In a lengthy interview with the Deseret News , Bishop H. David Burton, presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, discussed recent land acquisitions by the Church, its historical relationship with Salt Lake City leaders and its real estate philosophy.
"We are committed to do our part to make this a safe, beautiful and enjoyable community where people can enjoy one another, can enjoy the blessings of living in the tops of the mountains and can have safety and education for their families," said Bishop Burton."That's what we're about, in part — to help with community enhancement."
In the article, Bishop Burton said the Church’s legacy of community enhancement in Salt Lake City stretches from the 19th century, when the Church helped build the railroads, to today's City Creek project, which apart from its long-term benefits has created jobs in the short term.
"… When you get the secondary impact of those 1,700 prime jobs and the multiplier effect, it is a substantial contribution to this state and this community and its tax base, Bishop Burton said. "Any parcel of property the Church owns that is not used directly for ecclesiastical worship is fully taxed at its market value."
Read the full story covering the interview with Bishop Burton in the Deseret News .