Elkhorn Springs rezone and large subdivision pushed to June 19 after concerns about slopes, wildlife corridor and fiscal impacts

The Hideout Planning Commission continued consideration of the Elkhorn Springs rezone and related master development agreement to June 19 following an extensive staff briefing and questions from commissioners and community members.

Staff summarized the proposal: the developer seeks higher‑density zoning on about 15 acres, with a mix of small‑lot single family, townhomes/stacked flats and a neighborhood mixed‑use node at the main entrance off State Route 248. The application proposes utilities, trails and about 15 acres of land the developer said it would donate for public use — land staff and several commissioners raised questions about whether donated lands should count toward the project’s required private open‑space percentage and about the long‑term cost to the town to operate any dedicated community facilities.

Why it matters The application requests multiple variances and MDA provisions that would allow development on slopes greater than 30 percent and cut/fill that exceeds the town’s 5‑foot standard. The project would also locate stormwater basins…