In January 2007, I was invited to attend a Citizens for Smart Growth meeting. At least 23 proposed developments were on their display board. This is over-development.
I am opposed to the Cove Springs project. I have a fundamental concern as to the carrying capacity of the local natural resources to support "urban" populations. The overall impacts of population increases of this magnitude are considerable, even if it occurs incrementally. I don't want to tell my grandchildren stories about when we had abundant wildlife, fish, agriculture etc. "Urban" should not be synonymous with the Wood River Valley. Every aspect of growth should be carefully scrutinized for sustainability of the lifestyle we enjoy and treasure.
- Water: This is a big deal here, in Idaho and the West. We live in a high mountain desert climate. I have a major concern regarding additional demand and possible contamination of ground water/aquifer and the negative impact on our "crown jewel" of Silver Creek, down basin farmers, and wetlands.
Do Cove Springs plans call for individual wells/septic ... tapping into whose water supply systems and water treatment facilities? Is that entity prepared to provide these services? Proof of water sources/issues is needed by Cove Springs. What do current area taxpayers have to shoulder?
Also, of note, are the other proposed development projects in Bellevue and south and their impact.
- Land use: I feel it is poor land use to plop a clustered residential development in the middle of a rural landscape. This is sprawl/leapfrog development. Why hasn't Cove Springs applied under the new 2025 land use ordinances? New development belongs in and around existing cities.
- Density: In conjunction, I wish to address building-up. I realize we have height/aesthetic codes but the economics is there. Is it possible to site designated areas that this would work for affordable housing, hotels? Affordable housing is a real need in the valley. Does Cove Springs encompass this? Do other proposed projects include this? Be aware, as developments such as Cove Springs might occur, the need for affordable housing is greater, as well as the need for additional residential services, firemen, police, teachers, gardeners, waiters. We must define affordable housing.
- Air quality, traffic, road work: This is a significant issue for general population increases wherever they may occur in our valley—air inversions, air pollution and the resultant effects on environment, our health. In Cove Springs' application, are issues such as actual air pollutant levels, atmospheric ventilation factors addressed? Proposed Highway 75 funding has been cut. Is Blaine County prepared to shoulder the infrastructure costs of mitigating traffic congestion? Are the developers?
Toll road funding option is most unacceptable here. Our tax dollars have gone towards several Highway 75 improvements in recent years and I have seen little reward. We are held captive by the highway, especially those who use it for work and to make this valley work for us all.
- Wildlife: This is a tremendous concern. Cove Springs is in an important sage grouse habitat area for a species in decline, as well as a major migratory corridor/winter range for elk and mule deer. To risk their endangerment is a definite no.
- Energy: I think it's very important that developers and Blaine County consider energy use in new construction and overall—solar, wind, appliances, bio-diesel fuel etc. Are Cove Springs residences to be built energy-efficient? It gives us a lower energy demand and reduces air pollution.
The effort to create smart, sustainable growth for the Wood River Valley is worthwhile and enduring.
Jennifer Montgomery
Hailey
