For the week of May 21 - 27, 2003

Hailey P&Z tackles design proposals, applications

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By MATT FURBER
Express Staff Writer

Demonstrating an array of review responsibilities, the Hailey Planning and Zoning Commission Monday approved three design review applications and tabled one planned unit development and its plat approval pending deliberation of suggested changes. It also made amendments to some of its own design review guidelines.

Two of the applications recommended for design review by the city council were plans for "accessory dwelling units."

The third submittal presented in three-dimensional PowerPoint graphics by Volo LLC was for a mixed commercial and residential project on Main Street to be called Prospector Square. Concerns were raised about a "great wall" effect on the north and south ends of the construction.

They are a product of city fire codes for buildings in zero-set-back locations (meaning no windows are allowed because future neighbors may build right up to the existing building’s walls) said members of the development team.

The complex residence and business location design was thoroughly recommended by the commission and the city planning and zoning staff. Located at 512 N. Main St., the blueprint mixes modern design elements and materials like curved metal roofing and steel supports with the city’s mining and barn heritage in two distinct structures.

The developers agreed that the stucco walls on the ends should be textured and colored to break-up the massive visual impact until such time as future development is completed.

The PUD subdivision plan to be called Winter Fox, which the commission agreed needed improvement is intended to provide well built, moderate and affordable housing for the property between Woodside Boulevard and Shenandoah Drive, immediately south of Winterhaven Drive.

Some council members, city staff and neighboring public voiced concern about fire protection access on a proposed private street that would bisect the property into lots designated for 20 single family homes and one duplex for affordable housing. The duplex would be built with square footage well in excess of zoning requirements.

Other suggestions were the inclusion of sidewalks, a connecting path to the Blaine County Recreation District trail system and more green space or a park for the neighborhood. There was also concern about what to do about part of the property long considered drainage for Quigley Canyon--a designation which may be changed as a result of "upstream" reengineering at the new Wood River High School.

Commission chairman Pat Cooley said he would like to see the issues thoroughly discussed by the applicant, Inland Builders Inc., and planning director Kathy Grotto said she would like to see the revised plans on May 29.

In other business the commission refined language in four sections of the design review guidelines for developers including the treatment of vending machines, the definition of "human scale," requirements for insets and specifications for presenting color samples to the commission.

The changes will be forwarded to the Hailey City Council for their consideration.

The commission also approved the landscaping plan review for the city shop.

 

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