South town affordable housing questionable
Ketchum council to reconsider today
"We’re having PUD discussions. It may not be fun. It may not
be comfortable, but it’s part of the job."
Councilman David Hutchinson
By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer
Ketchum City Council members said Monday they’re still committed to
affordable housing—but they can’t justify trading more development density for
affordable units along the Big Wood River.
Under the proposal, developer Doug McPherson would subdivide what was
formerly the Sun Valley RV Park south of Ketchum into lots that could then be sold for
construction of homes.
The city’s planned unit development (PUD) ordinance allows developers
to trade affordable housing units for higher development densities.
Under the RV park’s light residential zoning, five homes could be
built. McPherson’s proposal asks for nine lots, with four duplex-style affordable
units in the $100,000 price range. That would produce a total of 13 units on a lot zoned
for five.
Council members did not vote on the proposal, and the hearing was
continued to today at noon at Ketchum City Hall. However, their comments, in general, did
not encourage the proposal.
"You have an ecological treasure on your hands. Maybe housing
isn’t what we really need there," Councilwoman Chris Potters told McPherson at
the Monday Ketchum City Council meeting.
Potters said she is convinced that the site’s sensitive riverside
attributes outweigh the need for affordable housing there.
Councilman Maurice Charlat said the existing zoning was put in place and
should not be adjusted using a PUD.
Councilman David Hutchinson was the only council member clearly speaking
in favor of the proposal.
"They’re acting within the ordinances, of which the PUD
ordinance is a part," he said. "We’re having PUD discussions. It may not be
fun. It may not be comfortable, but it’s part of the job," he said.
"I think you’re headed in the right direction," he told
McPherson.
Councilman Randy Hall indicated that if some of the proposed density is
lessened, he may vote in favor of the project.
