Such was the mood in this bustling suburb Thursday as 125 people crammed City Hall to rail against a big-box development proposed for a 107-acre gravel pit on the east bench.

It marked a repeat of an onslaught in May when residents - until nearly midnight - implored the Planning Commission to deny The Boyer Co.'s proposed mix of housing and retail anchored by Wal-Mart and Lowe's.

The long, hot summer did little to cool emotions.

"I just don't think you have to bow to the almighty dollar,'' said Jane Perkins, representing Save Our Communities and insisting preventing loss of open space "should be a priority.''

Residents laughed when a traffic consultant failed to submit precise numbers on the hypothetical increase in vehicles. They hissed when a young woman suggested "the youth'' of Sandy would patronize Wal-Mart. And one man demanded sound walls, should the project get the city's nod.

No decision was made Thursday, as the Planning Commission postponed a recommendation until a meeting early next month.

If the complex is built, annual sales tax could produce 0 million over 15 years, according to an economic impact study commissioned by the city.

Developers claim Draper, perched just to the south, has poached sales tax from Sandy by strategically placing large retail outlets - including a Wal-Mart - along the city's border.

Developing the gravel pit site at 9400 South and 1000 East would "protect our sales tax base,'' said Boyer's Wade Williams. Developers also claim the project could add more than 900 jobs.

But many people say the mixed-use development could spell doom for small business in the area.

Cynthia Long, manager of the nearby Sandy Mall, also questioned the developer's tactics. She said several tenants had been pressured not to re-sign their leases by Boyer representatives, who promised room at the gravel pit.

"I found it interesting,'' Long told the commission.

Others complained no alternatives were presented as city planners consider amending the zoning.

Rachel Stone, who lives directly across from the gravel pit, said the land represents Sandy's last chance at building a regional park.

In May, residents wearing "Parks Not Parking Lots'' buttons lobbied for a community park. More called for the green space Thursday.

City officials say the site was never designated for a large park, as rumored, and was never zoned for public open space.

Following the public hearing, commissioners called the repetition "somewhat disappointing.''

They heard a brief digression from George Snyder - a landowner adjacent to the gravel pit, who strode to the lectern as many residents were still entering the chambers.

"I think it's a great idea,'' he said.

He was slightly outnumbered.

djensen@sltrib.com