A little-known park in Ketchum is getting a lot of attention these days.
The Planning & Zoning Commission conducted a site visit May 24 to the property proposed for development by Stevenson Ketchum Fund LLC.
Tucked away at the southernmost terminus of the Walnut Avenue right of way at the edge of Trail Creek is the unimposing park, roughly 60 x 150 feet. Because of a steep embankment at the end of Walnut Avenue, public access is gained by a dirt road that continues off the end of First Street.
Jack Bariteau, representing his interests in Stevenson Ketchum Fund, LLC, discussed plans to develop the park, as well as to construct a staircase leading down from Walnut Avenue and to create a cul-de-sac at the end of the street. A path would be provided along Trail Creek to connect the park with Wood River Land Trust-owned property upstream.
The two-building multi-unit residential project includes one deed-restricted housing unit.
Developers are asking for vacation of a portion of the First Street right of way.
Kate Giese, Wood River Land Trust's stewardship coordinator, said the path leading from their patch of property is a small part of an important puzzle the organization is trying to put together—that of public access along a protected creek.
But the current 25-foot riparian setback may not be sufficient to protect both the delicate stream bank and the people who would use the path.
"The Land Trust is strongly recommending a greater riparian setback for two reasons," she said. "One is to protect the riparian area on Trail Creek, the vision that (it) could one day again contribute to the health of the Big Wood River. Secondly, we'd like to see the setback more than 25 feet to provide access for the community."
Another point of debate is the location of a sewer line, proposed to be located inside the 25-foot setback.
"We can work to manipulate it outside the riparian area if that's what the city wants us to do," Bariteau said.
Ketchum Parks Director Kirk Mason likes the idea of public access to parks and the creek but is also concerned about the setback.
"We need more of a setback, at least on the southwest corner of this project," he said. "Also, if we did that, it could save some pine trees that are going to be cut out. We think that would be more valuable to the public."
The buildings technically lie in the FEMA floodplain, which is based on the carrying capacity of the channel, but because of their elevation, owners could apply to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a "letter of map revision" to take them off, said Jim Zarubica, project engineer.
Ketchum attorney Barry Luboviski, retained by adjoining property owner Jack Rutherford, said previously that the plan was a raw deal, getting too much from and offering too little to the city.
Rutherford, who is co-owner of the adjacent Lodges on Trail Creek, is a P&Z commissioner. He has recused himself from the issue.
Developer Jack Bariteau points last week to an area at the end of Walnut Avenue. As part of a residential project planned for the area, he proposes improved public access to a city-owned pocket park adjacent to Trail Creek, with a staircase descending from Walnut Avenue. Planning & Zoning Commissioners toured the site to familiarize themselves with the layout and plans. City Planner Beth Callister, holding the microphone, made a recording of the visit for public record. Photo by David N. Seelig
