The Utah Inland Port Authority and Salt Lake City want to know what people think about the city’s Northwest Quadrant.
The authority is partnering with the city on a community survey, seeking feedback from residents, workers and businesses in the quadrant “to capture local perspectives on transportation, air quality, economic opportunity, health and infrastructure” as part of a broader baseline study now underway.
The results will shape future development, sustainability and transportation in west side neighborhoods. The feedback will be incorporated into the next phase of the study “and will ultimately play a significant role in guiding future UIPA and Salt Lake City plans in the area,” UIPA said in announcing the survey.
Public input will be taken at inlandportauthority.utah.gov/baselinesurvey until Sept. 28.
“The Northwest Quadrant is a strategic economic growth point for the state, and it’s important that the people who live and work here are given an opportunity to voice what they hope that future looks like,” said Abby Osborne, UIPA’s board chair and the chief of staff for the Utah House of Representatives. “We’re building the foundation for long-term economic opportunity — not just for today’s residents, but for generations to come.”
The baseline study will evaluate the impacts of current development trends on surrounding neighborhoods and help identify mitigation strategies to address traffic congestion, environmental concerns and economic disparities.
UIPA’s Northwest Quadrant Project Area totals 16,000 acres generally south and southwest of Salt Lake City International Airport, flanking Interstate 80, although one strip is east of the airport.
UIPA has promoted the area as attractive for development because of its close proximity to three interstate highways, national railways and an international airport, “creating a prosperous nexus for growth in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and aerospace and defense,” it says on its website.
The Northwest Quadrant also is located among intermodal facilities, warehouse and distribution centers, a skilled workforce, and a supportive and expanding infrastructure, UIPA says. “Together, these factors enable companies to efficiently move and distribute goods, connecting them to major markets within the region, across the United States and beyond,” the website says.
UIPA’s Northwest Quadrant is one of 14 project areas in the state.
“We’re appreciative of UIPA and their engagement with the city and our residents on the important land use, environmental and economic conditions and opportunities for the Northwest Quadrant,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “We encourage community members and stakeholders to take the survey and follow along through the process. Ultimately, the baseline study, and the forthcoming preferred scenario study will help us align shared resources and policy opportunities toward meeting these goals.”
Residents and workers in neighborhoods including Glendale, Jordan Meadows, Poplar Grove, Westpointe and Rose Park are especially encouraged to participate. The survey is available in English and Spanish and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
Almost since its inception, the inland port authority has faced blowback from critics who have claimed it was acting without the public being properly informed or allowed to participate in UIPA’s processes. Protests led to some raucous meetings, but that generally has subsided. Authority board meetings include times for public comment, and written input also is accepted at any time.