Development in Wyoming

* Re “Wyoming Wrangles With the Horns of a Dilemma: Growth,” Nov. 12:

For most of us in Wyoming, economic growth is secondary to maintaining our unique way of life. Here in Jackson, contrary to what was reported in this article, we have no “plans to expand over the next two decades to become one of the largest playgrounds for the rich in the United States.” In fact, we recently passed a new countywide comprehensive plan which contains real growth-limiting provisions. For one, it limits new single-family homes to 8,000 square feet of habitable space. Hardly an inducement for the wealthiest to come and play in Jackson Hole.

We are in the process of developing resort regulations which will cap growth at the three resorts in the county. Teton Village, Wyoming’s largest ski area, will undergo growth of base facilities and a major upgrading of mountain facilities--all designed to remain competitive but still provide one of the nation’s lowest skier densities. Quality, not quantity. We have only two golf courses with no plans for more.

No, there are few of us here who want unlimited growth and even fewer who would ever put up with a plan to become one of the largest playgrounds for the rich in the U.S. We have a plan, a plan to keep Jackson Hole Jackson Hole, and I suspect most Wyomingites want to keep Wyoming Wyoming. I know I do.

FRANZ J. CAMENZIND

Interim Executive Director

Jackson Hole Alliance for Responsible Planning

Jackson, Wyo.