Fox Moor wins final development approval

A large subdivision, including 29 multi-family units, has been approved for development on a 22-acre site in south Hailey.

Hailey City Council approved the Fox Moor subdivision Monday after addressing concerns of its members and the public about a potential increase in traffic, speeding and the multi-family units proposed for a portion of the subdivision.

The subdivision is to be built by Skyline Development Corp., north of Fox Acres Road and south of Deerfield. It includes 56 single family lots and 29 multi-family units, along with 2.27 acres of parks and trails.

The project’s density was decreased through six public hearings from 111 dwelling units to the current plan for 85 units.

Though partly surrounded by Hailey, the 22-acre site was not part of the city until its council voted to annex it Monday.

In an effort to mitigate traffic through the area, the council approved a plan showing East Ridge Drive not directly connecting to Woodside Boulevard through the subdivision; a connector street halfway between Woodside Boulevard and the entrance to the Wood River High School; and East Ridge Drive curved to slow traffic, with a 70-foot right of way.

Skyline will also install sidewalks and bike paths within the development, except along East Ridge Drive.

The developer is required to complete all site improvements including streets, parks and utilities within one year and to finish the project within four years of the approval.

Skyline owner Ted Johnson asked for flexibility in the development agreement that states the number of units to be built within the three phases.

Hailey city planner Carl Hjelm suggested that re-negotiating the development agreement as the project moves forward is an option, "but we need a place to start," he said of the agreement.

Addressing the public’s traffic and speeding concerns, Mayor Brad Siemer said the council is reviewing suggestions made by Hailey Police Chief Jack Stoneback, including awareness through education and signage, neighborhood speed watches and embarrassing the offenders.

"The council’s been grappling with this problem," he said.

Another point of discussion was the zoning of lots one through seven as general residential, which allows for multi-family housing at 10 units per acre.

"I think the bulk of the project looks sensible through a lot of effort from the city, developer and citizens with a notable exception of the five-lot planned unit development," said resident Tom Swenson, who has opposed the project since its inception. "That’s an infield ghetto of bad planning. It’s a real injustice to the neighbors."

The council was initially divided on whether the subdivision should include a general residential zone and therefore increased density.

"You need to ask yourself what a neighborhood is--to me it’s a group with all kinds of people," said Councilwoman Jennifer Hazard Davis. "When we start excluding people because we don’t like the way they live, we start looking at a gated community. I think it’s an appropriate spot for [general residential]."

Councilwoman Susan McBryant disagreed.

"It seems like this is an accommodation to the developer, and not well-planned zoning," she said.

Despite the initial objections, the council approved annexation with both a light residential and general residential zone as presented.

Skyline will go before the council for final plat approval of phase two and three, as well as for the planned unit development for the general residential zone that includes multi-family housing. Those meeting have not been scheduled.