Jackson agreement with Walgreens to clear landslide mitigation

The Jackson Town Council and Walgreens have reached an agreement that will allow for mitigation of the West Broadway landslide. As part of the agreement, Walgreens will convey all title and possession to the property currently occupied by its store and make a one-time payment of $1 million to the Town of Jackson. That payment will help cover the costs of demolishing the building on site, adding ten feet of compacted fill on top of the demolition property, and for 50 percent of the construction of a permanent sheer key on the property. The deal will allow the town to take immediate possession of the Walgreens parcel and enable work crews to begin the remediation process to stabilize the landslide above West Broadway. “A good mediation involves compromise on all sides,” said Town Manager Bob McLaurin. “By acquiring this land we are able to control this parcel of land and immediately begin the stabilization of the hillside. We no longer need to gain permits and easements which may or may not have been available. The safety of our community members and the protection of public infrastructure were, and will continue to be our top priorities.” Last summer, Teton County voters approved a $6 million Special Purpose Excise Tax initiative to fund the stabilization of the landslide above West Broadway. The town plans to install a temporary storm water drainage system above the slide area, un-weighting the top of the hill by removing a house near the head scarp of the slide and building a temporary access road. Construction work is scheduled to begin this spring. Since January, measuring instruments indicate that surface movements have increased due to heavy winter precipitation. Several rocks were removed from Budge Drive, but geotechnical experts still caution the public about potential debris landing in the street. Demolition of the Walgreens building is tentatively scheduled to begin in May. Some building materials will be salvaged and recycled.