A Friday deadline passed with no agreement between the Ketchum Urban Renewal Agency and the Cairde Group, which wants to operate a Starbucks franchise in the visitor center on Sun Valley road. But that doesn't mean the deal is dead.
"They called over the weekend and said they needed more time," Lisa Horowitz, Ketchum community and economic development director, said Monday.
Horowitz said that if the Cairde Group responds with a written proposal in the next several days, the Urban Renewal Board will have time to review it before its next meeting, scheduled for May 2.
A statement provided to the URA and shared with the Idaho Mountain Express by Cairde Group member Jane Rizzo, left in doubt when or if a new offer would be forthcoming.
"The Cairde Group is very supportive of the URA's efforts to revive economic development and bring vitality to Town Square. As such, we feel like we have put forth a great plan to support that vision within the values of our community. Unfortunately, our proposal will not be able to move forward with the current terms. We will remain active in support of the URA and their efforts to improve our town."
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A message left for Rizzo was not returned by press deadline Tuesday.
URA board member and Ketchum Mayor Randy Hall expressed optimism that an agreement would still be reached. He said the two sides were still working on "refining the numbers" on how the two parties would share funding of a renovation of the 40-year-old building.
"Both parties are dealing in good faith and I think we'll figure this out," Hall said.
The proposed lease for the URA-owned building has been opposed by many Ketchum businesses that have called it an inappropriate use of a public building.
Rebecca Meany: rmeany@mtexpress.com
