Orem Residents Just Didn't Want The Noise

Members of the Orem (UT) City Council argued into the wee hours Wednesday before finally deciding to deny a ritzy rehab clinic's request for a helipad.

"There are 11 different issues that we felt could not be mitigated," said Orem Mayor Jerry Washburn, quoted in the Deseret Morning News. "Because of the studies and the sound studies, we felt like there would be a negative impact on the surrounding area in terms of property values, in terms of aesthetics and in terms of the quality of life."

After hearing from dozens of residents dertermined to make their voices heard no matter what the time was, the council voted 5-2 against the helipad proposal, saying it posed both sound and safety risks to the nearby community. Richard Losee, owner of the Cirque Lodge, wanted to fly well-to-do patients in and out of the facility, as well as conduct "therapeutic" helicopter flights up and down Provo Canyon. Before the city council meeting, the helipad had been operated under a conditional-use permit.

"I love the sound of my neighbor's snowblower in the morning when it's on my driveway, and I love the sound of his lawn mower when I can go out and talk to him. It's part of our community," neighbor Al Merkley said. "But this (helicopter pad) is not part of our community."

FMI: www.cirquelodge.com