Misinformation is already in abundance, as conveyed in articles published in the Mountain Express, regarding annexation into Hailey of a development proposal for Quigley Canyon.
The Blaine County Recreation District's desires for a golf course (Tony Evans, 2/20) are but one small variable in a very complicated equation that will take a long time to resolve, requiring patience from applicants, Hailey P&Z, the City Council and citizens.
I would advise CG Elkhorn Group and DTJ Designs to listen carefully and remain open, and not to be too heavily invested in the lovely pictures they have drawn up for Quigley Canyon. You will be held to a much higher standard than either Sun Valley or wherever, Colorado. The North Valley willingly adapted to development; each can judge for themselves the results. It is development that must adapt if it is to be a part of Hailey.
For example, planning intentional socio-economic stratification (Terry Smith, 2/22) might not be embraced by all citizens and members of the Hailey City Council. Similarly, five-acre lots and preferred tee-times. Also, the proposed added density that annexation offers is of immense value, so I wouldn't be surprised if the configuration of development is a significant departure from the current expectations of developers.
I encourage citizens of Hailey to attend meetings and participate in determining the future of Quigley Canyon and the impacts associated with its development. I will be circulating a couple of advisory petitions.
William F. Hughes
Hailey
Editor's note: The Express talked to Mr. Hughes to ask him for specifics on what misinformation he believes has been put forth. In short, he said he believes the public is being told by some people affiliated with the project that the construction of a public golf course on the site could alone be the major trade-off for annexation. Hughes said, correctly, that numerous other issues—including traffic flow, road improvements, density, and other potential public amenities in addition to a golf course—will almost certainly be discussed and considered during the city's review of the annexation proposal.
