In 2018, the town was overwhelmingly in favor of the Treasure Hill bond. The balloting was 77% in favor of the $48 million bond to be used to acquire the 105 acres above Main Street for $64 million. Clearly, the thought was that Park City would be better off without a major development looming ove r town, and the citizens were willing to incur the steep cost necessary to prevent future building on that land.As one who supported the bond, it was my understanding that the town would purchase the land and enter into a conservation easement that would be overseen by a third party, most likely Summit Land Conservancy.  Most of that process has happened, although at a snail’s pace. Many administrative details, including surveys and documentation of easements among other issues, has taken the better part of six years. The details of the conservation easement are yet to be finalized.The next piece of the puzzle is to come before the City Council on Thursday. There are two questions that remain.  The first is what improvements, if any, may be put on the land that are within the terms of the pending conservation easement? All parties agree that improvements to the Town Lift should be accommodated. It is thought that upgrading the fixed grip, three seat, 22 minute ride up from Town Plaza makes sense. No one appears to object to a six-pack or gondola as a replacement. But that is where agreement starts to fray. Should realignment of the lift be permitted? If so, would an angle station be permitted within the terms of the conservation easement? What about new ski or downhill bike trails? If new ski acreage is permitted, then what about adding snowmaking and related support equipment?The second question concerns who should have the right to make such decisions in the future. Should the City Council reserve that right as owner of the land or should those decisions fall to Summit Land as the holder of the conservation easement? What might the attitude of future members of the City Council be? What if the city were to sell their ownership position to a third party?For me the control/approval decision is easy. The conservation easement must align with the motivation of the 77% of voters who willingly obligated themselves to a $64 million purchase! The only way to assure voters that their will is achieved is if the holder of the conservation easement has the right to approve modifications. It is not time for this deal to be re-traded. The City Council should live up to the deal that voters approved.Jack RubinPark CityThe post Finish the deal appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less