Comp plan draft set for public review in June

Planning consultant Lee Nellis, who is working with Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commission to rewrite that city’s comprehensive plan, will present a draft to the public on June 24.

Idaho state law requires every city adopt a comprehensive plan outlining the goals and policies of the city, and giving guidance to the council and planners.

The P&Z held a special meeting last Wednesday with Nellis after its previous meeting was adjourned early because it wasn’t properly noticed. About 20 residents were present for Wednesday’s meeting.

Nellis said he hopes the public will have a chance to comment on the draft at a street fair in August. The city will close Fourth Street between Leadville and East Avenue, and install food booths and trees to create the feeling of a pedestrian mall. The purpose of the fair is to receive feedback from the community on the draft.

"That community event illustrates what we’re trying to do with the comprehensive plan," he said.

The P&Z will make a formal recommendation to the city council in September.

The draft proposes dividing the Ketchum commercial core into two zones. The proposed change would allow for a "CCH zone," or high density commercial core, in the area between Second Street and Fifth Street and East Avenue to Second Avenue. The fringes of the existing commercial core zone would be down-zoned to "CCL," demanding lower density while allowing for mixed use.

Nellis stressed the importance of connecting the city’s downtown area to future development near the River Run Plaza, an access area to the ski resort owned by Sun Valley Company. Nellis objected to the possible development of an independent, inward-oriented village surrounding the lodge. Nellis said Second or Third avenues are possible connectors.