Regional News Roundup: McCall OKs 125 apartments

Stories in this Regional News Roundup are excerpted from weekly newspapers from around the region. This is part one, with part two scheduled to appear in Sunday’s Tribune.

McCALL — Plans for more than 100 long-term rental apartments in downtown McCall were approved last week by the McCall City Council. The proposal by Boise developer Michael Hormaechea will build four buildings containing 125 apartments on a 4.4-acre parcel across Third Street (Idaho State Highway 55) from Alpine Village.

“It looks like a really well-planned project,” Councilor Julie Thrower said, citing environmental benefits of downtown housing within walking distance of businesses.

Hormaechea agreed to permanently restrict the use of 101 of the apartments as long-term rentals as part of the city’s approval for the project.

That includes 31 apartments that will be under the city’s local housing program, which permanently deed-restricts units for use by people who live and work in McCall.

In exchange, Hormaechea is eligible for up to $310,000 in developer incentives offered by the city, like utility connection fee waivers.

The project more than doubles the 14 units signed onto the city’s housing program since it was launched in 2018.

The other 70 long-term rentals would be reserved through a development agreement with the city that would remain with the property no matter who owns it.

Those rentals would not be subject to rental rate appreciation caps in place for the 31 apartments signed onto the city’s housing program after the council honored a request by Hormaechea to not impose the rental caps.

“He needs to make enough money to maintain the buildings,” Thrower said. “We don’t want this to fall apart in the future because it wasn’t well-managed, and -funded.”

The remaining 24 apartments could be used as short-term rentals, although Hormaechea has said he does not plan to do so.

It is still to be determined whether all 125 apartments are built as part of one construction phase or if construction would be spread over several years.

Hormaechea updated plans from what the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission recommended for approval in December by making the only access to the apartments connect directly to Third Street.

Previous plans called for apartments to also build a primary access to the apartments onto Ward Street, which traffic studies showed could have backed cars up on Colorado Street while waiting to turn left onto Third Street.

The access to Ward Street remains in plans for the complex, but only as an access for pedestrians and emergency vehicles.

The complex includes 185 covered parking spaces and 40 bicycle parking spaces.

Nobody spoke during a public hearing on the proposal at last week’s council hearing, but eight written letters in support of the application were submitted ahead of the meeting.

The Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District said it can serve the project if improvements are made to the sewer system, which Hormaechea plans to complete.

The 4.4-acre property includes about 25,000 square feet of space for future commercial development along Third Street.

But Hormaechea said there are no plans for the commercial space, which would be developed separately from the apartments.

— Maxfield Silverson, The Star-News (McCall), Thursday

Jet Boat Race turns 40

RIGGINS — Since 1984, spectators and racers alike have swarmed the Salmon River for the iconic Jet Boat Race event.

“The racers are just fantastic,” said Riggins Mayor Glenna McClure. “They love racing, and they love the Salmon River.”

This year’s 40th anniversary race began Friday and continues through Sunday.

Along with the race being a significant milestone, it will also be honoring the memory of Bob Hays, an avid jet boater, member of Western White-Water Association, and a vital part of the safety team for the event in years past.

“The family will have a table (Friday) with pictures of Bob and a banner racers will sign,” McClure said. “All are invited to stop, say hello, and share stories.”

To commemorate the 40th year, a program book was scheduled to be available for purchase at the boat show and barbecue Friday evening at the Salmon Rapids Lodge.

The book includes the history of the races and many stories about the racers and volunteers who make the event so special.

One of the stories includes Riggins’ own racer, Doug Stowers, who has recently returned to racing with wife Jenny riding as navigator. His passion for jet boat racing started after attending Salmon River High School, when he used to race with friend, Rich Friend.

“Thank you to all our sponsors, donators, and especially the volunteers who have helped make the 40th annual Salmon River Jet Boat Race a success,” McClure said. “It takes a lot of volunteers who put their heart into this. It’s a great show.”

— Dana Greig, Idaho County Free Press (Grangeville), Wednesday