Hurricane City Council met on Thursday, July 21, to discuss and consider approval of a road control gate placed on 200 South to connect to 1515 West. The road’s initial construction was for emergency access. The people of Hurricane argue that this is not the case. A local man voiced that he has seen an increased rate of individuals vandalizing mailboxes and graffitiing property from the road. People have even reported individuals picking and stealing fruit from trees located in civilian’s yards. The neighborhood near the RV park, connected by the road, leaves the area prime for wandering tourists to explore. Individuals of Hurricane City have expressed that they would like a gated piece to the road that separates the RV park from their neighborhoods.
The city council voiced that they had placed cones across the street to deter any further unwanted visitors. The verdict was unanimous that the cones had drastically controlled vehicle traffic, yet some brave individuals just got out of their vehicles and moved them. The cones had done little to nothing to prevent foot traffic through the road. The road is wide enough for one vehicle to pass through, making it difficult for two cars even to give each other. Brady Tapp voiced his concern that it was too miserable to go outside with the hot weather, let alone come to the road. He states that more people will begin driving around the cones when the cooler weather returns. He then said more claims of vandalism and foul play from visitors within the RV park. ” It’s difficult to feel safe with people they don’t know cycling in and out of the RV park.”
The city council voiced that they had placed cones across the street to deter any further unwanted visitors. The verdict was unanimous that the cones had drastically controlled vehicle traffic, yet some brave individuals just got out of their vehicles and moved them. The cones had done little to nothing to prevent foot traffic through the road. The road is wide enough for one vehicle to pass through, making it difficult for two cars even to give each other. Brady Tapp voiced his concern that it was too miserable to go outside with the hot weather, let alone come to the road. He states that more people will begin driving around the cones when the cooler weather returns. He then said more claims of vandalism and foul play from visitors within the RV park. ” It’s difficult to feel safe with people they don’t know cycling in and out of the RV park.”
Another argument from the city against the crash gate was that emergency vehicles needed multiple routes of access to effectively reach that part of town. Employees who used the road to get to and from work would have to find other viable means. The Council discussed traffic issues as well. If the gate is constructed, all other roads will increase through traffic. “We do not want more unnecessary traffic through neighborhoods with little children.” The Council discussed their options, find a way to fund a wall, take extra measures to block off the road temporarily, or do nothing and say this is how development works. The amount projected to build a crash gate wall is $1500, which had been discussed in an earlier council meeting. The Council would have to receive help from UDOT who is in control of whether or not the gate can be constructed. Other hearing would have to take place in order to make a decision if the wall can be built. The Council considered and decided to table the discussion so that more information could be gathered about putting a temporary fence on the road until other avenues can be constructed.
Written by Noah Nielson
noah.nielson2@gmail.com
Noah Nielson grew up in Delta Utah with his parents and 2 brothers. Growing up with 2 brothers, and in a small farm town, he quickly learned the definition of hard work. Noah encountered plenty of opportunities to get his hands dirty and serve others in his community. His hometown sparked a passion inside of him for patriotism and a love for this wonderful country. Noah’s parents taught him extremely valuable lessons throughout his youth that have served him well into adulthood. He loves to play baseball and be in the mountains. Some of his hobbies include hunting, fishing, and anything to do with cars. Noah attended Delta High School and participated in many sports throughout his time there. Upon graduation he served a full-time mission for his church “The church of Jesus Christ.” When he returned home, Noah attended Snow College and later transferred to Dixie State University. He loves telling stories and making other people laugh. Noah found a passion for writing and has enjoyed learning and growing. Some of his biggest goals in life are to provide for a family and to make his parents proud.