Wednesday, April 7, 2004

Hailey should fight creep of emptiness

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Hailey has long been a refuge for working families seeking shelter. It should take steps to remain so.

At least two annexation proposals are headed the city’s way. Cutters Ranch could contain 100 or more new homes. A development in Quigley Canyon could bring even more.

It’s sad to see pleasant open areas fall to the bulldozer’s blade. But fall they will.

There is little anyone can do to stop development short of buying property. Cities and counties have only the power to shape developments to their liking and to control impacts.

In its first outings in Hailey, Cutters Ranch generated loud outcries from neighbors upset about the prospects of more neighbors, more traffic and less space. The concerns led to cuts in the number of homes from 135 to 100.

Many people would like to see the city reject annexation and leave the property in the county where fewer homes could be built.

Yet, contrary to popular belief, severely limiting the number of homes that may be built may not be the best means of maintaining Hailey’s great charm.

Hailey is a wonderful town precisely because people live there. It’s alive everyday all year, unlike towns to the north.

Hailey’s real problem is to find a way to remain alive instead of succumbing to the deadening effects of expansive mountain mansions that are empty of life for all but a few weeks a year.

The people of Ketchum once believed this would never happen to their town. They were wrong. As well-heeled non-residents snatched up homes, emptiness crept over the hill from Sun Valley and took up residence in Ketchum as well.

In these days of scarce land and cash rich buyers from all over the world, residential development on large lots will produce only homes that people of ordinary means cannot afford. On the other hand, greater numbers of homes on smaller lots will not guarantee homes that working families can afford.

Only deeds that restrict resale prices in order to preserve housing stocks can do that. Hailey could require deed-restricted homes to be built in any new subdivisions.

Hailey has a chance to keep its life and its charm. Whether it will depends on the wisdom and strength of its leaders.

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.