April 22, 2021 Newsletter

Another Chance for Rockin H Reprieve?

Last summer, we were all shocked by the eviction of the nine households in the Rockin H Mobile Home Community, which paved the way for expansion of Teton Valley Resort (TVR). Despite a vigorous community response, many of the evicted residents lacked the resources to relocate their households. Some of them own their homes (but not the land under them), and mobile home moving costs typically run in upwards of $15,000 - and that’s if one has land to move to. TVR promised many of the residents relocation assistance, but that has yet to materialize. 

The Hidalgo family still remains on site and still pays rent. However, construction of Phase 2 of the resort continues unabated while the other trailers have been abandoned - some have been vandalized. Construction materials have been stockpiled on site, and debris and other garbage blows around in the wind. In the last few days, backhoes have been swinging within 15’ of the Hidalgo home, and the surrounding trees have been cut down and burned.

All of this is happening despite the fact that TVR evicted the Rockin H residents illegally, and still has yet to provide promised relocation assistance. The Intermountain Fair Housing Council (IHFC), a Boise-based nonprofit, has found that the eviction likely violates the US Fair Housing Act and the Idaho Manufactured Homes Residency Act, and has implied that the City of Victor may be complicit due to the lack of notice provided by Rockin H residents, as well as the rezoning action that led to the displacement of a 100% Hispanic neighborhood.

Now, Rockin H Residents may have another opportunity to seek justice. TVR is seeking to annex and rezone 12 acres of land in the unincorporated county, and a Conditional Use Permit for an on-site restaurant. Idaho law grants cities and counties wide latitude in requiring specific things for annexation and rezones. In the last go-around, when Phase 2 was approved in October 2019, the city did not require relocation assistance. However, the city has another bite at the apple - by requiring relocation assistance in exchange for the current annexation and rezone, the city can ensure justice for Rockin H Residents.

Message from VARD Board President Mike Pfeil

Please take a moment to listen to this important message from VARD Board President Mike Pfeil about the proposed County Land Use Code, it’s extreme importance, and its effect in carrying out the legacy of our beloved Sandy Mason. 

Teton County Proposed Land Use Code Open Houses

April 27-29th from 4-8pm, the County will host open houses with several information tables set up at the Driggs Civic Center (outdoor venue) to answer questions you may have about the proposed Land Use Code.

Following these events, the County P&Z is expected to hold a public hearing on May 18th at 5PM.

What can you do? You can engage. By attending one of the events above, you can learn about the county’s proposed Land Use Code and the future of Teton Valley overall. You can also submit comments to pz@co.teton.id.us. By learning and commenting about the proposed Land Use Code, you can influence the outcome of the code - and the future of Teton Valley