SANDY - Construction is officially under way at Sandy's gravel pit. Leaders from the city along with officials of The Boyer Co. - the Salt Lake City-based company leading the development of the 107-acre parcel - launched construction at the site Friday. The land was one of the state's most disputed pieces of property as residents blocked the development at 9000 South and 1000 East for more than a year. That blockade ended in November when Sandy voters gave a nod to the development, which includes a Super Wal-Mart, Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, more than 300 housing units, a smattering of smaller retailers, and restaurants and a park. The gravel pit's future became a hot topic when residents rallied against the development. They argued the area wasn't the right spot for big-box retailers. The case twice ended up at the Utah Supreme Court. - Jacob Santini