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Business Licensing Community Development Curbside Recycling Justice Court Recreation Parks Personnel Department Public Works Utilities
State of the City 2008 In 2006, at my first State of the City address, I presented my plan for a change of direction and an improved image for our city. In 2007, I explained the changes that had begun and our notable plans for progress. This year I am going to address what has been done, and our continuing plan to move forward confidently. Last year I discussed the RDA project and blight study for the Market Station project. That study is now complete, allowing this project to commence demolition and break ground on the first phase of the project this spring. Some additional development projects that warrant mentioning include, the China Town project, which was in the early planning stages last year. It has now begun demolition and construction where the old haunted house/Grand Central property used to exist. The old Gino’s on 33rd and State Street is now gone, with a new Starbucks and Subway planned to replace it. We will now be a two Starbucks city. The old Holiday Motel that has been abandoned for 20 plus years is now demolished and a new five-story senior condominium project is now being built. We are currently in negotiations with UTA to build a new TRAX Station on 2700 South. Hinckley Dodge is doubling in size, and will now be known as Hinckley Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, with a brand new facility. South Salt Lake is rapidly moving forward in changing the image of our city within the business community. What does all of this development mean for our residential community? In the past 2 years, we have added 560 new residential properties. The new Market Station project, will add an additional 200 residential condominiums. The near completion of Waverly Station adds 160 residences to the already stated numbers, bringing the total to over 800 new homes built in a three-year period. This increased development will add to the city’s population helping to combat a yearly two million dollar budget deficit caused by state legislation that passed two years ago. Growing pains related to all of this new construction and the essential changes taking place within our community are inconveniencing us, but we can handle it. South Salt Lake is growing rapidly, but is still providing that desired small town friendly atmosphere. We are now working closer with our neighboring cities and towns. Over the past two years, we have established closer working relationships with both Salt Lake County, and the State in an effort to forward a spirit of cooperation. When I began my term as your mayor, I began a program of documentation for our city’s history. In this process, I established Founders Day. This event recognizes all of the many citizens and businesses that have helped to get this city to where we are now. We are progressing and most citizens are happy with what is happening in our city. Is everything perfect….no, but we are striving daily to overcome adversity and difficult situations while moving forward. Our public safety departments are getting better and better, and are continually advancing their capabilities for our citizens. Our public works department is now organized and is moving forward with a plan that includes both short and long-range goals to provide better and safer roads and infrastructure for our community. Our recreation department continues to provide wonderful events highlighting our community, and providing well-planned opportunities for our youth and Senior citizens, as well as the rest of us. In fact, this year the Utah Recreation and Parks Association named our recreation department as the most Outstanding Recreation Department in the State of Utah. Finally yet importantly are our city administration departments. These employees labor tirelessly to insure our city’s legal and financial affairs are in keeping with the laws, while ensuring quality service to our citizens. Not often enough is the dedication of our City Council recognized. These individuals spend many hours devoted to providing funds and legislation to help make our city run smoothly. I would like to thank them for their continuous efforts. I hope this provides a quick but informative view of the State of our City. We are progressing, and the city’s image will continue to improve. This is just the beginning. Mayor Bob Gray Robert D. Gray
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