Public reaction to the revised Cove Springs development application was modest as the Blaine County Commission began its consideration of the project Tuesday evening.
Doug Brown, one of about five public speakers with mixed views on application, spoke in favor of the project. Brown, who said he represents the Wood River Economic Partnership, praised the new application's balance of open space, density and preservation of agricultural operations.
"We think it is a great change and we heartily endorse it," he said.
That's a distinct shift from the first development application process of the past few years for the 4,635-acre Cove Ranch five miles south of Bellevue. Then, public comment against the project was a force county officials could not ignore.
The first application to develop the ranch was ultimately rejected by the county, which led to a protracted court battle and, ultimately, a mediated agreement between the county and the Cove Springs developers. The agreement stated that the developers would come up with a revised application that the county would then consider.
The new Cove Springs application most notably pulls the majority of the original 300-plus lots envisioned for the portion of the ranch known as the "Cove." Under the revised application, just 24 estate and equestrian lots are proposed for that portion of the ranch.
The home sites on those lots would be limited to a strict one-acre building envelope.
In March, the Blaine County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for the revised application as well as an application to rezone the northern portion of the ranch closer to Bellevue to allow for future residential development. The County Commission will have the final say on the development application.
Speaking before the commission, Cove Springs President Steve Beavers said the new application reflects community values. He said the developers listened to the previous concerns of the public and county leaders in redesigning the project.
"We're very pleased to be back here," he said.
Despite what looks to be a greater level of support for the new application, some are still concerned about potential wildlife impacts of the project. The developers' plans to construct "let-down" fencing that can be dropped on the perimeter of the ranch in the fall to allow wintering wildlife to pass through needs to be scrutinized by the county, said Idaho Conservation League board member Elaine French.
"Who will ensure that the let-down fencing is indeed let down?" she asked.
The commission's next meeting on Cove Springs will run from 2:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 14.
Jason Kauffman: jkauffman@mtexpress.com
