Teton County postpones Moose Creek expansion hearing
Update: 8-12
At the request of the developer, a public hearing on expansion of the Moose Creek Ranch near Victor has been postponed.
According to Valley Advocates for Responsible Development, Teton County received 53 letters from residents objecting to the proposed development.
In requesting the postponement, the developer promised to meet individually and collectively with community members to explain their concept. Y2 Consultants also promised to assess impacts on wetlands, waste water management, natural resources, and traffic. The applicant also said it would provide a proposal for phased development with a limited request for additional capacity and expansion.
Original Story:
A development team is asking the Teton County, Idaho Planning and Zoning Commission to approve a conditional use permit for new facilities at Moose Creek Ranch near Victor.
Conestoga Ranch, based in Bear Valley, Utah, said its proposing “to maintain Moose Creek Ranch operations, and to expand on its existing operations by offering additional and upgraded lodging opportunities.”
Right now, Moose Creek operates 21 guest and employee housing units, with a capacity of 73 persons.
According to its conditional use permit application, the developer proposes 83 units with a capacity of 300. That would include 7 RV sites, 60 “glamping” sites, and 16 ski cabins. The developer said its consultants could find no regulations that would limit capacity of the area.
The Teton Valley development watchdog group “VARD” (Valley Advocates for Responsible Development) believes the existing Moose Creek Ranch physical footprint and guest capacity are enough. Further, VARD says the development lies in two county overlays, including wetlands and wildlife and wildlife habitat. It is also worried about water quality and traffic issues.
VARD is recommending the county require the developer to conduct a natural resource analysis of the property to assess environmental impact and potential mitigation measures.
The proposal goes to public hearing before the Teton County Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday, August 13 at 5 p.m. at the Teton County Courthouse in Driggs.
