FAQs
When will the community have a chance to learn more about the project?
The Community Housing Trust and BTNF are working with a design team to refine the site plan. Once it is ready, we will create opportunities for neighbors to learn more about the development plans for the Nelson Drive Administrative site.
When are you breaking ground?
We hope to begin construction in the Spring of 2026.
How will the project impact the winter wildlife?
The proposed development is confined to the seasonal winter area where human and motorized activity is limited to the developed trail network. The slopes adjacent to the construction site are in the winter wildlife closure area; this area is closed to human and motorized activity. There is no development planned for the winter wildlife closure area. We are adding fences to keep people and dogs from creating trails upslope. In addition, CHT policies limit the number of dogs per unit and pets will be managed across the development.
What will happen to the existing Nelson Drive trailhead?
Our team is acutely aware that this is a beloved trailhead, and we are dedicated to improving upon the existing condition. Together with Teton County Pathways, and Friends of Pathways, we are working to reconfigure the trailhead and realign the trail. We are planning to provide a similar number of parking spaces and address existing, chronic drainage problems. Access to the trails will be maintained during construction.
How does the partnership work?
o The project is made possible by a 30-year Special Use Authorization issued to CHT from the BTNF to develop affordable housing on Nelson Drive,
o CHT manages design in consultation with the BTNF and CHT oversees construction of the affordable rentals,
o CHT secures a construction to permanent loan as well as philanthropy to build the project and will own the improvements and service the debt,
o CHT will be responsible for ongoing management of operations, maintenance, and leasing,
o CHT will sell Master Leases to local employers in need of housing for their employees.
o The BTNF will maintain ownership of the land o The BTNF employees will have the first right to rent up to one-third of the units.
How will the project impact parking on Nelson Drive?
Adequate parking for residents and guests will be provided on-site through surface parking and/or garages.
Do we need this project now that Northern South Park is approved and the Virginian is on deck?
This is the only way for the Forest to proactively address their housing problem. They do not have access to capital to purchase Master Leases at NSP or the Virginian; the resource they have is land adjacent to town and existing employee housing and the ability to partner with the CHT who is willing to fund the vertical subsidy so that this project can benefit essential Forest Service employees and our community at large.
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