Sun Valley Co. has applied to critically alter the comprehensive plan for the city of Sun Valley. Their application, if granted, will, in essence, destroy the beauty of the view corridor between the city limits of Ketchum and the Sun Valley Lodge, including Penny Hill.
Tampering with this jewel of our entire community has been categorically rejected before, and I am amazed that the issue of developing this open area would be brought up again, particularly at this time. There is no pressing need; if anything, the entire valley has been overdeveloped and it will take years to clear the current inventory of single and multiple units. If something isn't broken, why tamper with it? Once stewardship over this land has been given away, it is gone forever.
I have no objections to Sun Valley Co. finding practical, aesthetically unobjectionable solutions to employee housing issues. To place housing in what is now a parking lot across Dollar Road from the Pavilion and ice rink, while maintaining the existing landscaped open space between the footprint of the lot and Sun Valley Road, seems logical, as does extending that footprint toward the existing horse barn. But why not go further? A large underground parking lot could be created beneath the new employee housing area to accommodate special events. An underground facility would also be of great value during the winter for Sun Valley guests and employees and much appreciated, I am sure.
The existing comprehensive plan is a legacy to the future, assuring that our community will not become overwhelmed by traffic, and assuring current and future property owners that their property values will not be decimated by adjacent uncontrolled development. If master plans can be changed on a whim, what is the value of any property in the valley?
This proposal has no details but asks for blanket approval in advance of any specifics. This proposal also permanently impacts the city of Ketchum and the relationship between Ketchum and Sun Valley, which has been defined by the beautiful view corridor, enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
Please read the application and attend the meeting of the Sun Valley City Council at 1 p.m. in the Council Chambers on Elkhorn Road on Thursday, Aug. 18.
PEGGY ELLIOTT GOLDWYN
Sun Valley
