Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Save the bike path


Ski-in, ski-out affordable housing—just build it on the bike path.

Believe it or not, the Ketchum City Council is at it again and our incredible bike path is in imminent danger.

The city, without asking for any community input, has concluded with the CDC that the area of the bike path from River Run ski access north between Pennay's at River Run and Krystal Villa was the most conducive of all city-owned properties to create a large (44 feet high by 1,300 feet long by 200 feet wide) affordable housing project.

According to the Idaho Mountain Express article (Feb. 22) "City closer to affordable housing in River Run," this affordable housing project would set a standard for future projects—a precedent that would allow building along the entire length of the bike path from the Simplot property to Bellevue.

The article also explained that this project would require a shift in the bike path, which would eliminate the wonderful, straight, long, expansive view corridor of the bike path. Wherever they move the bike path one can only guess: Second Avenue, Third Avenue or bent around the 44-foot-tall building.

This project would compromise a valuable community asset along an unparalleled view corridor. Moving the bike path from this high-transit Ketchum connection to River Run and beyond will restrict River Run non-motorized entry and access to the Big Wood River and Trail Creek for locals and visitors.

Is this the best use of the property for all valley residents and visitors who treasure our open space, bike path and river access? No other mountain resort has such a community-friendly, commuter safe and magnificent bike path system. Why should it be sacrificed?

If you are passionate about the bike path, let's unite: bikepath@yahoo.com.

Stacy Gilden

Ketchum




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