Despite looming moratorium, TMR begins BCC process

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

By Planet User

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-In spite of the moratorium on new large subdivisions currently floating among the ethers of fiduciary consideration, county commissioners on Tuesday began hearing the controversial proposal to build 500 homes in South Park.

Though the applicant, James Reinert of Sequoia Development, filed for a continuance for Teton Meadows Ranch just after the close of the workday Monday, the Board of County Commissioners denied the request and proceeded with the meeting.

Robbin Levy, an attorney for the development team, said the developer wanted to delay the public meeting until May 7 to allow the team to “respond to public comment and commissioner comment,” she said during a meeting lunch break Tuesday. Levy said the developer was in talks with another, undisclosed party to partner with the project. She said the person or entity had the potential to increase the affordable housing component of the project, but was “skittish” in light of a potential halt to new subdivision projects.

A continuance to May 7, in addition to allowing the developer more time to shore up the proposal for a more favorable review, would have also allowed the applicant to wait and see the outcome of a May 6 moratorium meeting.

At a special meeting to consider the moratorium last week, commissioners opted to hold off a vote for two weeks to allow time for the public and individual stakeholders (landowners, developers, etc.) to review the emergency measure.

The board has drafted language of the “freeze resolution” to include applications for new residential subdivisions on parcels of land more than 20 acres, that seek to increase density beyond what land development regulations currently allow.
Additionally, applications for upzones on parcels of 20 acres or more that would increase density beyond what is currently allowed would also be put on hold.

The moratorium, as proposed, would have a sunset date of December 31 of this year or until the county adopts the Comprehensive Plan - the major guiding document currently under revision.

Commissioners inserted a “safety valve” clause that would help them avoid unintended consequences to landowners and developers affected by the moratorium.

Some commissioners, including Hanks Phibbs and Ben Ellis, have already said they favor putting the kibosh on Teton Meadows for the time being.

“I’ve already made my thoughts clear on the issue,” Phibbs said during a meeting break.
Levy, acknowledging the pink elephant in the room, said the Teton Meadows team remained positive.

“At bottom, we’re optimistic,” she said.

County commissioners will reconvene on the moratorium at 1:30 pm Tuesday in chambers at the county administration building.
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Despite looming moratorium, TMR begins BCC process | Planet JH News Article: Development

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