WEST VALLEY CITY - Utah's second-largest city has laid the economic footings for its new downtown. West Valley's City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to create a Community Development Area (CDA) that enables the city to invest future tax revenue in new developments.

The city's Redevelopment Agency described its plans for a bustling city center, which would include a renovated Valley Fair Mall, a major transit hub, new city hall and a revitalized 3500 South. To get there, West Valley established a CDA, an economic development tool created by the 2006 Legislature.

"Until this year . . . a mall, large retail, grocery stores, et cetera were not allowed to receive any sales taxes from cities as an incentive to grow," the Redevelopment Agency's Brent Garlick told the City Council. "Within the [CDA] boundaries, these incentives can be provided."

The 258-acre area starts immediately west of Interstate 215 and runs along or near 3500 South to 3600 West. The area, though predominantly commercial, has 61 single family homes. More than 30 people attended the public hearing on the plan, including a few homeowners who worried about impacts on their properties.

"I'm getting old. I don't want to move. I don't want all this going on in my neighborhood," said Dennis Daniels, 70, who has owned his home just behind 3500 South for 47 years. "We don't want the city to come in and take [our] property."

Others echoed Daniels' worry that economic progress could come at the expense of their personal property.

West Valley residents were assured that the Redevelopment Agency has no power to condemn or seize property. The area's plan does forecast a gradual loss of single family residences, but only as property owners choose to sell to developers moving in.

"Please understand [that] we're not thieves. We're not going to steal your homes. As a city, we're not even going to offer to buy your homes," Mayor Dennis Nordfelt told the audience. "If a developer comes in and wants your property, they'll offer you money. If you don't want it, say 'No.' "

The Redevelopment Agency expects the city's sales tax revenue will increase at least $1.4 million annually from new commercial developments, including a renovated Valley Fair Mall and a Costco store being built next year. The increase could then be invested in public infrastructure, roads, parking and land write-downs to aid developers. Each project will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

"All we're adopting is a plan. We're not implementing a plan," Nordfelt told those gathered. "Hundreds - if not thousands - of decisions will be made as we implement [the plan] . . .. There will be plenty of opportunities for comment."

rwinters@sltrib.com