Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article included inaccuracies regarding the building’s conditional use permit and planned unit development. Buckrail regrets the error.
JACKSON, Wyo. — On Tuesday, June 18, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) narrowly approved the use of Legacy Lodge for emergency housing for commuters while Teton Pass remains closed. The 53-unit workforce housing building, located in the Rafter J Ranch subdivision, will be available for use until Monday, July 29. Its use was approved in a three-to-two vote.
County Commissioner Luther Propst said he did not see how the building was ready to house people for even the short-term. Discussions regarding the building’s livability have central to debate of using the building for emergency housing.
In response, Legacy Lodge Owner Jim Darwiche urged the BCC to allow the building to be used during the emergency response.
“This community needs housing, the people who give you coffee and put tires on your cars need housing,” Darwich said. “This is an opportunity to get along with our neighbors.”
County Commissioner Wes Gardner urged the BCC to see the opportunity of Legacy Lodge during the Pass crisis.
“I do not see a conflict between the short term and long term,” Gardner said. “We are talking about 30-something days.”
BCC Chairwoman Natalia Macker said the approval declaration will include an amendment suggesting that rental rates remain below the fair market rates calculated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
During the BCC meeting on Monday, June 17, Gingery said that as soon as the emergency is lifted, people will have to vacate Legacy Lodge within two days.
Macker said that unless earlier repealed, the emergency resolution will expire on Monday, July 29, but it will be renewed if a state of emergency still exists. The BCC will study the current state of emergency on Monday, July 22.
According to Darwiche’s son, Sadek Darwiche, the BCC’s approval of the use of Legacy Lodge is an opportunity to finally reuse the building in the way it was intended to be used, as affordable residential housing.
Darwiche said that he and his father are working out the next steps with Teton County, but qualified commuters in need of housing can begin the approval process for a unit in Legacy Lodge by contacting Mountain Property Management at 307-733-1684. Currently, unfurnished units are available for rent.
