On May 19, the Teton County Board of County Commissioners approved the Northern South Park Area 1 Master Site Plan (MSP) in a 4-1 vote, with only Commissioner Luther Propst opposing. The plan is a major step toward creating affordable housing in Jackson, with 70% of future homes required to be deed-restricted for affordability.
Commissioner Len Carlman read a 1977 letter from conservationist Mardy Murie highlighting Jackson’s long-standing housing crisis, emphasizing that the new development finally offers a solution for local workers priced out of the market.
The plan includes several conditions, such as:
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Transportation mitigation fees
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Infrastructure improvements
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Park requirements
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Wildlife permeability
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Affordable housing development phasing
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A housing feasibility plan
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A construction traffic plan
Commission Chair Mark Newcomb called the plan a "landmark moment" for Jackson, noting that while many housing proposals have failed over the years, this is the first serious commitment by private landowners to address the community’s needs.
The Gill family, which owns the land, will donate 70% of it for deed-restricted housing and has permanently given up development rights on 74 acres. Nonprofit developers like Teton Habitat—which already has over $15 million in funding—will build the homes.
Next steps involve public approval of a subdivision plat and detailed development plans for each housing block.
Read more on Buckrail here: https://buckrail.com/northern-south-park-site-plan-approved/
