Wednesday, March 3, 2004

P&Z approves Hailey cinema proposal

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By MATT FURBER
Express Staff Writer

The Hailey Planning and Zoning commission on Monday, March 1, approved a design review application by former Sun Valley City Councilman Latham Williams for a new six-auditorium movie theater in Hailey. The theater would be located on the west side of Main Street, between Empty Saddle Trail and Myrtle Street.

The hearing had been continued from a meeting on Feb. 17 when public comment was heard. At the hearing on Monday, only City Council deliberation was heard.

Planning and Zoning Commissioner John Seiller said Monday that the project dovetailed with the goals and policies of the city’s comprehensive plan, whether or not the commission decided to approve the design.

Seiller explained that the comprehensive plan describes the Hailey central business core as extending to McKercher Boulevard. The commission voted unanimously to approve the project. Commissioner Kristin Anderson was absent from the meeting.

Citizens have been concerned about traffic congestion on Empty Saddle Trail and the impact on the Northstar neighborhood.

Following recommendations from the Hailey planning staff, commissioners requested that the developer include a "No Left Turn" sign on River Street where it meets Empty Saddle Trail, the proposed address for the cinema.

Another condition for approval was an item that would prohibit construction vehicles from going through the Northstar Meadows subdivision.

The commission also directed the developer to include bicycle racks, benches and trash receptacles on the property. Murals and landscaping planned for the property are subject to further review.

The commission also recommended that the developer create a buffer zone between the neighborhood and the cinema. The buffer zone would include a 30-foot long, six-foot high fence and spruce trees.

 

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