Recently, I read a letter from a Sugar House resident bemoaning the changes to our beloved neighborhood. While he and I agree that Sugar House is worth preserving, I have a different view about development in our neighborhood in the past 15 years: I, for one, love the changes.
Sugar House is not a perfect place; no neighborhood ever is. But I would happily trade the Sugar House of the 1990s, featuring dilapidated commercial uses, general disinvestment, big parking lots, and a naughty novelty shop on the corner of Highland Drive and 2100 South for today’s Sugar House.
We now have several new locally owned restaurants, a remodeled movie theater, much better shopping — including thriving local and national retailers — and an urban streetscape with tall buildings that house my new neighbors; and I’m happy to share my neighborhood with them. I especially love the new sidewalks, bike lanes, and the pedestrian connection to Sugar House Park, which make it one of the few viable neighborhoods in the state for those who choose to live without a car.
As I grow older, I remind myself that it is not for me to insist that Sugar House remain how I found it over 40 years ago. Cities must grow or change. I’m most concerned about how Sugar House will be for the people who are moving in now, and about what our children and grandchildren think Sugar House should be in the future. After all, it is their neighborhood as well as mine. As long as Sugar House continues to be known for great housing, great parks, and great shopping, entertainment and food options, it will continue to be a great place.
Francis Xavier Lilly, Salt Lake City
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible