Issue of: May 20, 1998  

 

P&Z approves a revised Fox Moor subdivision


By AMY SPINDLER
Express Staff Writer

The Hailey Planning and Zoning Commission recommended conditional approval of a preliminary plat for the planned unit development Fox Moor Subdivision presented by Tucker Johnson of Skyline Development.

At the special meeting May 12, Johnson presented the commission with Plan E, which proposed a total of 85 units: 52 in light residential, five cluster homes and 28 multi-family units in a general residential zone. A 1.03-acre park is included in the development, which is proposed on 22 acres of land north of Fox Acres Road and south of Deerfield.

The recommendation for approval limited development to single-family homes within the general residential zone, and made provisions for surrounding streets. The P&Z suggested East Ridge Drive connect through the subdivision to Woodside Boulevard, and Buckhorn connect through to Deerfield and to Fox Acres at the northeast corner of the subdivision.

P&Z members also recommended a phasing agreement between the Hailey City Council and Skyline Development, with the park at the forefront of development.

Johnson described Plan E as "fairly good middle ground," balancing what city, neighbors, and Skyline Development would like to see.

"I would sincerely appreciate action tonight," Johnson told the P&Z. "As you know we’re revisiting this with time being of the essence. I encourage you to take action whether it be approval or denial."

Skyline has been before the commission three times. On Jan. 27, the P&Z recommended annexation with a light residential and general residential zone for the proposed development of 111 dwelling units.

During a March 3 meeting, Skyline sought preliminary plat and PUD approval for a revised plan to build 94 dwelling units, including traditional homes with an alley entrance to the garage, standard homes, and two fourplexes. The application was recommended for approval, but remanded back to the P&Z due to procedural challenge.

Each public hearing drew an angry and concerned crowd of Hailey residents, with traffic and density the chief concerns. The pending development of Quigley Canyon added to neighbors’ apprehension.

Lawyer Mark McGregor, representing four Deerfield residents, said the annexation and development of Fox Moor would interfere with the success of the transfer density rights program under study by the county.

"You’re giving away density...this is working against the overall program," he said.

Although P&Z chair Jonathan Stoke graciously reopened the public hearing so residents could voice unanswered questions, the public did not return the same politeness, and chatted throughout the commission’s entire deliberation.

The P&Z was in favor of mixed-use and multi-family housing, but it limited the general residential to single family-residences. P&Z member Greg James said the isolation of the multi-family units made them less appealing.

"My main quandary is to make the multi-family and density work," he said. "We need density."

The Fox Moor Subdivision, whittled down to about half of its original density, should be presented to the city council next month.

 

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