Planning Commission Evaluates Rezoning Request for Swan Creek Parcel in Jackson

The Jackson Planning Commission has recommended denial of a zoning map amendment for the Swan Creek parcel, a decision that could significantly impact future development in the area. The proposal, submitted by Y2 Consultants on behalf of Swan Creek LLC, sought to rezone a portion of the property from rural residential to commercial residential 3. This change would allow for higher density uses, including apartments and mini-storage facilities, at a site located at the intersection of South Highway 89 and South Park Loop Road.

Planning Director Andrew Hargrove highlighted key concerns during the meeting, emphasizing that the proposed amendment did not meet the necessary findings outlined in local development regulations. The commission's review process aims to ensure that any changes to the zoning map align with the Jackson Teton County comprehensive plan and address community health, safety, and welfare issues.

Two primary issues were raised: the potential for increased density on steep slopes, which pose natural hazard risks, and the lack of a development plan to evaluate the implications of such a zoning change. The site, historically known as the Simon Pit, has a complicated past involving mining and reclamation efforts, leaving it with significant slope instability and erosion concerns.

Public comments reflected apprehension about the proposed development's impact on the surrounding area, particularly regarding traffic and environmental stability. An adjoining property owner expressed worries about the site's history of instability and the potential for increased traffic at an already problematic intersection.

While the applicant argued that the rezoning would facilitate necessary development and infrastructure improvements, the commission ultimately sided with staff recommendations, citing the need for careful consideration of environmental impacts and community safety. The decision underscores the ongoing tension between development aspirations and environmental stewardship in Jackson, as the town grapples with balancing growth and sustainability.

The Planning Commission's recommendation will now be forwarded to the town council for further consideration, with the future of the Swan Creek parcel hanging in the balance.