Lehi City officials are not fond of a UDOT proposal to use 2100 North as an alternate for a freeway from Saratoga Springs to Interstate 15. At a joint study session Tuesday with the Alpine School Board, city officials encouraged the school district to help them fight the fight by building a school on land near the proposed roadway, hoping it would inhibit UDOT's progress on the road.

"We, as you know, are very concerned about UDOT's plan," said City Administrator Jamie Davidson.

Davidson said it was important that property owners in the area who are concerned get involved.

"You are a significant player and have significant influence," Davidson said.

Alpine School District owns property on 2100 North and 2300 West where it intends to build an elementary school as soon as possible. Board members and administrators asked the city what the consequences could be if they were to start building a school.

"We do need a school next year," said Alpine business administrator Rob Smith.

Smith said Snow Springs Elementary School is growing more rapidly than expected.

City Attorney Ken Rushton said UDOT's plan for 2100 North at this stage does not impose any restrictions on what can be developed where. In order for UDOT to take property they would have to purchase it. Smith said UDOT has not made an offer on the district's property.

"I think you need to move forward with your school," Davidson said.

Lehi city would rather 2100 North become a seven-lane boulevard with limited access points. City officials are concerned that UDOT's proposal will have adverse affects on the city. The plan the city has presented to UDOT, they think, is better for access and the community.

The school board has not made a decision on what to do. Board member Donna Barnes said the board would think about the decision and decide what the fate of the property should be.

¢Brittani Lusk can be reached at 344-2549 or at blusk@heraldextra.com.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page B1.