Growing Our Own Communities
The cities of Victor and Driggs requested EPA assistance to identify and overcome barriers to compact, mixed-use, walkable development in each of the cities, the type of the development called for in each city’s recently updated comprehensive plan. Both cities want to ensure that growth and development allows for new economic opportunities, job growth, choices for getting around and where to live, work, and play. They also want growth that is supportive of the historic character and natural beauty of the Teton Valley.
Through meetings with developers, landowners, the mayors and city council members, members of the two cities’ planning and zoning commissions, downtown residents, county residents, and a host of other citizens interested in better land development patterns confirmed this vision for future growth and development in Victor and Driggs.
The technical assistance Team outlined five broad areas where the cities can implement policies to get the development patterns each community has said they want.
The Team’s work in Victor and Driggs began with an overview of the market conditions in the Teton Valley. This overview demonstrated that growth is coming, that there is a demand for a variety of housing types and price points, and that there are opportunities the development of new retail in both downtowns. The market overview also provided the context for the analysis of the regulatory barriers to infill development in both cities.
The Team then addressed the transportation issues, including the downtown pedestrian environment, street connectivity in both cities, and the challenges related to the transition from the downtowns to the more auto-oriented sections of Highway 33. The team provided a set of options that could be adopted by each city to enhance the downtown pedestrian environment, reconnect the street network to provide for more convenient ways for community members to get around, and ensure that the distinction between city and countryside remains along Highway 33.
The report also outlines a set of implementation options both cities can adopt to facilitate the type of development each has said they want out of future growth.