This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Religion may be one reason some Highland residents want to keep the city's "blue law" requiring Sunday closing, but in Highland's case, Sunday closing makes economic sense.

Highland enjoys high property values in part because of its parks, trails and rural feel. Some want to line both sides of the new Timpanogos Highway that divides Highland with national big-box superstores that would create the look and congestion of State Street à la Murray or Orem, all in hope of raising tax dollars.

Duplicating such urban blight is short-sighted. It will make Highland less attractive, reduce residential property values and the city's tax base. Chasing business tax dollars at significant cost to the entire community is a bad idea.

Better to keep Sunday closing and seek smaller, locally owned businesses that can prosper by being open six days a week. Such businesses build community and increase Highland's charm.

Mark Beesley

Highland