There has been some exciting things happen along the Jordan River this past year. Partnerships and reinvestment to the corridor has brought some change and improvement to the river and I am proud to play a small role in this as West Valley City's representative and Chair of the Jordan River Commission. Below is a link to Comcast Newsmaker segment that was filmed earlier in the fall:
http://www.comcastnewsmakers.com/video/jordan-river-commission/
Also the Jordan River Commission recently honored groups and individuals instrumental in advancing the Jordan River with its annual awards gala. The Best Practices Toolkit is being unveiled to cities along the river to help them plan and prepare for the future of the river. And finally several cleanup projects and restoration work was completed in 2013. A published newspaper account of one the restoration projects can be found below:
http://www.westjordanjournal.com/pages/full_story/16414/Restoration-project-begins-along-Jordan-River/
Showing posts with label reinvestment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reinvestment. Show all posts
Monday, December 9, 2013
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Public Works/Snow Removal Trucks
In an ongoing effort to streamline City services and to keep City spending down, we are always looking for ways to be innovative and to save money. Once such example of this is the recent refurbishment of work truck vehicles, like the ones you see plowing and salting the streets. This will save more than $500,000 in the next two years by refurbishing rather than replacing aging heavy fleet vehicles. The two trucks pictured are identical and were both purchased a decade ago; one has been refurbished.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Major Annoucements
Not much to elaborate on with two major West Valley City announcements. The City just keeps moving forward. Target has announced that they will build a store and anchor a new development on 5600 West. The 135,300 square-foot store will be built on a 39-acre parcel directly across the street from WinCo at 2550 South 5600 West. Target will be a welcome addition to the burgeoning 5600 West corridor and that location will draw customers not only from West Valley City, but also from Magna and even Tooele because of the easy access. The West Valley City store will also be the first prototype in the nation of Target's new-store model. The store will include an ample selection of groceries, but will not be labeled a Super Target.Today was the unveiling of the mixed used City Center development henceforth to be known as Faribourne Station. West Valley City now has a new urban center focal point. Fairbourne Station will be a combination of retail space, office space, residential living space and even an upscale hotel, encompassing 40 acres right central to the City and the Salt Lake Valley. The name is taken from pioneer days when Fairbourne weigh station was the a hub and gathering place for our emerging community.
More information on the project as well as concept pictures can be found at:
http://www.fairbournestation.com/index.php
Friday, March 18, 2011
Published Open Letter to WVC Residents
Below is a copy of the open letter to WVC Residents as published in Update section of the March 16th edition of the West Valley Journal. The basic premise of the narrative is illustrate how it is the City's job to make a place good, but only individual efforts can truly make a City great:
Great Cities
A message from Councilmember Corey Rushton
One of life’s most fulfilling endeavors involves the subtle rewards of turning something good into something great. One of my first memories of this marvel occurred when I was a young boy and wondered why the pancakes that my grandmother made were so much better than any other pancakes. Even as a youngster I understood that pancakes were a relatively simple recipe and that the flavor between makers didn’t differ much. However grandma’s creations were authoritatively delectable and the greatness of those pancakes was a mystery that my sisters and I would repeatedly try to explain. Theories between us ran rampant and details of greatness included speculation surrounding: the brand of butter, adjusting stove temperature, and even a careful analysis of the antique pancake pan that grandma had inherited from her pioneer grandmother.
Similarly the recipe for a great West Valley City lies within those hard to explain slight, but significant, contributions of the residents. Many of the obvious good things in our community are being put into place, but ultimately it is up to each resident to turn them into great things. We have been quietly raising the standard of expectations in West Valley City and need everyone to do their part. Thriving business and entertainment districts, efficient transportation, and clean, safe neighborhoods require everyone’s involvement. The means in which you could labor to make our City great are too diverse to mention. But, if you don’t know what your role is in a great West Valley City then please evaluate yourself, your property, and your neighborhood and I am confident that you will find new ways to contribute. Additionally the City’s website and WVC-TV offer many ideas, programs, and civic committees that could benefit from your participation.
I challenge all to incorporate this greatness principle on an individual level and I ask everyone to look for new ways to innovate, to reinvest in their homes, and to find new ways to be productive members of the community. As he tirelessly worked to reshape his country, Mohandas Gandhi noted that, “As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world; as in being able to remake ourselves.” Your slight, yet significant contributions will foster greatness in West Valley City for years and generations to come.
A message from Councilmember Corey Rushton
One of life’s most fulfilling endeavors involves the subtle rewards of turning something good into something great. One of my first memories of this marvel occurred when I was a young boy and wondered why the pancakes that my grandmother made were so much better than any other pancakes. Even as a youngster I understood that pancakes were a relatively simple recipe and that the flavor between makers didn’t differ much. However grandma’s creations were authoritatively delectable and the greatness of those pancakes was a mystery that my sisters and I would repeatedly try to explain. Theories between us ran rampant and details of greatness included speculation surrounding: the brand of butter, adjusting stove temperature, and even a careful analysis of the antique pancake pan that grandma had inherited from her pioneer grandmother.
Similarly the recipe for a great West Valley City lies within those hard to explain slight, but significant, contributions of the residents. Many of the obvious good things in our community are being put into place, but ultimately it is up to each resident to turn them into great things. We have been quietly raising the standard of expectations in West Valley City and need everyone to do their part. Thriving business and entertainment districts, efficient transportation, and clean, safe neighborhoods require everyone’s involvement. The means in which you could labor to make our City great are too diverse to mention. But, if you don’t know what your role is in a great West Valley City then please evaluate yourself, your property, and your neighborhood and I am confident that you will find new ways to contribute. Additionally the City’s website and WVC-TV offer many ideas, programs, and civic committees that could benefit from your participation.
I challenge all to incorporate this greatness principle on an individual level and I ask everyone to look for new ways to innovate, to reinvest in their homes, and to find new ways to be productive members of the community. As he tirelessly worked to reshape his country, Mohandas Gandhi noted that, “As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world; as in being able to remake ourselves.” Your slight, yet significant contributions will foster greatness in West Valley City for years and generations to come.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Proposition 3 -Parks and Trails
I have been bombarded with questions due in relation to West Valley City's first ever General Obligation bond election which will appear on this November's Ballot. The City Council unanimously approved placing this on the ballot for various and differing reason. However, it will ultimately be up to the voters to decide whether or not we take this opportunity to reinvest in our community and give a kick start to what could be the premier transit oriented development in the State, namely the West Valley City Center. Below is a sheet of frequently asked questions and answers in relation to the bond election including a list of projects that would be funded. When you take a look you will notice that several of these projects are probably close to your home or place of business, thereby immediately increasing the value and attractiveness of that neighborhood. As always if you have any additional questions or comments please feel free to contact me.
Fact Sheet
Proposition 3 “Parks and Trails for West Valley City Families”
Q: What will West Valley City be voting on?
A: On the ballot this November, West Valley registered voters will have the opportunity to vote on the city’s first ever general obligation bond. This bond, which could be up to $25,000,000, would fund a variety of parks and trails throughout the city. The bond would be paid back over 20 years using property tax revenues. General obligation bonds are used because they have the lowest interest rates.
Q: How much will the bond cost an average family?
A: For a homeowner with an average home (valued at $177,000), there would be a property tax
increase of $25.02 per year. This breaks down to less than $2.09 per month, or less than 7 cents per day.
Q: What exactly will the bond go to pay for?
A: The bond will help complete dozens of projects in three major categories:
1) TRAILS. For biking to work, walking to school, or exercising with the family, the bond will be able to complete the city’s Crosstowne Trail. This runs at about 2700 South from the Jordan River, through the Decker Lake area, west through Lake Park and Highbury, and all the way
to Magna at 7200 West. The bond will also complete the Utah & Salt Lake Canal Trail, which
runs from 4000 West and 4700 South along the canal and behind Academy Park, Kennedy
Junior High, Woodledge Park, and West View Park out to 7200 West and 3900 South. These
trails will tie into the future Mountain View Corridor trail along 5800 West, and the existing
Jordan River Parkway.
2) NEW GRANGER PARK/CITY CENTER GREENSPACE. Designed to both replace Granger Park (which is being used for the new Granger High School), and to create a “town square”
or “village green” of sorts, this 4 to 7 acre space will become a gathering place and regional
amenity for the entire city. Located adjacent to the TRAX station by city hall and featuring
water features and picnic areas, this space is intended to spur economic development and
to keep the positive momentum of the new Valley Fair Mall redevelopment flowing west.
3) NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS. Seventeen new neighborhood parks will benefit from the bond,
resulting in a city park within 2,000 yards of every family in the city and increasing the city’s
open space inventory by 20%. This will include the city’s first off-leash dog park and skate
park.
Sunset Hills Park (U-111 and 6400 S) 2 acres
Falcon Crest Park (4055 S 7060 W) 1.5 acres
Fox Tail Park completion (6880 W 3045 S) 2 acres
Wetland Park series of trails, walkways and interpretive signs through 40 acres of wetland and
playa (6700 W 2820 S)
5. Vistas East (6356 W 4580 S) 2.9 acres
6. Pleasant Valley Park (6124 W Brud Dr) .5 acres
7. Vistas South (4540 S 6000 W) 2.7 acres
8. Complete West side of Centennial Park, and include a skate park somewhere in the park. (5415
W 3100 S) 3 acres
9. Park in the area of 4800 W 4150 S with off-leash dog park 2 acres
10. Arlington Park open spaces (4700 W 4620 S) .5 to .75 acres
11. Park at (4300 W 4300 S) .5 to 1 acre
12. Trail-Head Park on Utah & Salt Lake Canal. (4050 W 4700 S) .75 acres
13. Firestation Park (2700 W 2900 S) 2 Acres
14. Park at (3641 S 2200 W) 2 or more acres
15. Park in the area of 3800 S Redwood Rd 2 acres
16. Chesterfield Neighborhood Park in an area to be determined 1.5 acres
17. Jordan River Parkway at about 3800 S 1250 W .5 acres
Q: Why did the City Council choose this year to request a bond for parks and trails?
A: Each year the city is losing more potential park sites as the community grows, and there is a need to acquire these sites while the real estate is still available and affordable. With many families vacationing from home during the economic hard times, the demand for recreational amenities close by like parks and trails is the highest it has ever been. Furthermore, many residents are concerned about slumping property values and studies show that one of the best ways to reinvest in neighborhoods and enhance value is through developing nearby parks and trails.
Also, with the completion of TRAX light rail next summer, and the finalizing of plans for the West Valley City Center there, the timing is critical for the new Granger Park/City Center Greenspace to be installed to help jump-start economic development. Finally, the city has long neglected getting caught up on its long range park master plan, and current interest rates and construction costs are at record lows, enabling many more projects to be completed for much less money than it normally would cost.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Summer Open Letter to West Valley City Residents
The following is my open letter to the residents of West Valley City as published in ths August edition of The West Valley Journal:
Silver Linings
Silver Linings
A message from Councilmember Corey Rushton
Recently I paid a visit to Kennedy Junior High and engaged in several conversations recollecting the esteemed faculty and school traditions that I enjoyed while attending that institution years ago. Upon reflection, I am extremely grateful to Mrs. Page and her Freshman English Class for providing me with a foundation in various literary works that I still ponder and utilize to this day. One such book that we intently studied was, “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens. This classic tale of thematic social commentary begins with the famous lines, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
I repeat these words because I feel a similar sentiment among many of the West Valley City residents and businesses that I serve. I realize that current and lingering economic conditions have produced many challenges and hardships. However, I am as optimistic as ever about the future progress of West Valley City and want to share some positive developments that have come forth from the midst of this recession.
The city has been able to take advantage of historically low interest rates by refinancing several outstanding bonds. The hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings will help reduce overall debt and benefit the taxpayers. Also, we are witnessing monetary savings throughout our bid process, as more companies are submitting competitive bids to work on city infrastructure. Many of these bids have come in hundreds of thousands of dollars below budget, giving us more purchasing power for reinvestment opportunities. Additionally, city departments have all had to tighten their operating budgets, requiring them to identify excess and increase productivity. During this time the police department is pleased to report an overall reduction in violent crimes.
Many of these innovative principles can be incorporated on an individual level and I encourage everyone to look for new ways to save resources, to reinvest in their homes, and to find new ways to be productive members of the community. To this Charles Dickens would agree, for he also wrote, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” Take advantage of these times and together we will move forward as a city one household at a time.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
National Committee Work Official Release
Here is the official press statement jointly released by the National League of Cities and West Valley City:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 28, 2010
Contact: Corey Rushton, Councilmember At-Large, 801-963-3346
West Valley City Councilmember Corey Rushton Explores Redevelopment Solutions at National League of Cities Meeting
West Valley City – During a recent meeting of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) First Tier Suburbs Council in Garland, Texas, West Valley City Councilmember Corey Rushton explored innovative solutions to redevelopment issues and learned how to translate these ‘best practices’ into reality for West Valley City.
“This committee is very ambitious in identifying and researching innovative solutions to the common challenges that our communities all share” said Rushton.
Local officials from first tier suburban communities struggle with the challenges of redevelopment, including aging housing stock and infrastructure, outdated land use regulations and sprawl.
In response to these challenges, city officials learned about downtown revitalization efforts that spur new growth while retaining community character, as well as efforts to plan and leverage new development around Dallas Area Rapid Transit stations. The cities of Garland, Plano, Duncanville, North Richland Hills and Richardson took advantage of the opportunity to bring new life to their communities by combining deliberate growth patterns, public/private partnerships and community support and participation.
In addition to touring successful redevelopment projects, city officials heard from national experts and discussed challenges and solutions to regionalism; retail revitalization; transit-oriented development; neighborhood vitality; changes in the real estate market; and strategic approaches to economic development attraction.
Chaired by Garland Councilmember Douglas Athas, the First Tier Suburbs Council is comprised of local officials from communities outside of central cities and inside the ring of developing suburbs and rural areas.
The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 28, 2010
Contact: Corey Rushton, Councilmember At-Large, 801-963-3346
West Valley City Councilmember Corey Rushton Explores Redevelopment Solutions at National League of Cities Meeting
West Valley City – During a recent meeting of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) First Tier Suburbs Council in Garland, Texas, West Valley City Councilmember Corey Rushton explored innovative solutions to redevelopment issues and learned how to translate these ‘best practices’ into reality for West Valley City.
“This committee is very ambitious in identifying and researching innovative solutions to the common challenges that our communities all share” said Rushton.
Local officials from first tier suburban communities struggle with the challenges of redevelopment, including aging housing stock and infrastructure, outdated land use regulations and sprawl.
In response to these challenges, city officials learned about downtown revitalization efforts that spur new growth while retaining community character, as well as efforts to plan and leverage new development around Dallas Area Rapid Transit stations. The cities of Garland, Plano, Duncanville, North Richland Hills and Richardson took advantage of the opportunity to bring new life to their communities by combining deliberate growth patterns, public/private partnerships and community support and participation.
In addition to touring successful redevelopment projects, city officials heard from national experts and discussed challenges and solutions to regionalism; retail revitalization; transit-oriented development; neighborhood vitality; changes in the real estate market; and strategic approaches to economic development attraction.
Chaired by Garland Councilmember Douglas Athas, the First Tier Suburbs Council is comprised of local officials from communities outside of central cities and inside the ring of developing suburbs and rural areas.
The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
National Committee Meetings
COUNCILMEMBER RUSHTON
COUNCIL REPORT
JUNE 15, 2010
NATIONAL NLC COMMITTEE CONFERENCE
SUMMARY
From June 9-12 I attended and represented West Valley City at my National League of Cities Committee Meeting held throughout the Dallas, Texas region. The conference major speakers and presenters included a variety of municipal officials, developers, and academics that investigated important issues identified by the committee. The meetings were very intense and took place from breakfast through dinner meetings. Clinical Professor and Real Estate advisor Michael Buckley, was given keynote status as he laid out technical information regarding transitions in real estate waves. The presentation impacts towards future development was explored by a firsthand bus tour of recent redevelopment and transit-oriented development through the region. The convening of this committee featured ten PowerPoint presentations with over 450 slides of information. I acquired electronic copies of these presentations in case of expressed interest or application to our City. Additionally, I gathered materials and discussed numerous best practice solutions and innovations in order to share them with executive staff for informational purposes.
PRIORITY ISSUES
1. Regionalism: Karen Walz, Project Manager for Vision North Texas, discussed the efforts of public-private partnerships in addressing the future quality of life, economic desirability and long term sustainability or regions using North Texas as an example.
2. Retail Revitalization: Anne Ricker, Leland Consulting Group, shared retail revitalization strategies and implementation tools.
3. Transit Oriented Development: Art Lomenick, managing Director, Trammell Crow Company discussed elements of successful transit oriented developments.
4. Neighborhood Vitality: Garland Planning and Neighborhood vitality department described the efforts of the City of Garland, Texas neighborhood vitality innovations.
5. Federal Agenda: Council discussed the shift in Department of Housing and Urban Development philosophy and programs toward more 'sustainable' development.
COUNCIL REPORT
JUNE 15, 2010
NATIONAL NLC COMMITTEE CONFERENCE
SUMMARY
From June 9-12 I attended and represented West Valley City at my National League of Cities Committee Meeting held throughout the Dallas, Texas region. The conference major speakers and presenters included a variety of municipal officials, developers, and academics that investigated important issues identified by the committee. The meetings were very intense and took place from breakfast through dinner meetings. Clinical Professor and Real Estate advisor Michael Buckley, was given keynote status as he laid out technical information regarding transitions in real estate waves. The presentation impacts towards future development was explored by a firsthand bus tour of recent redevelopment and transit-oriented development through the region. The convening of this committee featured ten PowerPoint presentations with over 450 slides of information. I acquired electronic copies of these presentations in case of expressed interest or application to our City. Additionally, I gathered materials and discussed numerous best practice solutions and innovations in order to share them with executive staff for informational purposes.
PRIORITY ISSUES
1. Regionalism: Karen Walz, Project Manager for Vision North Texas, discussed the efforts of public-private partnerships in addressing the future quality of life, economic desirability and long term sustainability or regions using North Texas as an example.
2. Retail Revitalization: Anne Ricker, Leland Consulting Group, shared retail revitalization strategies and implementation tools.
3. Transit Oriented Development: Art Lomenick, managing Director, Trammell Crow Company discussed elements of successful transit oriented developments.
4. Neighborhood Vitality: Garland Planning and Neighborhood vitality department described the efforts of the City of Garland, Texas neighborhood vitality innovations.
5. Federal Agenda: Council discussed the shift in Department of Housing and Urban Development philosophy and programs toward more 'sustainable' development.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Spring Landscaping
I have spent a lot time outdoor recently either working on the farm or in my own yard cultivating various plants in hopes of beautifying and producing fruit. I have seen many neighbors and City residents at the local nurseries and home improvement stores and have spoken with them about their plans for Spring cleaning, and improving their homes and yard. In turn these individual efforts enhance our entire community and provides us with a better sense of 'place' within West Valley City. Below is a portion of the City Ordinace that deals with landscaping and below that I have listed a few of my favorite water wise and native Utah plants that you may consider using in your yard or business:
247103.
REAL PROPERTY; REQUIRED LANDSCAPING; MAINTENANCE
REQUIREMENTS.
(1) All developed residential parcels in the City shall have and maintain the following
landscaping:
(a) Landscaping shall be installed in front yards between the front line of the house and the sidewalk on the entire width of the lot excluding the driveway.
On corner lots, landscaping shall be installed in all areas between the sidewalk and the side line of the house between the front property line and the rear property line which are visible from the public right of way.
(b) Landscaping shall include at least one tree and a combination of lawn, shrubs or groundcover. Deciduous trees shall be a minimum size of 2inch caliper. Conifer trees shall be at least six feet in height. Groundcover may include vegetative vines, lowspreading shrubs, or annual or perennial flowering or foliage plants. Groundcover may also include mineral or nonliving organic permeable material in not more than 50 percent of the net landscaped area.
Mineral groundcover may include such materials as rocks, boulders, gravel, or brick over sand. Species, size, and placement of landscape elements shall be determined by the homeowner; however, low water use landscaping is encouraged.
(c) At the time the water supply line to a house is installed, the builder shall furnish and install a stop and wastevalve with an access sleeve and capped mainline to the surface to facilitate future sprinkler system installation. The stop and waste valve may also be located inside the home with a mainline
extended to the exterior of the foundation wall and capped.
(d) On lots over one half acre in size, landscaping shall only be required on 80 feet of street frontage to the depth of the front yard setback. On corner one half acre lots, 80 feet of frontage shall be landscaped on each street. The 80 foot frontage may include customary access drives.
The following are some of my favorite Utah Native plants:
Blue Sage Salvia-- An upright, woody-based perennial with several branched stems having mid-dark, grey-green foliage. Produces beautiful pure blue blossoms in dense clusters from late-summer to autumn. Prefers dry to medium moist soils and requires full sun.
Firecracker Penstemon --Upright, woody-based, evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial with blue-green leaves. In early summer, bears tubular, bright scarlet flowers. Prefers poor to moderately fertile, well drained soil and full sun. Great for dry desert-scapes. Attracts butterflies.
Mexican Hat--A fun fast growing daisy-like flower that requires no water once established. Flowers may be fully yellow or yellow and burgundy. It has a green, turning to brown, cone shaped center with petals hanging from the bottom edge, almost "hat-shaped." It blooms best in full sun from May to August.
Sundancer Daisy --Everblooming Utah native perennial. Forms tight mounds of small grass-like leaves with numerous yellow, daisy-like flowers growing on slender stems above the plant. Tolerant of many different soil types, including poor ones, as long as they are well-drained. Needs very little water once established.
247103.
REAL PROPERTY; REQUIRED LANDSCAPING; MAINTENANCE
REQUIREMENTS.
(1) All developed residential parcels in the City shall have and maintain the following
landscaping:
(a) Landscaping shall be installed in front yards between the front line of the house and the sidewalk on the entire width of the lot excluding the driveway.
On corner lots, landscaping shall be installed in all areas between the sidewalk and the side line of the house between the front property line and the rear property line which are visible from the public right of way.
(b) Landscaping shall include at least one tree and a combination of lawn, shrubs or groundcover. Deciduous trees shall be a minimum size of 2inch caliper. Conifer trees shall be at least six feet in height. Groundcover may include vegetative vines, lowspreading shrubs, or annual or perennial flowering or foliage plants. Groundcover may also include mineral or nonliving organic permeable material in not more than 50 percent of the net landscaped area.
Mineral groundcover may include such materials as rocks, boulders, gravel, or brick over sand. Species, size, and placement of landscape elements shall be determined by the homeowner; however, low water use landscaping is encouraged.
(c) At the time the water supply line to a house is installed, the builder shall furnish and install a stop and wastevalve with an access sleeve and capped mainline to the surface to facilitate future sprinkler system installation. The stop and waste valve may also be located inside the home with a mainline
extended to the exterior of the foundation wall and capped.
(d) On lots over one half acre in size, landscaping shall only be required on 80 feet of street frontage to the depth of the front yard setback. On corner one half acre lots, 80 feet of frontage shall be landscaped on each street. The 80 foot frontage may include customary access drives.
The following are some of my favorite Utah Native plants:
Blue Sage Salvia-- An upright, woody-based perennial with several branched stems having mid-dark, grey-green foliage. Produces beautiful pure blue blossoms in dense clusters from late-summer to autumn. Prefers dry to medium moist soils and requires full sun.
Firecracker Penstemon --Upright, woody-based, evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial with blue-green leaves. In early summer, bears tubular, bright scarlet flowers. Prefers poor to moderately fertile, well drained soil and full sun. Great for dry desert-scapes. Attracts butterflies.
Mexican Hat--A fun fast growing daisy-like flower that requires no water once established. Flowers may be fully yellow or yellow and burgundy. It has a green, turning to brown, cone shaped center with petals hanging from the bottom edge, almost "hat-shaped." It blooms best in full sun from May to August.
Sundancer Daisy --Everblooming Utah native perennial. Forms tight mounds of small grass-like leaves with numerous yellow, daisy-like flowers growing on slender stems above the plant. Tolerant of many different soil types, including poor ones, as long as they are well-drained. Needs very little water once established.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Happy Arbor Day
Recently West Valley City was awarded Tree City USA status for the 15 consecutive year. We had a nice presentation from the State Division of Forestry as well as an update from West Valley Trees committee during our regular City Council meeting. Today I joined with other members of the City Council, WVC Parks Department, and kids from the Family Fitness center Kidz Kamp in planting some trees. The Eastern Redbuds were arranged around a grassy area at the circular end of City Center Ct, near the E-Center. These events are a great asset to the City as these tree will be enjoyed by visitors and residents for years to come. The significance of investing and improving your home and community is of utmost importance to the future of West Valley City. Participation in this Arbor Day event is small token of that commitment and I hope that many more will catch that vision.
Friday, January 22, 2010
New Years Statement
The following is my open letter to the residents of West Valley City as published in ths January edition of The West Valley Journal:
Resolution Concentration
A message from Councilmember Corey Rushton
When the calendar is turned to a new year we inevitably associate this time with a clean slate and an opportunity to make some positive changes in our lives. Similarly, this is also true of your City government. We recently welcomed some changes and new members to our City Council. We have a remarkable blend of backgrounds and talents that will serve the City well. Later this month we will lock ourselves in a room at the Cultural Center (public and press welcome) to establish the yearly goals and priorities of West Valley City. In broadest terms, my New Year’s resolution is to concentrate on those things that are of the most importance, both in my personal life and as a representative of City residents. Now, what I know about concentration can best be summed up by something that my Grandpa Rushton taught me years ago while I was battling through a horrible Little League Baseball slump. He told me that, “Concentration was half confidence and half hunger.”
I often speak about the many good confidence indicators throughout West Valley City. Improved transportation options include refurbished roads, rapid transit bus, and the continued construction on the West Valley City TRAX line. The Valley Fair Mall continues to add dining and shopping options as more and more patronize the area. As the local economy improves, the Chamber of Commerce reported a record month for memberships. Our Police department continues to proactively investigate and prosecute crime.
As good as these things are, let me also assure you that I am equally hungry for positive improvements and progress. We need to witness further reductions in crime. We need to reinvest in our homes, businesses, and community. We need to conserve our natural environment and add quality parks and open space. We must also demand innovation and cost cutting strategies from our governments.
May we all individually and as a West Valley community be like Michelangelo, the great renaissance painter, sculptor, engineer, architect, and poet who said, “I hope that I may desire more than I can accomplish.” I challenge everyone to aim high with their goals this year and strive to achieve great things. Here’s to a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2010 permeating within West Valley City households and neighborhoods.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Back to Business
Now that the lull of the Holiday season is over City business has begun to accelerate with plenty of new projects coming down the pipeline. First of all we will be updating the General Plan to include changes to the Hunter Town Center. This is the new name of the blocks immediately surrounding the intersection of 5600 West and 3500 South. The master plan of this area includes a pedestrian friendly design, transit oriented development, and a variety of commercial and residential additions. Although the realization of this plan may take years, it is beneficial to get the plan ironed out and officially adopted so we can move forward and work to make it a reality. Thanks go out to the many residents that have offered input and suggestion to the layout of this proposal. Also tonight the Council voted to approve funding for streetlight additions and improvements along the recently completed section of 3500 South. This will add to the character and overall safety of the main boulevard that runs the length of our City. Also, the City will also be using some federal funds to complete a safe routes to school sidewalk along the north part of 5400 West. The construction won't begin for awhile, but the last of the legal work has been completed and we will continue to look for additional way to reinvest in our community.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Transit Hub
Thursday we were pleased to join with Utah Transit Authority officials to officially open the City Center Intermodal Transit Hub under beautiful clear warm skies. This station will not only be the connecting point for numerous Bus and BRT service, but is really the first step in establishing a West Valley City Center. Future plans call for this to also be adjoining a Trax station and will also connect to an even larger City Hall Plaza that will feature different artistic amenities and be a regional gathering place. The transit is also excepted to provide a boost to the City Center redevelopment plans that will offer some taller buildings and a more urban and walkable downtown experience. After the official welcoming and recognition of those that made this project possible, those in attendance enjoyed a Mexican food treat and mingled in the plaza.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Project Updates
Recently as a City Councilmember I have been asked a lot of questions in relation to the specifics of any number of construction and/or redevelopment projects within the city. I would like to give a brief update on the status of a couple projects today.
The first project is the remodeling and redevelopment at the Valley Fair Mall. The first aspect of this large project was the successful introduction of Costco to the mall campus a few years ago. This addition has helped to increase the overall profile and shopping traffic of the mall. The first phase on the mall itself is nearing completion with the noted addition of a few well known restaurants and some additional retail space around the perimeter of the site. Interest in these restaurants have been high and I expect the mall to continue to grow as a dining destination. The second phase of the mall redevelopment which will soon be underway will consist of over 50,000 square feet, with the main feature being a spacious plaza and gateway to the mall complex. The plaza will be landscaped with trees, flowers, and water features and will be a great gathering place and focal point to our city center. The posted picture is an artists rendition of what the completed plaza should consist of.
I am also happy to announce that the improvements to 5200 West are now underway and I am looking forward to watching the progress on this project as it will add some safety to this street. To this point it has been a very complicated process, as almost every property on the street had some special circumstances that needed to be factored in. 5200 West has long been a favorite street of mine as it is long and straight, lined with mature trees as well as some good friends and relatives. It is also boasts a variety of beautifully landscaped and unique homes and well as a very special church near one end. It is my understanding that only two churches of this style were ever built and it to me it just looks like a good fit to the neighborhood. As there are a lot of different aspects to these road and sidewalk improvements I was amazed at the variety of projected costs associated with each submitted bid. For example how is it that Company 'A' charges $110 per replaced mailbox while Company 'B' expects $235? After sorting through the various numbers and bids of this project the best value and lowest responsible bid was awarded and the construction has begun. Consequently, this road is closed and only accessible by local traffic, so it is best avoided for now. My niece Jordan and I walked down the road and took a few early construction pictures posted below.
As a final note: Thanks to everyone who helped celebrate my birthday yesterday and to all those who in one electronic form or another wished me the best.
The first project is the remodeling and redevelopment at the Valley Fair Mall. The first aspect of this large project was the successful introduction of Costco to the mall campus a few years ago. This addition has helped to increase the overall profile and shopping traffic of the mall. The first phase on the mall itself is nearing completion with the noted addition of a few well known restaurants and some additional retail space around the perimeter of the site. Interest in these restaurants have been high and I expect the mall to continue to grow as a dining destination. The second phase of the mall redevelopment which will soon be underway will consist of over 50,000 square feet, with the main feature being a spacious plaza and gateway to the mall complex. The plaza will be landscaped with trees, flowers, and water features and will be a great gathering place and focal point to our city center. The posted picture is an artists rendition of what the completed plaza should consist of.
I am also happy to announce that the improvements to 5200 West are now underway and I am looking forward to watching the progress on this project as it will add some safety to this street. To this point it has been a very complicated process, as almost every property on the street had some special circumstances that needed to be factored in. 5200 West has long been a favorite street of mine as it is long and straight, lined with mature trees as well as some good friends and relatives. It is also boasts a variety of beautifully landscaped and unique homes and well as a very special church near one end. It is my understanding that only two churches of this style were ever built and it to me it just looks like a good fit to the neighborhood. As there are a lot of different aspects to these road and sidewalk improvements I was amazed at the variety of projected costs associated with each submitted bid. For example how is it that Company 'A' charges $110 per replaced mailbox while Company 'B' expects $235? After sorting through the various numbers and bids of this project the best value and lowest responsible bid was awarded and the construction has begun. Consequently, this road is closed and only accessible by local traffic, so it is best avoided for now. My niece Jordan and I walked down the road and took a few early construction pictures posted below.
As a final note: Thanks to everyone who helped celebrate my birthday yesterday and to all those who in one electronic form or another wished me the best.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Update Op-Ed
Recently I wrote the "Update" message for the West Valley Journal. There were a number of items and issues that I would have loved to address, but due to space limitations I wrote the following that was themed towards the challenges of a maturing urban city. It also encompasses my thoughts towards many eminent policy decisions from Animals to Zone Changes:
Progress as Promised
A message from Councilmember Corey Rushton
As you take a look around West Valley City you may have noticed the increasing blooming of orange construction cones and fences. The amount of growth and development in this once desolate and lonely region of the valley has been remarkable. It is hard to believe that over fifty years ago it was extremely difficult to obtain a home loan in this area because lenders thought that it was too remote of a location and would eventually be abandoned. However, it has been said many times and in many different ways that change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change. Progress and change is at the root of most issues and challenges we face as we continue to grow and mature as a city with its own identity.
I would like to point out three significant ways in which West Valley City is maintaining a small town sense of community and responsibility in the midst of a rapidly growing urbanized region. First, unlike many government entities, we have a balanced budget and have been consistently paying down city debt. Second, our city has done a great job in attracting and retaining businesses, in addition to having major employment centers. We are fortunate to have roughly the same number of jobs in West Valley City as we have working age adults. Finally, the FBI released crime statistics last week for major U.S. cities, and I was pleased to see that we experienced a decline in violent crimes last year. Considering the state of current economic challenges, I feel that we as a city are in a strong position to make continual strides of improvement.
In addition to all of this, I am thrilled at our city’s unmatched efforts in bringing people and communities together. The great inventor and innovator Henry Ford once noted that, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” I also invite everyone to take inventory and reflect on how we can continue to bring our community together and enjoy the progress within your own lives and within West Valley City.
Progress as Promised
A message from Councilmember Corey Rushton
As you take a look around West Valley City you may have noticed the increasing blooming of orange construction cones and fences. The amount of growth and development in this once desolate and lonely region of the valley has been remarkable. It is hard to believe that over fifty years ago it was extremely difficult to obtain a home loan in this area because lenders thought that it was too remote of a location and would eventually be abandoned. However, it has been said many times and in many different ways that change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change. Progress and change is at the root of most issues and challenges we face as we continue to grow and mature as a city with its own identity.
I would like to point out three significant ways in which West Valley City is maintaining a small town sense of community and responsibility in the midst of a rapidly growing urbanized region. First, unlike many government entities, we have a balanced budget and have been consistently paying down city debt. Second, our city has done a great job in attracting and retaining businesses, in addition to having major employment centers. We are fortunate to have roughly the same number of jobs in West Valley City as we have working age adults. Finally, the FBI released crime statistics last week for major U.S. cities, and I was pleased to see that we experienced a decline in violent crimes last year. Considering the state of current economic challenges, I feel that we as a city are in a strong position to make continual strides of improvement.
In addition to all of this, I am thrilled at our city’s unmatched efforts in bringing people and communities together. The great inventor and innovator Henry Ford once noted that, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” I also invite everyone to take inventory and reflect on how we can continue to bring our community together and enjoy the progress within your own lives and within West Valley City.
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