Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story cited an incorrect acreage amount for the plot of land on which the units would be built. That change is reflected below.
JACKSON, Wyo. — It was a big week for discussions around affordable housing. At the Town Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 1, Town Manager Tyler Sinclair presented a request from the Jackson Hole Housing Trust and the United States Forest Service (USFS) to consider allocating $4,050,000 from the 2022 Special Purpose Excise Tax (SPET) ballot initiative to secure the right to lease six units for 30 years at the proposed Nelson Drive project.
After lengthy discussion and public comment, Councilwoman Devon Viehman made a motion to wait to make a decision at the Dec. 15 Town Council meeting. The motion passed four-to-one with Mayor Jorgensen voting against.
The Nelson Drive project is a proposal to build 36 affordable rental units in 14 separate buildings on a 3.15-acre plot of land adjacent to town through a 30-year special use permit from the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Of the proposed units, 13 would be reserved for USFS employees. It is a “first of its kind” partnership with the federal government to build housing on public land.
Executive Director of the Housing Trust Anne Cresswell explained that the project is shovel-ready: “Time is of the essence, and with your support we can enter into contract in January and we can break ground this spring.”
Public comment was overwhelmingly supportive, although some residents mentioned concerns around increased traffic during construction, wildlife protections and the timing with the 90 Virginian Lane project.
Dr. Catherine Hughes, Director of the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, worries about setting a national precedent in partnering with the USFS to use federal land for development, citing “death by a thousand cuts” for public lands if citizens working in the private sector could be housed on public land.
Mayor Arne Jorgensen described the project as “outside the box” and appreciates the work that has been done to build housing in innovative ways, and encourages being careful about comparing this project to the one at 90 Virginian Lane.
“I’m supportive of the concept,” Councilman Kevin Regan stated during the meeting. “This is something novel and exciting, it’s a chance for the Forest Service and community Housing Trust to serve as thought leaders for this community and this region and potentially nationally.”
The full staff report of the proposal can be seen here.
