In the coming weeks, the Salt Lake City Council will likely be asked to vote on the proposed Northwest Quadrant Master Plan. This plan raises many concerns for Great Salt Lake and for Salt Lake City's growth patterns. The proposed development, located between Bangerter Highway (4000 West) and 8800 West and 2100 South to 3700 North covers 29 square miles and includes 25,000 housing units and 25 schools to support a population of over 70,000 people. This satellite development is 8 miles outside of Salt Lake City's downtown, is unconnected to other developed parts of the city, and is in close proximity to landfills containing contaminants such as arsenic. Since there is no infrastructure in place, the project would come at tremendous cost to taxpayers.

In addition, the proposed plan involves developing a large section of flood plain. It would destroy and fragment valuable wildlife habitats and threaten the health and sustainability of the Great Salt Lake Ecosystem.

For more information, read the draft plan and  fact sheet . City Weekly recently published an article about the proposal. Additional information is available in the May edition of the Catalyst.

Are you concerned about this proposed development? Consider contacting your City Council Member ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and Mayor Becker ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Visit the Northwest Quadrant Development website to join in on the discussion.