The developer of the Spring Canyon Ranch subdivision in Democrat Gulch near Hailey was assured extension of sewer services from the city of Hailey on Tuesday when the Blaine County Commission granted tentative approval of his plan to supply affordable housing. The sewer services will allow increased housing density at the proposed 115-residence development and pave the way for construction of an eldercare facility nearby.
Though the exact configuration of the housing has yet to be decided, the tentative approval calls for 24 units of affordable housing or 24 "cottage" units to be used by the proposed Croy Canyon Ranch eldercare facility. That new facility would replace the Blaine Manor seniors' facility on Main Street in Hailey.
Hailey granted the developers of Spring Canyon Ranch extension of sewer services two miles outside the city limits into Croy Canyon last month contingent upon the county's tentative approval of the affordable housing plan. The city also took into consideration the developer's donation of $1 million dollars and 10 acres of land for the proposed eldercare facility.
Other concessions made by the developer include $250,000 to nonprofit Hailey Ice for a refrigerated hockey rink, bridge improvements over the Big Wood River and premium hook-up fees for residents at Spring Canyon Ranch.
"They (Croy Canyon Ranch Foundation) approached us back when we were planning to do our own sewer treatment plant and affordable housing," Spring Canyon Ranch developer Mark Meyers said. "We are excited as new members of this community to work with them."
Spring Canyon Ranch has yet to file a subdivision application with the county.
