Mixed-Use Complex Planned in Idaho
A McCall hotelier has announced plans for a $25 million lakefront hotel, condo and retail project along the shore of Payette Lake.
But opponents say the 50-foot tall Grand Payette Hotel would be too high. With McCall considering an 18-month moratorium on tall buildings, it could be years before the project is built - if at all.
Bob Hunt, the owner of the local Holiday Inn Express, hopes to build on 1.75 acres he owns in the lakefront business district. He envisions a development that would include 81 guest rooms, 17 condominiums and 15,000 square feet of first-floor space for retail stores and restaurants.
City officials say Hunt may have to wait while the community reviews McCall's long-term comprehensive growth plan.
"The project only exists in Mr. Hunt's mind, because he has not applied for any permits," said McCall City Manager Lindley Kirkpatrick.
A local group contends it is not targeting Hunt's project specifically and opposes any increase in the height limit.
"My guess is that this is going to turn this town upside down," said Tuck Miller, a member of Save Our Skyline.
Miller said local residents have been fighting with the city council over height requirements for years, worried that McCall will see the kind of high-rise development being proposed elsewhere.
"Right now, Coeur d'Alene is considering an ordinance that would allow 220-foot building(s) along its lakefront," Miller said. "We want to send a message to people that says that's not what we're about in McCall."
Miller said opponents are planning a rally July 15 during which they will float 300 hot air balloons at various heights to demonstrate what McCall could look like if tall buildings were constructed.
Hunt said Save Our Skyline's limitations would "kill the project."
City officials say Hunt could receive a waiver from the existing ordinance as long as he complies with specific requirements, including that the first floor be exclusively retail, that the public have access to the lakefront and that there be an unobstructed view of the lakefront.
The city council reacted to Save Our Skyline's protest at the council's May 22 meeting by instructing the city staff to draft a moratorium on downtown construction that exceeds the 35-foot height limit.
The delay would give the city time to review its comprehensive plan for handling growth, said Roger Millar, McCall assistant city manager for development and infrastructure. The review could take 18 months, putting Hunt's project on hold at least that long, he said.
Millar said McCall will review the proposed moratorium at a July 11 meeting, and the City Council could approve the proposal sometime in August.
"But Hunt is in no hurry," Millar said. "He's indicated that he had no plans to file an application during the period when the comprehensive plan will be reviewed."
Hunt argues that "the benefits the city would get for the extra 15 feet would outweigh the impact."
"Right now, the only place to go is the Whitetail Lodge, and that's two miles west of town," he said. "Our greatest asset is the lake, and there's no other place for guests."
He said the opposition group "stormed" last month's City Council meeting but does not speak for the entire community.
"There are a lot of people who agree with me," Hunt said. "Right now, it's one percent of the people doing 99 percent of the yelling."
But opponents say the 50-foot tall Grand Payette Hotel would be too high. With McCall considering an 18-month moratorium on tall buildings, it could be years before the project is built - if at all.
Bob Hunt, the owner of the local Holiday Inn Express, hopes to build on 1.75 acres he owns in the lakefront business district. He envisions a development that would include 81 guest rooms, 17 condominiums and 15,000 square feet of first-floor space for retail stores and restaurants.
City officials say Hunt may have to wait while the community reviews McCall's long-term comprehensive growth plan.
"The project only exists in Mr. Hunt's mind, because he has not applied for any permits," said McCall City Manager Lindley Kirkpatrick.
A local group contends it is not targeting Hunt's project specifically and opposes any increase in the height limit.
"My guess is that this is going to turn this town upside down," said Tuck Miller, a member of Save Our Skyline.
Miller said local residents have been fighting with the city council over height requirements for years, worried that McCall will see the kind of high-rise development being proposed elsewhere.
"Right now, Coeur d'Alene is considering an ordinance that would allow 220-foot building(s) along its lakefront," Miller said. "We want to send a message to people that says that's not what we're about in McCall."
Miller said opponents are planning a rally July 15 during which they will float 300 hot air balloons at various heights to demonstrate what McCall could look like if tall buildings were constructed.
Hunt said Save Our Skyline's limitations would "kill the project."
City officials say Hunt could receive a waiver from the existing ordinance as long as he complies with specific requirements, including that the first floor be exclusively retail, that the public have access to the lakefront and that there be an unobstructed view of the lakefront.
The city council reacted to Save Our Skyline's protest at the council's May 22 meeting by instructing the city staff to draft a moratorium on downtown construction that exceeds the 35-foot height limit.
The delay would give the city time to review its comprehensive plan for handling growth, said Roger Millar, McCall assistant city manager for development and infrastructure. The review could take 18 months, putting Hunt's project on hold at least that long, he said.
Millar said McCall will review the proposed moratorium at a July 11 meeting, and the City Council could approve the proposal sometime in August.
"But Hunt is in no hurry," Millar said. "He's indicated that he had no plans to file an application during the period when the comprehensive plan will be reviewed."
Hunt argues that "the benefits the city would get for the extra 15 feet would outweigh the impact."
"Right now, the only place to go is the Whitetail Lodge, and that's two miles west of town," he said. "Our greatest asset is the lake, and there's no other place for guests."
He said the opposition group "stormed" last month's City Council meeting but does not speak for the entire community.
"There are a lot of people who agree with me," Hunt said. "Right now, it's one percent of the people doing 99 percent of the yelling."
posted by James Haft at 5:17 PM
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