Challenges of Parking: Ketchum's Business Community Speaks Out

The Ketchum Business Advisory Coalition (KBAC), established in April with 91 local businesses as members, is urging Ketchum leaders to reconsider the omission of an underground public parking structure in the First Street and Washington Avenue community housing project. This 64-unit housing proposal has incited controversies for months, leading to increased advocacy for the necessity of downtown parking.

Competing Interests: Housing vs. Parking

While the KBAC supports workforce housing, it believes that such developments should not come at the expense of valuable downtown parking spaces. As board member Bronwyn Nickel noted, housing developments must account for parking needs for residents without eliminating existing public parking. The frustrations escalated after a reduction of 25 parking spaces on Main Street and the proposed removal of an additional 66 spaces at the housing site. These concerns motivated the KBAC's formation, highlighting the pressing need to address both housing and parking adequately.

In a recent joint meeting on November 18, Ketchum Urban Renewal Agency (KURA) board members and city council members voiced their consensus to move forward with the housing project devoid of a public parking structure, due to an estimated cost exceeding $21 million. Several alternatives were discussed, but most members leaned towards focusing on a model that would minimally include parking provisions for the 64 housing units, advocating for at least one space per unit.

Exploring Possibilities for a Public Parking Structure

During a public meeting at the Argyros on December 3, KBAC representatives examined the sixth option—deemed the most cost-effective solution for a public parking structure—and deliberated potential funding avenues. The board previously voted unanimously in favor of this option. City officials and nonprofit representatives at the meeting expressed their openness to reconsidering the parking structure if financially viable.

In anticipation of KURA's regular meeting on December 16, the KBAC is rallying support among its members for backing a public parking structure. Julie Johnson, board member and owner of Nourish Me, commented on their outreach efforts to business owners regarding this sixth option. Most responses were positive, indicating a shared recognition of the parking crisis.

Financing the Proposed Structure

One potential strategy presented involved the formation of a voluntary local improvement district (LID) to finance the parking structure. KBAC board member Pete Prekeges indicated that should the city not reconsider a public parking structure, they might propose this concept to city officials. The proposed LID would impose costs on property owners rather than business owners, a detail that shifted support from some business members who would prefer to pay the costs themselves.

Despite various concerns regarding the nature of costs associated with a LID, KBAC members remain focused on balancing the pressing need for housing and parking, even if it means conceding to less-than-ideal options. Prekeges reinforced the collaborative spirit of the coalition, emphasizing the desire to work alongside city officials rather than create conflicts.

A New Political Force in Ketchum

Since its inception, the KBAC has emerged prominently in Ketchum's political landscape. Prekeges mentioned their plans to endorse candidates for city council and mayoral positions in the upcoming election cycle, showcasing their commitment to influencing future policies affecting the business community.

Moreover, they have initiated a petition to pause the proposed development at First and Washington until the city revamps its comprehensive plan and municipal code. Over 2,045 signatures were collected to support this petition, reflecting considerable public backing.

The KBAC aims to ensure that city planning considers the parking needs of residents and businesses alike, especially as previous assessments from city surveys revealed that 20% of participants identified parking as a primary concern.

In considering the future of Ketchum’s downtown area, it seems evident that the balance between enhancing housing and maintaining essential public amenities like parking requires broader discussions and cooperative approaches. As Jed Gray, a KBAC board member notes, the path forward may not represent a perfect vision but does set the groundwork necessary to meet future needs.

Conclusion

The dynamics surrounding Ketchum's downtown parking situation exemplify the challenges of urban development where different community needs clash. Through strategies like collaborative advocacy and potential financing options, the KBAC is paving the way for a balanced approach to address not only housing but also the vital infrastructure required to support a vibrant community.

As Ketchum navigates these difficulties, the involvement of organizations like the KBAC highlights the significance of local businesses in shaping the dialogue around city planning. The coalition's goals to retain parking spaces while advocating for affordable housing demonstrate a pragmatic approach to urban development challenges—a testament to community resilience and cooperation.