When I went to the Legislature to try to fix runaway urban renewal, I was rebuffed with the comment, “This is a Coeur d’Alene problem that does not require a state-wide fix.” Two years later, it’s obvious that runaway urban renewal is now a statewide problem. Witness what’s happening in the town of Bellevue, Idaho, population 1,876:
From the Idaho Mountain Express, dated January 2008:
The Bellevue City Council established an Urban Renewal Agency earlier this month in order to implement a long-term program of redevelopment and revitalization downtown and along the Big Wood River.
All current City Council members as well as former council President Vivian Ivie were appointed by Mayor Jon Anderson as commissioners on the agency. The new URA is designed to raise money over the next 24 years for city improvements based on a projected increase in property values in the downtown area.
Pray for them.
Is Bellevue close to Sun Valley/Hailey?
Comment by Susie Snedaker — November 2, 2008 @ 8:49 pm
Susie,
Bellevue is about 5 miles south of Hailey and about 21 miles south of Ketchum. Its current population is estimated to be about 2190.
Comment by Bill — November 3, 2008 @ 7:41 am
I would think that Bellevue is a bedroom and/or gateway community for Hailey. And I would think that Bellevue would have affordable housing. If not, perhaps their new ura will provide same.
Comment by Susie Snedaker — November 4, 2008 @ 7:39 am