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There is perhaps a great future out there for Salt Lake City's west side, but many of the 100 residents gathered Tuesday evening were more interested in the crime, drugs and weeds they see every day than they were in the heady ideas outlined in the West Side Master Plan.
The plan puts emphasis on preserving single family neighborhoods while spurring nodes of commercial and retail activity. It also emphasizes transportation and recreation.
The proposal would guide public sector and private development in the Glendale and Poplar Grove neighborhoods for the next quarter century.
But longtime west side resident Jay Ingleby wasn't buying it at the special Salt Lake City Council public hearing held at Parkview Elementary, 970 S. Emery St. (1170 West).
Ingleby said he has watched master plans come and go, but hasn't seen much investment in the west side.
"Now we have to wait another 25 years to get anything done?" he asked. "Some of us won't live that long."
State Rep. Angela Romero, who represents House District 26, which encompasses the area, attended the public hearing. In an interview outside the meeting, she congratulated Salt Lake City on the far-reaching plan that would improve Redwood Road and attract regional commercial interests. It also would enhance the Jordan River as a nature area.
Among the challenges is getting both long-time residents and relative newcomers to support the plan, she said.
"The master plan looks to the future," Romero said. "But we have to listen to our constituents" on crime and other immediate issues.
Many of the comments were similar to that of Gracie Mora, who applauded the master plan. "But the alley I live by is very, very dangerous," she said. "I really would like an increase in security before we start other plans."
Ed Kirby also gave a thumbs up to the council's efforts to plan a more vibrant west side.
"I applaud the beautification efforts. But there are places that aren't so beautiful," he said, referring to a "drug house" on his block. "I really wish someone would look into that."
Sadie Cruz told the council she would like to see more parks and recreation centers, as is outlined in the master plan, as well as locally owned businesses. But something that could be done quickly is providing more youth recreation and after school programs to keep youngsters from turning to crime.
And Gina Hiatt said that many houses in her neighborhood have been purchased and are being used as rental units. They have steadily become rundown and Hiatt asked the council what it could do to stop the decay.
The proposed West Side Master Plan could be adopted as soon as Oct. 21.