WOODS CROSS — Citing a “severe need” for a new elementary school here, members of the Davis School Board took the unusual step of condemning a parcel of property owned by the Utah Department of Transportation.
“It’s not an ideal solution to this situation,” Craig Carter, business administrator for the district, told the board. “But right now it’s the only one available to us.”
The district plans to purchase 15 acres of a 60-acre parcel UDOT owns as part of the Legacy Highway project. The parcel is located at 2000 S., 1900 West.
“We are experiencing tremendous growth there,” said Carter, using the word “severe” to describe the need. “They aren’t in the market to sell right now, but this is an excellent site.”
At a public hearing that preceded the board’s vote, no one testified either in support or opposition.
“Normally I wouldn’t like to do that,” said board member Peter Cannon of the condemnation. “But I don’t think we’re doing undue harm. I’m convinced the location needs to be near homes and there aren’t other parcels available.”
The district hopes to begin construction on the school this coming spring and summer, and have it ready for students by the fall of 2014.
The resolution, which passed unanimously, listed the value of the parcel as $883,224 or less.
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