Letter to the Editor: Blind Faith?

As residents of Teton Valley, we all have a vested interest in how our cities and counties are developed. Today, I’m urging everyone to pay attention to what is occurring with the Sherman Park project in Victor. To lease a multi-million dollar parcel of land to a developer for $100/year for 99 years, to give $300K+ in reduced development and infrastructure fees, and to "trust" that the developer will bring roads up to a high standard (paving and safety is not a given in Teton Valley), appears to be what is happening in Victor. This Sherman Park development was presented to the public as an Affordable Housing project on 3.5 acres of Victor city-owned land, was to include a childcare center and offer Idaho residents and workers much needed affordable housing. This original project garnered community support. I, like everyone else who cares about this Valley, understand the critical importance of providing Affordable Housing. However, the developer has changed and modified many of the original plans, and now Victor city government appears to be supporting a potentially very different plan. Will this truly be an Affordable Housing entity that can meet the needs of Victor residents and Teton Valley workers? In reality, if the majority of residents in these units are in fact working in Jackson, their goods and services will be mostly purchased in Jackson, while the increased need for city and county services (school, fire, EMS, sheriff, sewer, trash) will fall on Victor and Teton County. Meaning those entities will see increased demands on services but not necessarily see more revenue from sales tax. Does this serve Teton County, Idaho residents and workers? How?

How many unkept promises are in the yet to be seen documents and Development Agreement between the city of Victor and the developer? Who is the real winner? Residents and workers of Victor in desperate need of affordable housing, or the pockets of a developer? Is the city looking for short-term victories on paper or long-term successes for the residents and businesses of Victor? All I’m asking is that this project be done right, stay true to its original intention, and truly benefit Victor residents.