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John Daley ReportingThe fight over what happens to a third of the land in Bluffdale continues.
This is a battle over the Rosecrest Development, but a lot more than that is at stake.
Today, the dispute went to the Utah Supreme Court. It's a closely followed court case, and it could be a landmark decision when it comes to future development in Utah.
Both sides agree the case could determine who has the upper hand in future land fights—developers or city planners.
More than 50 property owners representing about 4,000 acres filed petitions to split off and become part of Herriman, claiming the city is anti-growth.
City officials and some other residents worry about over-development and too much density. Developers generally want two or three homes per acre, but the city prefers about an acre per home.
If the court allows the switch, about a third of Bluffdale will become part of Herriman.
Bruce Baird, attorney for Property Owners: "Sooner or later it's going to get developed. The question is whether it gets developed well or it gets developed badly. This is one of those situations, ironically, where if it's developed with more density, the extra density can support the dedication of parks and trails, which the larger lots can't support."
Dale Gardiner, attorney for Bluffdale: "We think the legislature has provided that the city gets to decide what its boundaries are; if this case is upheld then, in reality, they don't. If the cities turn down a development, the developers can go into another city and change the boundaries between two municipalities. That's the danger that we see."
While the Utah Supreme Court made no decision today, the courtroom was packed, which is a sign of just how closely this case is being watched.
A decision is expected sometime in the next few months.
If the court sides with property owners the land could become part of Herriman, with construction starting as early as next summer.
