OREM
-- The Utah County
Clerk/Auditor's Office did not receive a controversial petition seeking a
referendum on the Commercial Development Area project at the University Mall
before the Friday deadline.
TransparencyOrem
had until 5 p.m. Friday to turn in a referendum petition that would potentially
give Orem voters the opportunity to vote on whether the Woodbury Corporation
would be able to receive a post-performance subsidy rebate on its redevelopment
of University Mall, soon to be University Place.
It is not
known why the petition was not turned in -- whether it was the lack of
signatures or if TransparencyOrem decided not to proceed.
As of
Friday, approximately 69 residents had officially removed their names from the
petition.
"I
think the people have spoken," said Mayor Richard Brunst. "I'm
excited. This will bring economic vitality to the community."
While
Brunst said he has no idea what happened with the petition, he said there is
now nothing in the form of a referendum that could stop the project.
"I'm
happy to be reassured that the citizens of Orem are for progress and a future
that's good for them, their children and grandchildren," said Tom
Macdonald, city councilman.
All other
taxing agencies including the Alpine School District Board of Education will
vote in December as to the percentage they will give to the project.
If ASD
chooses the anticipated 65 percent subsidy, Woodbury Corp. would invest $500
million and be able to build out the entire project that includes office
towers, mixed-used housing and retail, a large city park and hotel. Ivory Homes
is currently building the first 200 of 500 high-end apartments on the mall
campus.
"Woodbury
is committed to being supportive partners in the growth and development of Orem
and the Utah Valley community," Woodbury said. "The Woodbury
Corporation would like to thank Orem residents, Mayor Brunst, members of the
City Council, and the public for their support of University Mall and the
proposed project."
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