Friday, December 17, 2004

A worthwhile timeout in Sun Valley


It's an idea from Sun Valley Mayor Jon Thorson that should spread to other parts of the Wood River Valley, where galloping growth too often is far ahead of thinking and planning in city halls.

Thorson was to have asked his city council on Thursday to approve an ordinance imposing a 120-day moratorium on all land-use permits and subdivision applications.

How refreshing.

Too often, city halls are inclined to submit to pressure of builders seeking immediate approval of their projects with the customary appeals that delays cost them money.

But haste also has penalties, often far more damaging in the long run.

The ultimate goal of Mayor Thorson is for the city of Sun Valley to develop a firm, unequivocal ordinance that would enforce a requirement for affordable community housing in all developments.

"Community housing is going to be important for our community and all of the local communities," explains Mayor Thorson.

Well said.

As beneficial as new developments are to the economy, they also represent increasingly more expensive housing that is unaffordable for more of the area's permanent support personnel.

A work force that cannot afford to live in the communities they serve, especially skilled and professional workers, means an unstable economy, poorly run communities and erratic public services.

Mayor Thorson has set a standard. Are other communities listening?




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