Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Time to plan for smart growth in Hailey

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Hailey resident David Hennessy is a local partner in Quigley Green LLC, the development group seeking approval to annex Quigley Canyon into the city of Hailey.

By DAVID HENNESSY

It is to be expected: People don't like change. I understand that sentiment. As the father of three, I don't like thinking about the day when my children are grown and are no longer living at home. But, nevertheless, we plan for that day and ensure that those changes are gradual and positive.

Hailey too will grow. It has to. But I'm confident—like many of the people I've spoken with over the past few months—that our city can grow in positive and gradual ways. And I hope Quigley Canyon is part of that.

The Hailey City Council will vote on the annexation of Quigley Canyon this coming week. As I've attended numerous neighborhood and community meetings, I've found that when people understand the new plan, they support it and are optimistic about the future. Here are the facts:

- Annexation of Quigley will greatly enhance the recreation opportunities for the entire area. Quigley will serve as a year-round recreation hub with new hiking and biking trails, 20 kilometers of Nordic trails with a race arena and sledding hill, and new playing fields for soccer, baseball and lacrosse.

- Wildlife and open space will be protected. The Hailey annexation plan calls for density closest to town in order to preserve up-canyon open space and wildlife migration patterns.

- Annexation of Quigley will not cost the city of Hailey—in fact, the city will benefit from annexation fees and ongoing property taxes. Quigley will pay its own way for needed infrastructure. The city's own fiscal analysis backs this up.

- There is sufficient water for both new and existing Hailey residents. Hailey's city engineer has reviewed our water study and determined that Quigley will provide more than enough water—through our proposed transfer of water rights to Hailey and the addition of a municipal well.

I've heard people ask, "Can't we enjoy the same benefits if Quigley is developed in the county?" Unfortunately, the answer is no. The county has different development guidelines that call for larger lot sizes, allow fenced yards and distribute development more equally throughout the canyon. Those guidelines produce a very different result and limit the recreation and wildlife opportunities. In addition, if developed as part of the county, Hailey will not receive the fiscal or water benefits.

My family has lived, worked and played in Hailey for generations. We love this community and plan on being here a long time. That's why we've worked so hard to ensure that Hailey will benefit from Quigley now and for future generations. Because when my kids grow up and move away, I don't want them going too far.

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