Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves 32-unit Virginian Lodge employee housing plan, imposes affordable-housing fee
Summary
The Jackson Town Council unanimously approved a development plan to replace RV employee housing at the Virginian Lodge with 32 apartment units intended primarily for Lodge staff; the project must pay an affordable-housing fee of $124,027.08 and meet site conditions before building permits issue.
The Jackson Town Council voted unanimously to approve a development plan for the Virginian Lodge that will replace on-site employee RV units with four two-story buildings containing 32 apartments, including 24 studios and eight two-bedroom units, primarily intended for Virginian Lodge staff.
Planning staff presented the P25-210 application and recommended approval subject to departmental review and two outstanding conditions. Staff noted the project site is 7.79 acres, the proposed new residential floor area is approximately 15,000 square feet, and the plan would reduce parking from 247 spaces to 200. The staff report also states the project must pay an affordable housing fee of $124,027.08 to satisfy a 0.55-unit requirement.
Hal Hutchinson, who identified himself as speaking for the owner of Virginian Lodge LLC, told council the Lodge employs about 80 people and that the rental priority will be given to Lodge employees; any remaining units would be available to the general public. Hutchinson said the southern gravel drive and existing covered walkways provide pedestrian access year-round and that he has observed RV-park occupants use the informal path.
Councilors asked for clarifications about pedestrian access, winter circulation and whether the units would house all employees. Planning staff estimated the development would generate about 17 peak-hour trips, below the town’s draft traffic-study threshold. Councilor Beeman and others praised the DRC and planning commission for their work; the planning commission had unanimously recommended approval. The council approved the motion and the development plan passed unanimously.
The project approval is conditioned on compliance with staff recommendations, coordination on the 15-foot pathway easement, payment of the listed affordable-housing fee prior to building-permit issuance, and fulfillment of standard LDR findings. The council did not change the fee amount at the hearing. Next steps include satisfying the conditions and submitting final building-permit materials to planning and building staff.
