At the Jan. 19 Ketchum City Council meeting, the mayor attempted to prevent me from making a public comment on the Bariteau project (Agenda Item 11). I think he did this because I used the word “Bluebird” once, in the beginning of my comment.
Why? Even if, in his opinion, I was talking about something irrelevant to Agenda Item 11, is it his prerogative to censor me? I was allocated the standard three minutes. I took less than one minute.
Why is the Mayor against public comment on Bluebird? Why did he strip the word “Bluebird” from Agenda Item 7, which renewed the contract with KCDC to build Bluebird? Why would the Council renew that contract with no debate or public comment?
Why did the mere mention of Bluebird cause him to attempt to silence a member of the community who opposes it?
Bluebird is the wrong project, the wrong location, and the wrong economics for Ketchum. It will loom 33% higher than buildings in the retail core. Leases will be as short as six months, with no requirement for tenants to work in Ketchum. The out-of-state developer will make millions of dollars—money that will leave our community forever. The city is gifting the developer taxpayer asset, for $1 a year. The building has insufficient parking, and will likely add over 30 cars to on-street parking. The units are tiny—some bedrooms have no windows. And, at the end of 15 years, the developer intends to sell it at a massive profit.
The city planner called this a “private project on public land.”
Why does the Mayor think this is good for Ketchum?
Perry Boyle
Ketchum
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Nobody has been successful getting the Mayor and the Council to do the right thing; address real concerns and properly represent the taxpayers of Ketchum. It's really sad. We have 3 major developments near South Leadville including Bariteau and PEG that are way outside the city codes. Numerous letters were written and meetings were well attended. Everything fell on their deaf ears
I've discussed this with a number of folks. Nobody - nobody - is opposed to affordable housing. Everyone - everyone - is mystified as to why this location, why this design, and why so little community input thus far. In addition, the information regarding the financing that has leaked out thus far simply doesn't make sense. At a dead minimum, the council needs to do a thorough impact study and explain in detail how this project will be financed, and what entity will own / control it. Additionally, the council should explain what other sites were considered, and why those sites were rejected.
The building has not been designed yet. All they have provided are concept drawings. Of course it is true that the developer will get to pick who designs and builds the project. Hopefully before they get too far along, they will figure out the parking problem. I dont think they can have apartments without windows, doesnt fire code prohibit that? Either way, there will be public comment on the project when it goes to PnZ. Maybe peter was cut off for trying to comment on this during comment on the Barriteau mess. I haven't seen this project up for consideration yet.
As of 2/9 the parking plan is set. 46 spots for 56 units. 14 tandem (blocked in) spots. The architect is Mike Doty. You can have bedrooms without windows if they are “open plan.” The 3 bedroom apartments were only included to get the tax credits. GMD does not expect to house families in Bluebird.
The double-truck ad placed by GMD Development LLC is very informative. Developments of this type belong in high-density areas in order to help preserve our open spaces. Mayor Bradshaw's 2017 campaign-promise to bring more housing options to Ketchum will finally gain traction if this project is green-lighted.
Lots of community housing has been built on Ketchum. 20 units are on process right now. Interesting that you are not aware of this. None of them built with taxpayer funds. As to the open space preservation argument, we have years and years of development opportunities within the town at much lower scale than this. It will be the largest building, by far, nothing even close, in the retail core. If you wanted density you really got it in Bluebird.
7continents, I live here, for as many years as you, and there's nothing about the location, parking and the population explosion the "Bluebird" will cause that is good for Ketchum. The building is to large for the lot, seems to be the rage these days and doesn't fit the neighborhood at all. The idea that your going to interview/backround checks each tenant is ridiculous, who's managing that.
But, there's another issue here that hasn't been addressed. The tax payers are going to foot the bill not the businesses. Businesses will get a boost/benefit from the increased employment housing pool while paying nothing. This is a scam all business owner will welcome, whether it's St Lukes, Atkinsons or any restaurant you can think of. This is nothing short of government subsidizing local business at tax payers expense, oh and you still have to tip 20%.
Finally. 7continents, your view of a vibrant city that is over crowded with no parking is not shared by many here. 7coninents just how congested and people polluted does the valley have to become before it's just to much for you?
I disagree with your comments Mr. Boyle. Ask our employers and our workers if they would like to work and live in Ketchum, where we have 5,000 jobs and not enough affordable housing. A local architect and builder will construct the project, keeping workers and many dollars in our economy. Your full page ad and this letter contain misinformation. Workforce housing means that tenants of the building will be vetted, their income and work location certified. I stand with our workers who are struggling to afford rent, and who often work 2 jobs to work here. I stand for the diversity and vibrancy of Ketchum. Where do you live Mr. Boyle?
How do you know that? The building has already been designed--by an out of state architect. Local builders have an up to two year waiting list for projects. The developer himself has said that the residents CANNOT BE REQUIRED TO WORK IN KETCHUM. Have you seen how small these units are? Do you want to live in a bedroom with no window? Why can't we do better for workers? Why not more mixed use development with real parking? 15 units of working housing going up at 1st & 4th--all with Baldy views. Why is Bluebird our only community housing option? The town is now negotiating with Warm Springs Ranch--maybe we could put some community housing in that 70 acres?
I think you should do exactly that. Ask the businesses. The Mayor has said they want it. The only businesses I can find who want it are the hotels who want us to subsidize housing for the low paid workers they bring in from Out of state. Just ask the Limelight workers where they come from. The mayor says this will house teachers. That cannot be true as they earn too much for this project. You are incorrect about tenant work location. Mr. Dunfield has said the project cannot require tenants to work in Ketchum.
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