Following a healthy parry of support and opposition, the Blaine County Planning and Zoning Commission decided last week to recommend for county approval a north county planned unit development south of St. Luke's Wood River Medical Clinic and north of the Gimlet subdivision.
The 23-acre project proposed for property near The Meadows is to include 39 community housing units. The project, designed by Dale Bates and Jolyon Sawrey of Ketchum-based Living Architecture, includes two neighborhoods with a mix of 133 dwelling units with an overall density of less than 6 units per acre.
"There was a lot of public comment. People were concerned about what (the project) would do to surrounding neighborhoods and public streets," Bates said. But, he said there was also support for recommending the project to the County Commission for review. The community housing is seen as a big opportunity for young professionals to get a foothold in the community. "I was surprised at how much support we did have."
Despite a level of concern by some neighbors about the impact of the project on infrastructure, Bates said he felt confident in the overall benefit of the project. He cited as examples the success of The Fields development in Ketchum, and the Pine Ridge project, currently under construction nearby on the site of the old Heidelberg Inn. The two projects include 27 community-housing units.
"I know that these are some of the best-designed neighborhoods in the valley because of the thought and human consideration that goes into the planning," Bates said.
The Quail Creek recommendation was made with a number of conditions pertaining to parking stall size, street changes and the integration of duplexes with community housing. The matters will need to be ironed out before a final review scheduled for March 24.
"I am excited that it is moving forward and going to the commissioners," said Michael David, executive director for the Blaine-Ketchum Housing Authority. "We will have 39 more (community housing) units for the working people of Blaine County."
David said that in addition to plans for managing traffic circulation through the project, an added benefit of the project is that it brings bedrooms closer to where many people work, especially hospital employees.
"It brings (people) closer to work and pulls them off the highway. With the proximity to the bike path, in spring, summer and fall people can use alternative transportation. They can bike, use the Peak Bus and walk."
If all the planning and zoning conditions can be met by the end of March, the recommendation could be brought before county commissioners after 45 days.
The Quail Creek PUD would include 39 community housing units in two neighborhoods with a mix of 133 dwelling units and an overall density of less than 6 units per acre.
