The city of Sun Valley could soon establish new affordable housing as a result of a unique deal that includes Sun Valley Resort, ARCH Community Housing Trust and a benevolent homeowner.
Sun Valley Mayor Wayne Willich introduced to the City Council Wednesday a proposal to move a house from Sunrise Drive in Elkhorn to a piece of Sun Valley Co. property adjacent to the Sun Valley Horseman's Center.
The resort would lease the parcel, located to the northeast of The Community School, to the nonprofit ARCH for $1 per year. Michelle Griffith, executive director of ARCH, said the three-bedroom, two-bath house would be rented for less than $1,000 per month.
The deal with Sun Valley Co. comes after approximately six months of searching for a place to relocate the house, donated by Sun Valley resident Sid Alpert.
City Council President Nils Ribi said Thursday that he and Willich had talked with the Sun Valley-Elkhorn Association, a homeowners' group, to try to find a suitable piece of property, but those negotiations proved futile.
Discussions with Sun Valley Co. proved more fruitful. Ribi said the deal with the resort could have positive repercussions for future deals.
"Being able to do this kind of partnership is almost invaluable," Ribi said. "It sets the stage for all kinds of cooperative agreements, especially as Sun Valley Co. continues expanding. We now have a professional relationship that speaks volumes."
Willich said it would cost approximately $80,000 to move the house. Although the city has enough money in its community housing fund to pay for the move, he will be looking for financial contributions to help fund the project, he said.
Milt Adam, the city's representative on the board of the Blaine County Housing Authority, told city leaders Wednesday that he did not like the fact that the city would not be getting ownership of the house, in light of a potential financial contribution.
"I don't like the idea of transferring my tax dollars to ARCH," Adam said.
Willich countered the point, arguing that the city would receive a significant benefit by having the right of first refusal for renters, giving city employees and emergency services personnel an opportunity to live within the city limits for a reduced cost.
Ribi said that in order to spend money in the community housing fund, which currently holds around $180,000, the council needs to approve a budget amendment.
The council is set to make an official vote on the issue at a meeting on May 21, after proper notice has been given to neighbors.
Jon Duval: jduval@mtexpress.com
This house in Sun Valley is set to become affordable housing, as soon as it’s moved to a new location. Photo by David N. Seelig
