🌱 Westside Rent Hikes Despite Aid + New UTA Transit Program

Salt Lake City UT

14 December, 2021

2:52 PM

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Good morning, Salt Lake City! Let's get you all caught up to start this Wednesday, December 15 off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know today in town. First, today's weather: Rather cloudy and much colder. High: 31 Low: 21. Here are the top stories today in Salt Lake City: A draft of a de facto master plan for the Ballpark neighborhood around its UTA Trax station has been released and promotes the light rail along with upzoning, entertainment, and "pinpricks" of green to improve the area. Currently under review at City Hall, the plan addresses issues of crime, homelessness, and gentrification endemic to the area, as well as pedestrian-unfriendly aspects of an "auto-centric design." The plan draws from other cities that have centered the revitalizing of urban neighborhoods around minor league ballparks. (Building Salt Lake)Public comments are now open and welcome on a city project in line with the Sugar House master plan for greater pedestrian and bike connections in that neighborhood and in neighboring Liberty Wells. Following years of research, the planned changes "will see the important connector rebuilt from I-80 to Logan Avenue with special focus on improvements for pedestrians and cyclists and completing connections on the city's eastside trail systems," according to a press release from the Mayor's Office. The plan includes connecting the last gap in the Salt Lake City segment of the Parley's Trail System. (Gephardt Daily) Imagine a hybrid public transit/rideshare service for Salt Lake City's westside neighborhoods. That's exactly what the Utah Transit Authority just launched with its UTA On Demand service covering the city's Fairpark, Glendale, Jordan Meadows, Poplar Grove, and Rose Park neighborhoods. The one-year pilot program will determine, among other things, feasibility and usage within its service area, enhancing the public's ability to move in an area of town often isolated from the rest of the city by railways and freeways. (KSL.com) The westside apartment complex previously named Solara is under fire for taking $694,696 in Federal Aid — more than any apartment complex in Utah— amid increasing rent prices while failing to address maintenance requests. The Utah Investigative Journalism Project interviewed more than a dozen residents corroborating claims of management that "wouldn't fix anything" while some are facing eviction. (Salt Lake Tribune) Today's Salt Lake City Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com. Today in Salt Lake City: The Natural History Museum's popular traveling exhibition has been extended! Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs is still on display at the University of Utah's Rio Tinto Center now through Jan 6, 2022. (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)Experience art like never before at the Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation on Library Square for a one-of-a-kind personal experience around the works of artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Leonardo da Vinci and more. Art Through Experience, at the Leonardo, now open. (12:00 PM - 7:00 PM)The "Gateway Giftmas" shopping event entices shoppers to stay local by offering a $10 gift card for a $100 cumulative spend at Gateway merchants. (All Day)Don't miss the inaugural season for a new downtown holiday lights installation at the Gallivan Center. See the GLOW Sculpture Garden presented by The Downtown Alliance and The BLOCKS SLC now through March 1. (All Day) From my notebook: Las Posadas is a religious observance from Mexico and this year the Salt Lake City Public Library is helping you celebrate it with take-home kits that include a booklet describing the history of the holiday, a Papel Picado (paper craft), a Farolito (lantern) with a tea light, a tablet of Abuelita Hot Chocolate, and everything else you need to celebrate at home. Pick up a Las Posadas kit at the Chapman Branch in Poplar Grove now. (Instagram) The Hive Market features artfully made or curated products like vintage clothes and handmade soaps from local craftsmen and artists, now in its 4th season at Trolley Square. (fox13now.com)Looking for ways to give back this holiday season? Find the causes and organizations that need your help to serve the local community with these ideas for where to volunteer in Salt Lake City from Salt Lake Magazine. (Salt Lake Magazine)The Parker Theatre in South Salt Lake is presenting "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," a Christmas comedy, now through December 24. (Instagram) Loving the Salt Lake City Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved: Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe Get your local business listed in front of readers Send me a news tip or suggestion at [email protected] Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! See you all tomorrow for your next update. — Joseph Peterson About me: Joseph is a writer and marketing communications strategist with a degree in Mass Communication and Public Relations from the University of Utah. He's keen on city life, public libraries, national parks, and promoting events that build community.