In the mounting debate over tree preservation versus private property rights, one idea is being considered to help assuage both sides.
The Ketchum Historic Preservation Commission discussed Wednesday, June 14, whether trees could be a part of the TDR, or transfer of development rights, ordinance.
"If you've already transferred credits for the protection of a house, (maybe) you could get extra credit for preserving a tree," said Stefanie Webster, city planner and liaison to the preservation commission.
The city is working on revising its TDR ordinance, which allows property owners to sell off development rights to property owners elsewhere in town, thereby providing incentive to keep some buildings small. The TDR ordinance is seen as a way to save historic cottages in the face of rising property values and demand for condominiums.
"Trees really are a part of our heritage," said Commission Chairman Jim Ruscitto. "We have historic sites and trees are a part of those sites."
The commission identified Ketchum's Forest Service Park, which is in the process of being nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, as one such site.
Commissioner Nan Emerick noted that trees on the Ketchum Korral south of downtown site could be beneficiaries of such an incentive.
"They're not in the city's right of way," she said, meaning they're not owned by the city. "They're not even close to it. They're plunk right in the middle of where things could be developed one day."
The commission also voted to send a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the historic sites "windshield survey"—so called because it was conducted by exterior examination—compiled by Ketchum-based consultant Walsworth & Associates last summer.
"It can be a handbook or guide to analyze historic properties and buildings and could be used in conjunction with the demolition ordinance and TDRs," Ruscitto said. "It's a document for public awareness and helps guide people in the selection of TDRs."
Cultural resource consultant Claudia Walsworth and photographer Jeanne Flowers came up with 220 properties potentially worthy of historic recognition. Of those, approximately 30 are considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
The survey results and photos are available at the Ketchum Planning Department on the upper floor of City Hall.
Comments on the TDR ordinance can be sent to Webster at the Ketchum Planning Department.
National Register review
An application to put Ketchum's Forest Service Park—trees and all—on the National Register of Historic Places is entering its final phase. The $4,000 application process, being paid for in part by the city and in part by a federal grant, is being reviewed by the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office before it's sent on to the Department of the Interior for consideration. Dale Gray, president of Grand View-based Frontier Historical Consultants, prepared the application.
