For the week of Sept 25 - Oct 1, 2002

Wisdom in 
Sun Valley delays

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Rarely has Sun Valley seen a year like this.

The idyllic enclave of upscale homes has been caught up in a series of debates over The Community School’s plans for a new campus, siting of an arts center, and now plans of new owners to raze the Elkhorn Resort to make way for a new complex of 56 condos and 38 townhouses.

Although the projects ultimately could become major assets to Sun Valley and enhance the area’s reputation, the town’s planning and zoning commission wisely halted work while plans of the school and the Elkhorn Resort are re-worked to conform to the city’s vision and standards. The city is also helping to fund a feasibility study for the arts center.

As if adding frosting to the cake, Sun Valley resort owner Earl Holding has happily decided to hire a master planner for major additions and upgrades to his array of properties on and off Bald Mountain.

Although it may appear to be nit-picking, this is the way it should be—community projects must be planned thoughtfully. The city must insist that developers invest whatever time is required to avoid errors of design or land use that could irretrievably jeopardize the character of the community at large.

 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.