Hailey continues Town Square discussion
By Emilee Mae Struss
While the City of Hailey, population 8,282, continues to grow at an exponentially faster rate than Ketchum, 2,763, or Bellevue, 2,362, Hailey leaders are concerned about their centrally located city lacking a central location to host events.
Deciding on a location to host the Hailey Town Square has been one of the major topics discussed at City Hall meetings since 2015. Two workshops were held in November 2018 to discuss 12 different potential sites chosen by community members.
Among popular locations to host the town square are the original pop-up Holiday Market located adjacent to City Hall, near the intersection of Croy and Main Street, and the parcel on Carbonate Street adjacent to Sun Valley Brewing Company, near the intersection of Carbonate and Main Street.
The conversations are nearing a close and a decision will be made soon on the matter.
Water conservation is another pressing topic in the Wood River Valley, and Hailey is doing its part with the Water Smarty program. The program is designed to reduce water waste by offering rebates to Hailey property owners who replace turf with hardscape and drought-tolerant planting material.
The Water Smarty program also includes irrigation control and moisture sensor kit rebates to support property owners who would like to water their landscapes more efficiently without a total renovation.
Mayor of Hailey, Fritz Haemmerle, is focused on the “unseen” items, such as life-safety matters.
In 2018, Haemmerle is most notably proud of resolving the scooter/skateboard conflict at the Hailey Skatepark, and the induction of Pathways for People, which creates safer connections between key streets in Hailey.
The skatepark is just outside of Campion Ice House in Hailey. Skaters and scooters with varying skills became an issue when practicing in the same bowls. There is now a system in place for scooters to practice in one area until they can pass a skills test, which allows them to practice in the same bowls as the skaters.
Pathways for People brought the advisory bike lane on 2nd Avenue and Croy Street.
“We are grateful for the voters who passed a levy to allow these projects,” Haemmerle said.
The City of Hailey also boasted its position as the first city that air travelers see by posting a welcome sign on Airport Way onto Aviation Drive. Friedman Memorial Airport, which displays “SUN” on the tickets referring to Sun Valley, can be confusing for visitors when they land in Hailey and not Sun Valley. With increased and improved signage, it helps visitors reach their desired destinations in the Valley.
The sign, created by Andy Hawley, of Hawley Graphics in Hailey, is a rustic metal sign cut to match the curves of Carbonate Mountain in Hailey.
Along with the desired development of a central meeting place in Hailey, the City of Hailey also expanded housing opportunities in 2018 by amending the zoning ordinance. By doing so, it will allow denser housing in the center of Hailey, while still protecting the historic charm of downtown Hailey.
To get involved with the City of Hailey and its untapped development, visit haileycityhall.org for meeting places and times. Visit watersmarty.org for more information on the Water Smarty program.