsville. While this is the case, they also seem to support, and feel a part of the Town, because they are perceived as such. They also expect us to take a lead, and be a force for common interests, representing all citizens on this side of the Valley. Long time residents express great concern over how development may affect their existing wells, including depletion, contamination and run-off. They also express concerns that developments would push the precedent of the existing smaller town lot sizes that currently exist within town borders into annexed land. Many state that if Huntsville gave them some “protection” against expanding density around them, annexation may not be such an issue. As some of us try to maintain the rural atmosphere that has drawn the majority of us here, (even those of us who’s primary objective has been to build and expand) the concern is the degradation of the very landscape that makes Huntsville and this Valley surrounding it, all that it is. The hodgepodge that is now dominating the northern side of the Valley is becoming an eyesore and a detriment to the beauty of this place. As in many other areas, the very people who come to enjoy it, destroy it – regardless of the property values. The Valley had a mantra not so long ago: No Park City. It’s not impossible.

To their credit, Weber County HAD established a “3 acre” rule in the County, but they are as rapidly busting through that one, as they are busy overpopulating everything else in the Valley. While these discussions and issues continue to take place on all levels, we would like to illustrate some of them, by using a long time resident, sitting just outside Town boundaries, adjacent to the Town water lines, and near available acreage to be developed, who is willing to talk about his own experiences. This summer, we sent someone over to take the time to interview and talk with Chris Petersen, who everyone knows will speak his mind about this Valley.