Fortunately, the Hailey City Council is aware that the withdrawal of critical wildlife habitat above Quigley Pond and out Deadman from consideration for annexation is simply a shameless ploy by the developer that would ensure the intrusion of residential development into these sensitive areas if the disaster being proposed out Quigley were approved.
County standards would have the developer move the density out of these areas. If the City Council were foolish enough to approve this modified annexation request, the county would effectively be painted into a corner, having no place to move that density. Then the developer simply drags the county into court/mediation, think Cove Ranch, and once again wildlife would be sacrificed for the greed of a real estate developer.
The only rational location for a city/county boundary is east of the denser component of this proposal at the mouth of the canyon. The city has no business endorsing sprawl out a narrowing canyon.
In understanding these realities, it is unconscionable for the mayor to suggest that, "I think it made a lot of people happy." (Aug. 12) Stark indication that he is willingly participating in a campaign of deceit, and entirely incapable of being objective.
Sweetwater and Cutters didn't produce much in the way of title work. As long as he is playing with house (Hailey citizens') money, it appears the mayor is eager to roll the dice one more time. After the past eight years, I find it disturbing to have yet another elected official running a self-serving agenda rather than representing the interests of his constituency.
Public comment on Quigley has reopened. Hailey is at a crossroads. Do we sell our souls like everyone else? Or do we maintain our integrity and a diverse, livable community? Please submit comments on Quigley.
William F. Hughes
Hailey
