Save
Silver Creek
Stop Sprawl
Oppenheimer Development Corporation’s
Request for Annexation:
“Blaine Crossing”
The City of Hailey is considering annexing of 108 acres of Flying Hat Ranch—the land between Hailey and Bellevue—to be developed into a high-density mix of housing, industry, commercial space, and a hotel over 3 miles from Hailey’s downtown core. The remaining 120 acres of Flying Hat would then seek annexation into Bellevue for further development.
614
High-density
housing units
280,000
square feet of
industrial space
100
Room hotel
3.5 miles
from Hailey’s
downtown core
+120
more acres to
seek annexation
into Bellevue
What’s at Stake
Development on this scale reaches every part of the Wood River Valley — and downstream.
Sprawl
614 Residential units, with a commercial hub, 3.5 miles from downtown core competes and detracts from Hailey’s existing businesses and vitality.
Water
Our basin is over allocated. This means there is not the water to meet current obligations or needs. Water shortages are not only dire for agriculture, but also the Big Wood River, Silver Creek, the aquifer and all those who depend on them—that is everyone: you, me, fish, wildlife, plants, and trees.
Increased Traffic
Just the north phase of this proposal would amount to approximately 1,840 more people and 1,400 more cars on the road.
Wildlife and Open Space
Open space between towns is valuable aesthetically, essential for community identity, but also for wildlife mobility and space, water infiltration and reducing run off and non-point source pollution as well as serving as a critical fire break.
Lost Farmland
Due to urban sprawl and development, the most recent Census of Agriculture reports a loss of over 20 million acres of farmland from 2017-2022.
Expanded Costly Services
The financial burden to existing residents is unknown. A project of this type will sharply increase the demand on roads, sewer, emergency services, schools, and trails.
The Big Picture
Black: Approved and various stages of development
Green: Active
Light Green: Anticipated annexation or development agreement
Here’s what we know so far
Around 900 residential units or lots are already approved across unincorporated Blaine County and the cities, with annexation intentions and development agreements that could add another 1,583 lots or more. Separately, 1,940 platted lots remain undeveloped, extending the backlog of future demand. The cumulative impact of about 10,000 more residents on water, wastewater, roads and traffic safety, wildlife, trails and recreation, and public services is more than significant.
Do we have the water? Who pays for this? Who benefits?
This risks an overbuilt valley beyond what can be sustained. Our concern is that developer-driven sales pitches are pushing growth way beyond capacity.
+ 900 already approved units
+ 1,940 undeveloped platted lots
+ 1,583 expected lots from annexations and development agreements
= 4,423 additional houses—or about 10,172 more people at 2.3 people per house
What People are Saying
“This is a case of build it and they will come. The developer stands to benefit immensely, while those of us that live here will be dealing with the negative ramifications forever.”
-Hailey resident
“I am very concerned about a development this size in the Wood River Valley. We live downstream and our livelihood is greatly impacted by water use in the Wood River Valley.”
-Lincoln County resident
“Don’t let developers blow up the valley under the guise of ‘we need affordable housing’. New construction in the Wood River Valley is not ‘affordable’. Don’t get me wrong: I’d love to move back and have a house and a job, but this is not about me. It is about developers making a killing. They’re not solving any problems for WRV.”
-Blaine County native
“I used to love the small rural community feel of the Wood River Valley, but with the recent rapid growth I find it unrecognizable.
-Visitor
“Enough is enough. We’ve been overwhelmed by rapid development, congestion, construction, and traffic jams–who benefits from it? It’s time for the community to take care of the community. Our leadership should be accountable to us, not developers.”
-Wood River Valley native and business owner
"Developing 108 acres in between Hailey and Bellevue greatly impacts our entire valley: our water supply, road congestion, increased burden on all resources including emergency services, schools, trails.”
-Blaine County resident
Submit Public Comment
Send your concerns to the City of Hailey by using this form or email them:
Review the official public record on this project at the City of Hailey here.
About Us
We are farmers, ranchers, fishers, conservationists, recreationists, business owners, visitors and people who call the Wood River Valley home from kids to retirees and everyone in between.
We are a community of folks who care.
