Kudos to Hennessy

Friday July 31, 2009

Quigley Canyon developer Dave Hennessy has agreed to rein in development past Deadman Gulch and the Quigley pond. The majority of the proposed units are located within the area of city impact (ACI), making Quigley a good candidate for annexation. However, Quigley's initial application also included parcels up Deadman Gulch and past the Quigley pond, which is outside the ACI.

Citizens for Smart Growth has been opposed to development beyond Deadman Gulch from the beginning. Development beyond Deadman Gulch and the Quigley pond would impact pristine wildlife habitat and contribute to city sprawl. Not only is sprawl problematic due to its fiscal infrastructure impacts, including water, wastewater treatment, roads and water delivery, but it also contravenes Smart Growth's principles that encourage mixed land use, the creation of walkable neighborhoods, and the preservation of open space, natural beauty and critical environmental areas.

Many of these principles are incorporated in the proposed units near the mouth of the canyon where the application integrates a variety of housing options, mixed land use and alternative transportation. Restraining development in Deadman Gulch and past the Quigley pond further aligns this application with Smart Growth's principles. Smart Growth encourages the developer to keep this portion of the property undeveloped and therefore not submit a proposal to develop it under the county's ordinances.

Although there are details about the project, including water, wastewater, traffic and fiscal impact, that need to be fleshed out, Citizens for Smart Growth is very pleased with the changes in the Quigley application and commends both the city and the developer for continuing to work together and take the time to design a development that will benefit the current and future citizens of Hailey. Smart Growth also thanks the city for the work done to encourage a fair and open public process.

Vanessa Crossgrove Fry

Citizens for Smart Growth

Hailey