Blaine County commissioners have again delayed a decision on whether to allow the developer of the Quail Creek subdivision south of Ketchum to donate land rather than build housing to fulfill its community housing obligation under county ordinance.
During a meeting Tuesday, they cited a need for legal advice and more time to consider new documents.
Developer George Kirk unexpectedly submitted several new pieces of evidence during the meeting, including a letter of estimated value of the 2.2-acre property that he intends to turn over to ARCH Community Housing Trust.
As the documents had been submitted at the last minute, commission Chair Larry Schoen ruled that they needed to be available for public viewing before any decision could be made.
Much of Tuesday's discussion centered on whether Quail Creek would meet the requirements of a master plan conditional-use permit. Compliance with the county's master plan for Ketchum's south gateway provides certain incentives such as greater square footage and reduced community housing obligations in exchange for the developer's providing areas of public space.
The county planning staff has computed an amount of public space in the development that is less than Quail Creek's figures.
If Quail Creek cannot prove that it complies with the master plan, it must provide 25 units of community housing rather than 19, and its market-rate units would be limited in size to 1,250 square feet rather than almost 1,900.
Further debate and public comment has been delayed until late July, date to be determined. All documents are available for review at the Blaine County Planning and Zoning Department.
Katherine Wutz: kwutz@mtexpress.com
