Factoring tradition and character into the development equation
Commentary by PAT MURPHY
A new strategy is being tried in the growing struggle throughout the
booming western United States to limit explosive growth. Now, citizens are demanding that
politicians and local planners consider a community's "tradition" and
"character" before approving new projects.
It's controversial. A major court test is almost certain, since property
owners believe restrictions on their rights to build amount to taking away property
without proper compensation.
In three communities that couldn't be more disparate, severe new
restrictions recently have been imposed or are being debated.
In Aspen (a mountain playground resort), San Jose (the world capital of
high-tech computer engineering) and Santa Monica (a blend of California cosmopolitan and
Left Coast social engineering), city officials are targeting, among other things, what
they call "monster" homes for prohibition. However, one family's
"monster" home is another's dream house. And therein lies the clash that'll make
lawyers on both sides wealthy.
In Santa Monica, for example, old, small homes dating back to the
pre-World War II war years are being bought, leveled and replaced with enormous
multi-story dwellings on the same small lots. Critics complain views are being restricted,
and "character" and "traditions" of the community are being ignored.
In Aspen, it's not only "monster" homes but also other new
structures that block mountain views. The Wood River Valley should pay attention. We're
due for an outbreak of such criticism.
"Monster" homes have become standard in estate areas of Ketchum
and Sun Valley as well as in unincorporated areas of Blaine County. And now, small
dwellings that've been part of the character and history of Ketchum are vanishing,
replaced by large commercial buildings.
Only a few weeks ago, the Community School's pre-school branch at 7th
Street and Washington went on the market, the 11,000 square feet probably destined for a
large office building to replace the quaint wooden schoolhouse. Partly responsible for
this ravage is Idaho's insane taxing system that makes it almost impossible for small
dwellings to survive. Speculators with pocketsful of cash step in and build for profit.
But what of "tradition" and "character" that are victims of growth?
On page 48 of Ketchum's tidy and meticulous planning and zoning manual,
tradition and character are specifically listed as criteria for approval of new
construction.
"New development," it reads, "should be sensitive to the
historic context from which Ketchum has evolved. Building design should be reflective of
the mining, ranching, alpine and railroad influence on the community."
And finally:
"New development should be responsive to the fact that Ketchum is a
small town located in a mountain environment. The building design, site design and
architectural features in new development should fit' into the natural
surroundings."
Are Ketchum's city fathers enforcing this philosophy when they approve new
projects? Look around and decide for yourself.
My advice, however, is to get out the family camera and shoot pictures
fast of Ketchum as it is today for the grandkids.
The town character that supposedly is to be protected and preserved is
vanishing before our eyes.
Pat Murphy is the retired publisher of the Arizona Republic and a
former radio comentator.