Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Hailey eyes affordable housing for seniors

ARCH plan would use controversial River Street property

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By TONY EVANS
Express Staff Writer

ARCH Community Housing Trust and the Blaine County Housing Authority hope to use vacant property at 731 River St. in Hailey to build a three-story apartment complex to accommodate senior citizens.

The Hailey City Council voiced unanimous approval Monday for exploring the possibility of building a 24-unit affordable housing complex for those age 55 and above.

"As long as we hold on to land and do nothing with it, we are not creating affordable housing," Mayor Rick Davis said.

ARCH Executive Director Michelle Griffith said the apartments would be managed professionally.

However, she was told by Councilman Fritz Haemmerle that a "cloud" existed on the title to the property, which was given to the city by Sweetwater developer J. Kevin Adams. Adams has openly challenged the legality of the city's affordable housing ordinance and recently refused to sign a release that would have closed the door on potential lawsuits to get the property back.

Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com