The cost of affordable housing
Riverside lot targeted by PUD
By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer
Ketchum Planning and Zoning
Commission Chairman Peter Ripsom explains plans for a development in southern Ketchum that
could provide $200,000 in “in lieu” funds for affordable housing in Ketchum. The
city would exchange development density for the affordable housing money. The Ketchum City
Council is scheduled to hear the proposal on Monday at 6 p.m. Express photo by Willy Cook
A proposal going before the Ketchum City Council on Monday could test city
officials’ commitment to affordable housing in the north-valley community.
At stake is one of the city’s relatively undeveloped lots along the
Big Wood River. It is owned by Jack and Lee Bornhoft and is currently the Sun Valley RV
Park, about a half mile south of Baldy’s River Run base area.
The Bornhofts propose to subdivide the lot and sell to developer Doug
McPherson. Of primary concern is the development’s eventual density and setback of
homes from the river.
The lot is zoned LR-1, meaning one residence per acre. On the 6.38-acre
site, that would mean only six homes could be built. However, the developer proposes to
create 11 lots.
Under Ketchum’s planned unit development (PUD) ordinance, city
officials can offer lenience in the city’s zoning ordinances in exchange for other
desirable outcomes. In this case, density would be exchanged for affordable housing.
But there’s a hitch to that plan.
Developer McPherson is proposing to offer the city not actual affordable
housing, but $200,000 of "in-lieu" money that could be used to fund affordable
housing elsewhere.
The Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the
proposal on March 27, though it deleted one of the proposed lots. But it is a matter of
question whether the city’s ordinance will allow acceptance of in-lieu funds.
P&Z Commission Chairman Peter Ripsom acknowledged in an interview that
the proposal is in a "gray area" that should be tested.
The PUD ordinance states that if a PUD is being created in the LR-1 zone,
on-site affordable housing is required. However, it adds that a "waiver" may be
granted on a "case-by-case basis."
During a visit to the site on Monday, Ripsom elaborated on the proposal he
voted in favor of at a March 27 P&Z meeting.
Waving his arm toward the neighboring bike path and mortgage row beyond,
Ripsom said, "This whole thing is in transition, which is what makes it difficult.
This is not pristine LR-1 property."
Convincing the site’s neighbors of that may be tough.
Richard Fuld lives slightly upstream and across the river from the
proposed project. He is developing several homes on his property. At the March 27 meeting,
Fuld’s project manager, Steve Riley, told the commission that the proposed PUD is too
dense and could result in a wall of buildings along the river. He said that he and Fuld
are happy with current zoning.
Ripsom said the trade in density for affordable housing is a fair one.
"This money could be used creatively, and we could get some housing
out of it," he said.
Ripsom said the money could become the beginning of a Ketchum affordable
housing fund or go toward the purchase of deed restrictions or existing housing.
Ketchum and Blaine County housing director Steve Amsbaugh was not
available for comment this week, but in prior meetings he has expressed interest in
accepting the in-lieu funds.
