By Ann Millner and Richard E. Kendell
During a series of public meetings and information sessions in the past month, the greater Ogden community has had an opportunity to learn more about developer Chris Peterson's proposed plans for Ogden's east bench.
As many of you know, Mr. Peterson is interested in acquiring land from the city of Ogden and Weber State University to pursue his plans for a new housing development and year-round resort in Malan's Basin.
The concepts shared at these information sessions present some big decisions for the university and community. We personally believe it's the most significant decision Weber State has considered since purchasing the land to relocate the campus on Harrison Boulevard in the early 1950s.
As a public university, any decision to sell or exchange land would involve a review at both the university and state level. Keep in mind that Weber State property is held by the Utah State Board of Regents in the name of the university. Traditionally, WSU and higher education in general have focused on trying to acquire property to accommodate future growth.
A review of past WSU enrollment data and the Board of Regents projections for future growth underscore the necessity of having available land for future campus expansion. Twenty years ago, Weber State's enrollment stood at 11,366 students. In 1996, it was 13,906. Today the university has an enrollment of 18,334 with a projected 25,790 students by 2026. Extrapolating on those figures, WSU will double its current enrollment by 2054. That's an important consideration when our Ogden campus is quickly approaching build-out.
While the university has participated in past property transactions that involved the sale or trade of very small parcels of land that met the needs of the school, the amount of acreage involved in this request is extraordinary. If you consider that the Ogden campus sits on approximately 400 square acres, this request for approximately 150 acres represents more than a third of the overall campus.
Two buildings housing key campus support services are located on the land in question, east of Skyline Drive. In addition to being used for science instruction and field studies, the property also houses a water retention facility for campus irrigation and a par course. While the current 20-year master plan shows a footprint for only one additional service building, this land would be critical for future development during the next 20-50 years.
Many people have inquired about the process we'll use to evaluate a formal proposal from Mr. Peterson.
We are assembling a study group composed of university constituents, including faculty, staff, students, trustees and officials from state agencies. This volunteer advisory body will be involved with fact-finding and information gathering. This group will develop criteria for making a decision. We envision an opportunity to share their findings and recommendations at open campus meetings.
Ultimately, a recommendation would be made to the Board of Trustees and forwarded to the Board of Regents. The final decision will rest with the Board of Regents.
A hasty decision of this magnitude would be a disservice. But a deliberative, thorough process will enable us to arrive at a final decision that will be best for the long-term future of Weber State University.
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