NORTH SALT LAKE, Utah - Sky Properties is donating a plot of land to a family who lost their home in a landslide, and fundraising efforts on the family's behalf are underway.
The Utrilla family's home was destroyed in a landslide that threatened several homes in the area and has prompted questions into whether or not the developer bears some responsibility for the loss.
David Utrilla said they appreciate the efforts on their behalf from Sky Properties, which include a $130,000 lot and a fundraising effort.
"We as a family, we only have words of thanks," he said.
Scott Kjar is the Vice President of Eaglepointe Development, a company affiliated with Sky Properties, and he said they believe in helping the community. He also said they are hoping others will step in and help.
"In our community we have a value of bearing one another's burdens, and today we're here to ask you to help us bear their burdens," he said. "We're asking all those people: builder, suppliers, contractors and others, to step up and contribute and pay forward the blessings they've had in seeing this community grow."
Officials with Sky Properties indicated if the necessary funds aren't raised to build the Utrilla's a new home they will step in to cover the difference, but some neighbors feel like the move is a publicity stunt and that the developer should cover all of the costs rather than seek help from the community.
"My opinion of Sky Properties is that they have a lot of liability in regards to the slide, and I think they not only should donate a piece of land, I think they should pay for the whole house," neighbor Leslie Fredette said.
A blog has been created to provide updates on the ongoing rebuilding process the Utrilla family faces, click here for details.
A fund is also being set up where those who would like to help can donate funds which will go only to the family.
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