FARMINGTON -- The ball is starting to roll in Farmington as Station Park--a 100-acre development that will include high-end shops, a theatre, restaurants and residential areas -- is almost on its way. Tuesday night the Farmington City Council moved one step closer to finalizing the proposed Station Park development, with the approval of the project master plan.

The council also approved the rezoning of nearly 100 acres of property located north of Clark Lane and east of Park Lane. This will enable CenterCal Properties to finalize purchasing agreements held with current landowners. CenterCal plans to have the land purchased by Friday. The rezoning will also allow the developer to benefit from certain tax incentives.

The area's transportation ordinance was also amended during the meeting, allowing for the possible development of hotels, vehicle retailers and medical and dental offices.

Traffic concerns and wording troubles, however, were still issues, forcing the City Council to table their final approval of the proposed Station Park development agreement until Thursday.

"We are still working on some paragraphs, but it is essentially finished," said Todd Godfrey, attorney representing Farmington City, "It will be ready for approval by Thursday."

Station Park will be nestled between the intersection of Interstate 15, Highway 89, the new Legacy Parkway and commuter rail.

On its website, CenterCal claims that "Station Park will enjoy the highest daily traffic counts to be found in the State of Utah."

CenterCal's website also states that Station Park will be the "preeminent lifestyle shopping center in the Salt Lake City region."

The City Council will meet Thursday at 5 p.m. to discuss and (hopefully) give their final "thumbs-up" to CenterCal Properties.

CenterCal Properties faces a Jan. 5 deadline, so the City Council's approval on Thursday is a must if Park Station is to become a reality for Farmington.

The City Council, attorneys for both parties and city planners, however, expressed confidence that final approval would be given this coming Thursday.

If further problems persist, forcing a delay beyond the Jan. 5 deadline, Mayor Scott Harbertson displayed confidence that an agreement would eventually be made between the city and CenterCal.

In the meeting's closing, CenterCal and Farmington expressed sincere excitement for their future partnership in the development of Station Park.

Jean Paul Wardy, senior vice president for CenterCal, hopes that construction will begin this coming fall and that Park Station will be open for business by spring 2009.

sryther@davisclipper.com