Friday — May 7, 2004

County orders developer to stop work

Project’s closeness to river raises several concerns

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By MATT FURBER
Express Staff Writer

The Blaine County planning department has issued a stop work order to housing developer Elliot Caplow, after construction crews began clearing land he owns along the Big Wood River in Hailey this week.

The county alleges that Caplow began clearing the property in violation of the county’s riparian setback ordinance, which prohibits any development within 75 feet of the river.

The county’s letter orders Caplow to produce detailed information about the property. The county wants to see any pertinent wetland or flood plain studies and surveys showing details about the land, including property lines.

The City of Hailey may also weigh in on the matter because some of the property may be within city limits, said Hailey Planner Diane Shay

"We observed tread marks within 30 feet of the river," said Shay, who joined county planners to witness the work being performed.

Buildings on the lot were being dismantled, old vehicles and equipment were being removed and bulldozers were clearing the underbrush.

The property may also contain some wetlands, said County Planner Linda Kelsey. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates wetlands and may also look in on the work being performed, she said.

The land in question is located on the east side of the Big Wood River, south of the Croy Street Bridge and Hop Porter Park off of Aspen Drive in the China Gardens subdivision.

If it is determined that some of the property is in the city, city flood plain ordinances would apply, Shay said. Under the city rules a developer wishing to level an area near the river with fill dirt must first obtain a flood plain development permit. Caplow has not applied for one, Shay said.

Attempts by the Mountain Express to reach Caplow by telephone were unsuccessful.

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