David Hinckley cherished his ranch in northern Salt Lake County, running cattle until his death in 2014 despite the encroaching urban landscape that threatened agriculture.
Now, his legacy continues through his children, Dalon Hinckley and Heather Limon, who operate Cross E Ranch — a beloved agricultural destination where families can experience farm life and indulge in popular apple cider doughnuts.
Described by his son as a man who loved the romance of ranching, Hinckley took pride in maintaining one of the last ranches in the region during a time of rapid growth.
However, this treasured piece of farmland faces an uncertain future as Salt Lake City considers annexing it into the city limits due to pressures from commercial developers eager to capitalize on the area’s unique location near key infrastructure.
Cross E Ranch is located in the Northpoint area, a traditionally agricultural hamlet situated amid Interstate 215, Legacy Parkway, the Salt Lake City International Airport, and the Great Salt Lake.
This neighborhood is among the last working farmlands in the Salt Lake Valley, but with agriculture declining — thanks to rising costs — the area has attracted the attention of developers keen on building new facilities.
City officials have indicated that annexing the Northpoint area is a priority as part of a broader effort to navigate the developmental pressures threatening the cultivated landscape.
The proposed annexation area primarily extends along 2200 West, starting from near the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District headquarters, up to Cross E Ranch at the junction of 2200 West and Cudahy Lane.
Currently, much of the area remains unincorporated, surrounded by existing city boundaries, and Tuesday’s expected vote marks a critical moment in a multi-year process of planning and studying the agricultural zone.
The decade-long encroachment of commercial pressures has transformed the neighborhood, which can now be segmented into three distinct areas.
The southernmost section showcases large-scale distribution and manufacturing facilities, while the northern reaches reveal remnants of the valley’s agricultural heritage. The middle section features a blend of commercial developments and surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Cross E Ranch is a standout attraction amidst these changes, conveniently located across the Jordan River from Davis County and North Salt Lake.
The annexation also encompasses around 797 acres of parcels, including vital wetlands and open spaces, amid continuing interest from landowners eager to capitalize on potential new developments.
City officials have yet to make public a proposed site for a new homeless services campus, which has drawn curiosity and concern from local residents, including Angela Taylor, who moved to Northpoint in 2018 for its rural atmosphere and open spaces.
Although Taylor acknowledges the inevitable changes coming to the area, she expresses concern that new developments — such as a potential homeless shelter — would not thrive given the neighborhood’s overall lack of transit options and proximity to employment opportunities.
City officials, however, defend their push for annexation by stating that it is necessary to gain more control over commercial development and mitigate its adverse impacts on the residents.
To that end, City Council members have recently implemented a new light industrial zoning category tailored to the Northpoint area, which prohibits additional distribution centers and introduces tree-planting standards for commercial properties.
In pursuing annexation, the city hopes to bring a balance between allowing landowners to build, while simultaneously safeguarding the quality of life that attracted residents like Taylor.
Another goal of the annexation is to create cohesive borders between Salt Lake City and neighboring Davis County, alongside boosting property tax revenues, especially since the annexation includes 200 acres directly north of the airport runway.
As Council member Victoria Petro, who represents the area, highlighted at a meeting in May 2024, the annexation aligns with several crucial city objectives aimed at benefiting constituents and protecting the environment.
Discussions regarding the future of Northpoint have been ongoing since 2021, with council members approving a planning document for the area in November 2023.
Despite a potential completion of the annexation set for May 2024, city staff discovered inaccuracies in the county border records, complicating timelines due to the shifting flow of the Jordan River.
Local residents have advocated for immediate zoning designations for the area to preserve buffer zones along the Jordan River and other waterways before finalizing any annexation.
Cross E Ranch, along with other farmers, has requested the city to allow agricultural practices to continue in the neighborhood, and some residents hope that joining the city’s jurisdiction will secure better municipal services like police and fire protection.
Plans for extending necessary utilities such as sewer lines are still awaiting finalization, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the area.
As the City Council prepares for a vote on the annexation ordinance during an upcoming regular meeting, the stakes remain high, particularly for the families and landowners invested in the legacy of Cross E Ranch.
David Hinckley’s descendants have faced countless offers to sell their land, though many offered have lacked earnest intent. The impending annexation raises questions about future opportunities for development, opening or closing economic avenues in the region.
“Our upcoming fall festival at the ranch will continue, but beyond that, we’re unsure what the future holds,” said Hinckley, acknowledging the shifting landscape in which they operate.
With the tension between agricultural preservation and urban development intensifying, all eyes are on the City Council’s decision regarding the annexation — a critical juncture for Cross E Ranch and the surrounding Northpoint community.
image source from：https://www.sltrib.com/news/2025/06/10/salt-lake-city-plans-annex/
