Wednesday, June 30, 2004

Simplot plan praised, prodded

Owners propose agreement to develop high-profile site

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By GREGORY FOLEY
Express Staff Writer

A proposal to subdivide and develop the Simplot Lot—downtown Ketchum’s largest vacant land parcel—drew a mix of praise and apprehension during its first formal review this week by the Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commission.

"I’m really positive on this plan," said West Ketchum resident Peter Everett. "I think there are many constituencies that gain from this."

At issue Monday, June 28, was a proposed master development plan for the 3.8-acre parcel immediately west of the Ketchum Post Office.

Architect Jim Ruscitto and real-estate broker Dick Fenton—who represent the property’s owners, Gay and Scott Simplot—in May requested that the city approve a development agreement that calls for a mix of residential, commercial and public uses on the site.

The Tourist-zoned Simplot parcel covers two city blocks between Second and Third avenues and Fourth and Sixth streets. The property owners are members of the family that founded the Boise-based JR Simplot Company, a renowned international agribusiness corporation.

Ruscitto and Fenton Monday formally asked the P&Z to rezone the western half of the property and approve a development agreement that strictly limits the building envelopes and uses on the entire site.

In what is likely to be the most controversial aspect of the plan, the applicants asked the city to vacate two platted, undeveloped roadways on the parcel, including a portion of Fifth Street. As proposed, the plan calls for the Simplots to take control of approximately 33,000 square feet of public rights of way.

The primary aspects of the proposed development plan include:

 Permitting development of the west half of the property with no more than 30 duplex housing units.

 Developing three large Tourist-zoned lots and two public parks on the eastern half of the property.

 Installing a 130-stall public parking garage across from the post office.

Fenton said the owners would consider including some 10,000 square feet of deed-restricted community housing but were awaiting a formal recommendation from the Blaine-Ketchum Housing Authority.

"We have said we are open to a community housing component," he said.

Several neighbors of the site said they support the plan but are very concerned about increased vehicle traffic in the area.

"To the south, we’re going to be in a world of hurt," said Edelweiss Street resident Ellen Frieder.

Commissioner Jack Rutherford said he believes the city—if it approves the plan—should ensure an acceptable amount of community housing is built in the initial phase of construction.

P&Z Chairman Greg Strong said he wants more details on how the development would proceed.

"In my mind, we do a development agreement because we want to know what is happening."

The P&Z will resume their review of the plan on Aug. 9.

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