posted 01/16/10 08:37 AM | updated 01/16/10 04:30 PM
Featured Post! | Views: 12535 | Comments : 10 | General & Breaking News

Town Gondola coalition lays out case for River Run to Sun Valley Village connection

By SVO
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Artistic rendering of Community Connector running down the 4th Street corridor with Baldy in the background

A coalition of public and private entities has come together to propose a potential gondola connection between River Run and Sun Valley Village that would travel down the bike path from River Run, turn up 4th Street and then continue to Sun Valley Village. The group has a website where they refer to it as the CommunityConnector. The following are excerpts from the website. The introduction is below. They also lay out what they describe as the Current Scenario. Share your thoughts below.

Introduction

The Wood River Valley is comprised of the incorporated cities of Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum and is home to the Sun Valley Resort, where tourists from around the world enjoy skiing, hiking, skating, cycling and more year-round. The population growth in the valley since 1970 has caused concern about the increased use of private automobiles and the effects of traffic congestion and pollution in the area. Residents have a strong interest to develop transportation alternatives in order to address current traffic problems occurring during peak periods. Residents also want to maintain the region’s unique ambiance and quality of place.

A coalition of community leaders has come together to explore transportation solutions for the future. The group is comprised of representatives from Mountain Rides Transportation Authority, Sun Valley Company, the Cities of Ketchum and Sun Valley, and Blaine County.

We have the opportunity right now to make a substantial and singular change to our community and our future. Now is the time to plan and invest in the difference we can make and competitively position the valley for future generations. The 2011 ski season will mark the 75th anniversary of the world’s first chair lift operation at Sun Valley. Let’s celebrate another “world’s first” in 75 years – progressive and sustainable transportation in a resort community. The Community Connector Committee (CCC) is researching four transportation modalities to better distribute incoming traffic, connect Sun Valley, downtown Ketchum and the River Run neighborhood, and integrate with a comprehensive regional public transportation system. The modalities being considered are:

  • Traditional diesel buses;
  • Advanced buses (electric, hybrid or natural gas vehicles on separate right-of-way in designated areas);
  • Fixed guideway steel-wheeled streetcar;
  • Six or eight passenger fixed guideway aerial gondola.

An efficient transportation system and infrastructure are key factors to economic vitality. To create a livable, vibrant, sustainable community, the valley’s urban areas must be fully accessible based on diverse transportation options. This includes mobility links among city cores as well as well-maintained infrastructure within each downtown destination.

The goals for a community connector include creating advanced transportation that brings national recognition to the Wood River Valley, reducing traffic congestion, preserving community character and quality of place, and providing links to a comprehensive regional transportation system.

The website goes on to outline how they perceive the Opportunities and has a link to several transportation studies including the 88 page Gondola feasibility study (PDF).

Opportunities

  • The Wood River Valley has a tourist-based economy. A modern, “green” expanded comprehensive public transportation system would further enhance the area as a vital resort destination.
  • An improved transit system would efficiently link key activity centers: Sun Valley Resort, City of Ketchum and the transportation hub at River Run.
  • Creating a sophisticated transit system between key activity centers would help energize and revitalize the Ketchum retail/business/nightlife core.
  • A mode of alternative transportation could create a “ski-in/ski-out” concept for much of Ketchum and Sun Valley, making it easier for local residents to access the mountain.
  • An alternative transportation mode would be a viable part of a comprehensive Regional Transportation System for the area and increase the opportunities for additional funding sources.
  • GREEN or eco-friendly alternatives for transportation improve pollution levels, reduce noise and provide a positive environmental marketing asset for the valley.
  • Alternative modes of transportation would reduce traffic congestion in the valley potentially removing 2,400 vehicle trips a day through Ketchum in winter and 2,300 in summer.
  • New transportation options could create or improve “connectivity” to recreation areas throughout Blaine County.
  • A sophisticated transportation alternative creates, in itself, a marketable feature, setting the valley apart from other resort destinations.
  • A fixed guideway option could create a tourist activity for visitors and potentially provide elevated views of the area.
  •  A sophisticated transit system delivering skiers to the base of Bald Mountain at River Run could create a “wow factor” for visitors.
  • Advanced transportation provides easier access to community events (i.e. events at that new Sun Valley music Pavilion). Events have greater attendance if you don’t have obstacles to get to them. It brings the community together.
  • The community connector will not only serve tourists. It is beneficial to a number of users including guests, employees, residents and second homeowners. Everyone will use it and benefit from it.
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    Gondola from River Run to SV
    It's already bad enough that the current gondola doesn't even go to the top of Baldy. What a waste to have one run from SV to RR! Is this a joke? Is this the Jersey Shore or something?
    Comment by Concerned Citizen
    7 months ago
    ( 0 votes )
    Gondola Connector
    Who pays? How Much? Capital and operational cost per passenger mile? Comparative cost effectiveness with other options?
    Comment by Mick Garcia
    7 months ago
    ( +1 votes )
    Gondola Connector
    Mickey's question of who pays and how much is spot on. Why not compare the cost of the connector to an underground electric trolley system (think cable car) that runs between directly up SV Road from RR and SVR. People could jump on and off. No big stations to build, no stairs, and feeling that I'm in Disney's Fantasay Land. I'll bet my version is cheaper than theirs.
    Comment by Pam Colesworthy
    7 months ago
    ( 0 votes )
    Gondola Connector
    Are you kidding me? I count myself as a visitor (albeit we own property, pay taxes, and have been doing so for more than 30 years), and I guarantee you the only "wow' factor that would be created amongst visitors, is "wow, this seems out of place!" Ketchum and Sun Valley have an authentic, natural experience to offer visitors....transportation to and from RR and the Village can be accomplished many other ways; trolley, natural gas buses, etc.. But once lost, your vista will never be regained. Please, locals, represent those of us who love this valley from afar and do not let this go any farther!
    Comment by Katy Andrews
    7 months ago
    ( 0 votes )
    Love the Gondola idea
    Great questions about who might pay but count me among those who'd love to see this. Buses, etc. are too infrequent and slow for people to change habits. I laugh about people commenting about protecting natural vistas when many of these people kill for a Baldy view which has clear cut the mountain for runs, put up structures on our hillsides, has lifts running all over it. What is "natural" about that?! The mountain is what you see from all over town. This gondola wouldn't be high enough to see from 99% of town. Anyone who has ridden the new gondola will tell you what a pleasant ride that is and you can't beat the every 10 seconds or so frequency.
    Comment by Hank Lin
    7 months ago
    ( 0 votes )
    gondola-no
    Most of us are drawn here by nature and a simpler lifestyle. We don't need more clutter- wires, poles, littering the landscape and blocking our views and sense of living in nature.
    crystal
    Comment by crystal
    7 months ago
    ( 0 votes )
    gondola??really??
    I think that the valley should be more concerned with providing transportation for it's year round residents than catering to the tourists of Sun Valley. With full respect and appreciation of the Sun Valley Co's infrastructure and what that has meant in building this community to what it is today, I believe the bigger picture is missed by most. ONE BIG HAPPY VALLEY...Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum, & Sun Valley. The majority of the population (those that live and work here)that pay the taxes and can't get a bus service to provide valley wide transpo including weekends and eves. The Taxi situation is a JOKE, the traffic and parking is ridiculus, Ketchum and Hailey are the least pedestrian friendly towns in the state. A gondola from Ketchum to Sun Valley????? I would spend the money and energy on much more important issues to help the community and the valley. If Sun Valley Co. wants to spend millions on such things...let em. But I won't pay for that.
    Comment by JT
    7 months ago
    ( 0 votes )
    The other comments
    Gondola
    NO way. A gondola connecting areas of Sun Valley would mess up the very best thing about SV - it quaintness and laid back Western small town atmosphere. SV is NOT Aspen!
    Comment by Shary
    3 days ago ( 0 votes )
    ( report abuse ) ( reply )
    Quaint like a ghost town
    I think Shary may be referring to the quaintness of a ghost town with a parking lot. I love the quaint old lifts off Fairway Road but sure wouldn't want to ride them. It's also quaint to hike up Baldy but glad they have the lifts and gondola. I don't think Aspen even has a gondola so that's a non sequitor. I think the only town gondola is in telluride which is a nice little town. The gondola doesn't seem to have had a negative effect there. Quite the opposite.
    Comment by Jerry Benioffster
    3 days ago ( 0 votes )
    ( report abuse ) ( reply )
    gondola
    The capacity to walk or ride a bike from one on of town to the other and from one village to the other is one of the very best aspects of living here. The ability to walk keeps us connected to the surrounding natural beauty, community of people and community of businesses. Saying hello to passersby, shopowners, friends and yes, their animals too, is the soul of this community. Sitting in a gondola disconnects you from the human experience of interacting with the community and nature. Plus, unless this were powered by a renewable energy source, it would not fit in with the prevailing sentiment to do so. If we are trying to rekindle the soul of this community to it's essence, I am not seeing how a gondola enhances anyone's experience. Yes, it MAY take more... read more
    Comment by Hugh
    7 months ago
    ( 0 votes )
    $40.000 each
    We have no power to spare , no money , we owe already ,use the bike path ! Forty grand per cabin , over a thousand dollars an hour to run ! Ugly ! This is the most perpostuous pipe dream that started in Wally's office . Its rediculous . Build it and they will leave . This type of logic has already collapsed the economy here . How about cleaning the streets and the old Williams Market and the alley ways and all the dog shit and trash that is appauling ! If you build it they leave .Its just not our style . Oh and will Baird stop it at PK's ? Lets clean up the city council too ?
    Comment by Fred Free ski
    5 months ago
    ( 0 votes )
    gandola
    solutions please!!!!, as a KART board member, i proposed a parking area at the entrance to ketchum/sv, renting small e-cars with bubble, 2 seater or 4 seater, available "Then or now" .(.enclosed golf carts)...Americans are not in love with cars but with individual freedom.....the cost will be borne by visitors slightly higher than parking fees....Gives us individual flexibility, no pollution, can fit 4 in one parking space, and costs very little ....will put our community on the map for thinking out of the box.....I was told " TOO RADICAL"..instead we did the same old, same old...hackneyed failing ideas. The gondala similarly is a pipe dream and like Mountain Rides will run empty most of the time...what a waste!!!!
    Comment by pawan mehra
    3 months ago
    ( 0 votes )
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