By Anna Brunson

RIVER HEIGHTS -- A proposed bargain with a landowner may be the city's one opportunity to gain some commercial property. Right now, River Heights has no commercially zoned land, and some council members believe a commercial tax base would be helpful.

Todd Weston addressed the River Heights City Council Tuesday night to talk about property he owns along 800 South that borders Logan, Providence, and River Heights. Weston uses his property as a pasture to run neighbors' horses on. Although Weston said he would not develop the land in his lifetime, the future gateway highway will eventually border his property, which makes the area ideal for commercial development in years to come.

Weston asked council members about possible easements if he were to annex into River Heights.

"You don't have to decide anything right now," he said. "I just wanted to toss out these ideas for you to think about."

By trading water line and road construction easements, River Heights would be able to generate a commercial tax base, which would hopefully be more profitable for the city in the long run. Councilman Noel Cooley estimated the assistance would cost the city more than $70,000.

Despite the costs, River Heights could eventually enjoy many benefits of a commercial area. For example, according to an article printed in the River Heights City News, CVTD Advisory Board Member Mike Yancey said the fact that River Heights had no tax base was one major reason a bus route was not planned for the city.

Weston said he didn't know if citizens would support commercial zoning in the city, but Councilman Brent Greenhalgh didn't agree. "I think people would really support a commercial area in River Heights, especially when it would be there either way."

"There are both problems and benefits stemming from commercial property. We will just have to weigh them out over time," said Councilwoman Mary Yancey.

The City Council made no decision on the issue, but assured Weston it would discuss it again in the coming weeks.

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