Corroon calls Magna 'a diamond in the rough'

MAGNA — Enforcing zoning ordinances, revitalizing Main Street and Magna's public image were topics Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon and about 50 residents had for the first "Breakfast With the Mayor" Saturday.

None of the issues was resolved, but Corroon left with several opinions, suggestions and a fairly clear voice on what matters most when planning the future of a town Corroon calls "a diamond in the rough."

"Magna is close to Salt Lake City, and the growth is coming here," Corroon said. "It's important to come to a community and listen to ideas. Most good ideas come from people in the community."

One of them, Chet Ricketts, a four-year resident who recently moved into a new house, told the gathering that he is frustrated by neighbors who continually pile garbage in their front yards.

"My friends in Sandy see a couch on the front porch and they have that image of Magna," Ricketts said. "If we get rid of that, it will help the whole image."

Ricketts said he is impressed with Corroon's initial response to help curb the lazy adherence to zoning regulation. He hopes raising the concern Saturday will influence community leaders to enforce the regulations.

Another top concern included revitalizing historic Main Street, the reason seven-year resident George Nixon came to the breakfast.

"I moved from a small town in Oklahoma where there was a similar situation of revitalization," Nixon said. "They turned the town into a neat area with lots of little shops."

Some residents said they'd like to see an ethnic makeover of the street, bringing in diverse restaurants, new businesses and county celebrations in Magna, which is located 16 miles west of downtown Salt Lake City. However, Salt Lake County Council member Jim Bradley said the revitalization project will need to walk a fine line between preserving the history of Magna and welcoming newcomers.

"The charm of small-town Main Street, given the right push and dreams, can serve the community well," Bradley said.

Other residents said Magna's revitalization should extend beyond just Main Street and front yards. Deena Ely addressed the need for a skate park, stating she would like to see Kennecott Copper donate a piece of land so teenagers don't have to travel to other cities for free entertainment.

Corroon promised to respond to all e-mails and offered county services phone numbers to help residents resolve specific concerns.

Corroon will host "Breakfast With the Mayor" events in East Millcreek and Taylorsville in April and May.

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E-mail: Liorg@desnews.com

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