SALT LAKE CITY – Controversy surrounds a bridge that was built illegally not once, but twice, within the city limits of Salt Lake City. Despite being reported to the city’s building department two months ago, there’s been a lack of decisive action. Complaints revolve around missing permits for stormwater, floodplain engineering, building, structure engineering, and other crucial approvals.
A month after the initial complaint, both the mayor and city council were notified of the oversight. Their subsequent silence has raised eyebrows and concerns, pointing to a perceived indifference by city officials regarding unauthorized construction and its implications for public safety.
More alarmingly, the bridge, which sits over a canal leading to the already environmentally challenged Great Salt Lake, underscores the city’s laxity in environmental protection.
Furthermore, the negligence to claim what is rightfully owed in permits and fines also highlights a potential financial pitfall. With budgetary strains already evident, such missed opportunities for revenue could have otherwise been channeled toward addressing pressing city issues, like homelessness. The oversight not only signifies a lapse in enforcing construction standards but also showcases possible inefficiencies in the city’s fiscal management.
The properties under discussion failed to obtain a permit for fugitive dust control from the state. This oversight was not just for the bridge but also for other activities that raised the site’s elevation. Moreover, the fill material used at the site originated from Hill Air Force Base. This material was meant to be sent to a licensed facility. Additionally, some material came from an old dump site at the recent Artesian III apartment complex. While the city claims this isn’t their responsibility, they should be concerned about potentially harmful materials being dumped within city limits. If they ignore such issues, future residents shouldn’t be shocked if tax dollars are later used to address problems that could have been prevented when people come forward with information.
Lastly, the properties associated with this controversy are significantly undervalued for tax purposes. They are taxed based on a $41,429 value instead of their actual $844,000 assessed worth. This discrepancy arises from an applied Greenbelt/FAA Reduction for livestock, intended to support genuine farming. However, an examination of the county assessor map system over the past decade shows no evidence of profitable livestock or crop activities. At most, only half an acre appears to be farmed, which doesn’t meet the criteria for the deduction. In other words, even more money is missing from public coffers in a city with more needs than money.
The emails sent to the city employees/representatives and the evidence attachments are found at these links.
SL County Assessor Source
Google Earth bridge to lake position,
Sent _ sunkills@proton.me _ Proton Mail
Larkin assessment combined
This post is the first of many to come regarding different government entities ignoring the oaths of office and responsibility to the detriment of the public they serve.
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