These are the facts that cannot be disputed:
· The Town Council did not admit 400 W Snow King was on the Teton County Fairgrounds property until they had to do so to avoid a referendum.
· To avoid a referendum they had to call a 48-unit apartment complex an accessory residential until (ARU). ARUs are mother-in-law apartments, not complexes.
· The Town and County took away your right as a citizen to decide what happens with property zoned Public/Semi-Public since 1941. Land that should be available to everyone will now be used by 48 households and managed by private developers.
· No one can point to exactly where in the lease – page number and section – it explicitly states that the 48- unit apartment complex on the fairgrounds has to be affordable for the entirety of the 99-year free lease that the town gave to a private developers, along with $2.25 million in grants.
· The Town and County publicly state that there is no threat to the fairgrounds while quietly considering a Fairgrounds Neighborhood Plan to meet housing needs.
· The WCDA has provided two documents and public comment proving that the “low-income” requirement expires in 30 years. Section 42(g) in the ground lease also expires in 30 years.
· The original fairgrounds was 26 acres. Now it is 12.35.
· The Town and County are in a lease until 2030 at the fairgrounds, but they could agree to let each other out of the lease early, just like they did at the Exhibit Hall. It was previously in a lease until December 2030 to be used by the public.
· Only four private citizens spoke in favor of the state bailing out the Town, and two of them where the developers themselves, Tyler Davis and Christian Pritchett, who received $2.25 million from the Town. The other two were connected to Shelter JH. Concerned citizens spoke for two hours against the bailout.
· This is currently a State issue because the Town went to the State to ask for a bailout. Their application is not consistent with information that has been provided to the public. For more details on this, please visit our website at SavetheRodeoGrounds.com
Why can the Town give a private developer a free 99-year ground lease, but they cannot provide the fair and rodeo a long lease? Actions speak louder than words!
We will continue to fight to protect our fair and rodeo grounds, and to preserve our Western Heritage!
Save the Rodeo & Fairgrounds, LLC co-founders Blair Maus & Rebecca Bextel
Watch the November 2nd meeting here beginning at 3:12.
Thank you to the volunteers who walked with us in the Independence Day Parade!
Our current Town Council is moving forward with plans to build housing at our historic fairgrounds despite the wishes of most residents in Teton County.
The town approved a contract to give a private developer a FREE 99-year lease on over an acre of fairgrounds land plus $2.5 million dollars. The developer also receives $14 million over 15 years in federal tax credits. The developer owns the building yet he is paid to manage it. The town has first right of refusal on the land in 15 years with no preset terms or pricing. Housing Director, April Norton, said she did not want to manage the federal grant that she applied for so the developer is also managing the units. The “low-income” housing piece expires in 30 years, then the housing can become market rate. This is a horrible deal for the people of Jackson Hole.
Once this land is gone, it is gone forever. Please help us preserve our Western heritage and the Soul of Jackson Hole!
Email the Town Council (electedofficials@jacksonwy.gov) and Teton County Commissioners (commissioners@tetoncountywy.gov) and tell them to STOP this!
Help save the historic Jackson Hole fairgrounds and rodeo by signing the petition below!
On August 8, 2022, we learned that the Town of Jackson withdrew their Zoning Map Amendment to rezone the property and have decided to build housing at our historic fairgrounds. They are trying to keep the public from being able to stop it through a referendum. When we read the original ZMA, we learned that the town has plans to turn the entire fairgrounds into a residential neighborhood.
On June 21, 2022, the Town of Jackson Planning & Building Department filed a zoning map amendment for over one acre of land at the current rodeo and fairgrounds. They are wanting to change the zoning from P/SP (public/semi public) to NM1 (high density housing). Their plan is to tear down the Exhibit Hall and move it into the Fire/EMS building and build a 48-unit housing complex on the one acre of land. As of July 5th, there are no contracts signed with developers yet and the acre has not successfully been rezoned yet. WE CAN STOP THIS! The Town Council meeting to go over contracts with developers is July 18th. Let your voice be heard! In the zoning amendment application the Town of Jackson actually admits to looking for another fairgrounds location. This land grab is just the beginning! There is currently not enough room at the fairgrounds and we cannot afford to lose another acre!
Email your Town Council at electedofficials@jacksonwy.gov and tell them to STOP this project!
The June 7, 2021 Joint Information Meeting minutes between the Teton County Commissioners and the Town Council seems to indicate a possibility of re-zoning the fairgrounds. When asked about this , it explained by the County Attorney’s office that “this proposal was to study the current fairgrounds site for possible re-zone to allow for affordable housing on the site. The work plan is a plan for what the long range planners are supposed to be working on. So the idea was that in January 2022, the long range planners would start taking a look at how the comprehensive plan and potentially zoning could be changed to allow for housing on the current fairgrounds site. The town owns the property. However, the county currently leases the property from the town in order to have the county fairgrounds located there. The lease expires in 2026……. they were wanting some discussions now about the potential for development on the property prior to the lease expiring in 2026…..“
Check out KHOL’s interview regarding our efforts!
Email us if you want bumper stickers, or stop by 680 S Cache Street, Suite 100 during regular business hours!
SaveTheRodeoGrounds@gmail.com
If you do not want the current rodeo/fairgrounds turned into a housing, please consider signing the petition below.
We, the undersigned, petition the Town of Jackson and Teton County to hold a special referendum allowing the citizens of Teton County the opportunity to vote on whether or not we want to not turn our historic Rodeo and Fairgrounds into affordable housing, or anything else other than its current use. Our historic rodeo and fairgrounds serve an integral purpose in safekeeping Jackson Hole as “The Last of the Old West”. The convenience and profit of a few must not allow the Rodeo and Fairgrounds to be turned into affordable housing thereby irrevocably destroying the character of the Jackson Hole we know and love.
Only your name, city and state will be shown publicly. We need your first and last name, plus your STREET ADDRESS if you are local and want to be included in the referendum!
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We need your help!
Share your favorite memory from the Jackson Hole Rodeo and Fairgrounds.
I moved to Jackson Hole in 1987 and after being a rolling stone for 32 years I found my home in the Best of the Old West. That coincided with the discovery of Jackson by the rich and famous after some paparazzi ass bite reported the location of Harrison Ford’s Rocky Mountain hideaway and the installation of the first intermediate ski lifts at the formerly expert only ski hill. Soon an affordable place became unaffordable and I had to move to Idaho and then put a couple of mortgages’ into my gas tank commuting to work starting in 1990 tell today. Back then was the best of the old west. That has changed. Oh, the new people have made a pretty Aspen out of my former heaven on earth neither respecting the heritage.
One can’t change the population growth but it doesn’t require defecating on the quality of Jackson Hole that had nothing to do with it’s blessed geology.
Those with half a brain could find a piece of dirt in Jackson somewhere to put up the affordable housing they desire without tearing down established infrastructure that has been a place of joy and memories for generation in what was the Best of the Old West.
Do not CANCEL the HEART & SOLE of our beautiful little town
Thank you savetherodeogrounds.com for standing up and fighting to save our lovely fairgrounds. If it were not for folks like you, there is no doubt that this project would be getting pushed through. Jackson would not be the same without the fairgrounds. Our family loves going to the Rodeo and other events there, as do the many of the tourists who come visit Jackson. Having the fairgrounds right in the heart of town is the perfect place for it and where it should always remain! There are plenty of other areas outside of town to build affordable housing.
Jackson, Wyoming without its rodeo grounds would become a town without a heritage and a town without a heart. We’ve all invested our lives in this small acreage that’s offered so much, has kept the stands filled and the dude ranches filled, and has attracted PRCA cowboys here to compete. The County Fair stands on its own as a heritage factor, with its 4-H keeping the Western ranching life alive. Please don’t let developers kill “our” town. Use part of the Elk Refuge for affordable housing. In fact, I thought that much of the concentrated apartments and condos being built nearby were supposedly for affordable housing. Please let the people of Teton and surrounding counties have the vote on this matter of moving the rodeo elsewhere. Land around Jackson has become too expensive to purchase anyway, except for the uber-wealthy who see it as a good investment and a wealth shield.
I live near the corner of Milward and Snowking. Two to three times each week I witness the procession of excited visitors walking from downtown or Snowking Resort area headed to the Rodeo grounds. I see families with kids so excited they run ahead jumping with excitement. I see couples, young and old walking to the rodeo for date night. When I tell out-of-towners that there is a rodeo, right in town, several nights a wee, and all summer long their eyes light up learning that such a thing still exists. They see the lights and hear the loudspeaker and they know they will have an experience that they can’t get anywhere else.
As a local resident, I had the privilege of raising my kids in 4-H, TBRA and Rodeo. Our experience for 30 plus years at the Teton County Fair Grounds is unquestionably part of our family story and narrative just as much as for any visitor that comes to Jackson Hole and experiences the Rodeo or Fair for the first time. The fair grounds is part of out history and character that has grown over the decades. Once this treasure is erased it cannot be rebuilt.
The density for affordable housing in this relatively small parcel of open land will create impacts on traffic, safety, congestion that the town infrastructure cannot support.
The Jackson Hole Rodeo is so important to the town of Jackson and our locals. The tourists come to Jackson looking for this Western experience. It’s within walking distance for the people visiting the town to enjoy this important event. Please don’t destroy this huge part of our town’s history. There are other areas in the valley to put affordable housing. Please stop changing our beautiful town!
This is what happens when elected officials live next to the fair grounds.
Jackson has enough privileged kids being awarded affordable housing. I say everyone who lives in affordable housing should be required to give 1 week a year of community service for every adult in the unit. Then raise rates as income rises. This is a stepping stone not a permanent solution.
..The rodeo grounds are a feature that makes Jackson Hole Unique & Memorable… It can not be replaced!
Put the affordable housing in Stilson !!!
SAVE THE FAIRGROUNDS !!!
Why move the rodeo grounds? Wherever they intend to move it is where they ought to build the affordable housing. Duh!
The rodeo grounds are an integral part of the town of Jackson. Visitors can easily walk to the rodeo to enjoy the “western experience” – -placing the grounds way-out of town will simply allow more “affordable” housing to clutter up the already overbuilt town. Is there no limit to the greed of developers who want to destroy the ambiance of the once little town that so delighted us? The present rodeo grounds are so convenient and spacious – -why should box houses replace them? ………………Been here over 50 years and distressed at the changes. Just say NO to moving the grounds!!
They’ve ran out a ton of us that grew up there. Not surprised the rodeo grounds is on the chopping block. And after they built such a wonderful facility. Totally makes sense with what that town has become. Bozeman MT is following suit. It happens in all beautiful mountain towns. It is what it is. Unfortunately this probably won’t help in the least. Hopefully some rancher will donate some land and the rodeo will become a privately owned operation. Good luck Jackson….I sure miss you in the 90s.
There is no such thing as affordable living in Jackson just another reason to get rid anther part of Jackson s history
Hopefully everyone has seen this article by now!
https://buckrail.com/jackson-hole-rodeo-gets-five-more-years-agreement-with-toj-until-2026/?mc_cid=6131c696b1&mc_eid=401cd4218d
My first job as a teenager was hazing calves for the roping events, cooling down pick up horses, and carrying either the Wyoming or American flags for the grand entry. As a former Jackson Hole High School rodeo queen, I will always remember Fred Crane’s voice from the Crow’s Nest.
This acreage represents the heart of our town and our rodeo is what many visitors will remember best of their time here.
Yes, we need housing. We also need to retain and honor our history for future generations.
Grew up on Aspen Drive south of Rodeo Grounds. Loved falling to sleep listening to the crowd noise every summer night.
Plenty of housing projects have been denied by planners because of the NIMBY rule that applies only to wealthy people. Land owners in SP and on Moose – Wilson have road have tried to make their land available for housing but the planners would rather keep stealing from the common citizen.
Leave the RG alone please.
Please leave us something that resembles Jackson of old the rodeo grounds should stay exactly we’re they are. Not more crap like that new apartment eye sore on broad way.
I asked my wife to marry me in that arena. 26 years ago. She said yes. 🙂
Please keep the rodeo! This is quintessential JACKSON! I am sure if you look hard enough you can find other alternatives for the much needed affordable housing, but the rodeo will be irreplaceable and it is part of the heart beat of this western town!!!
Hadn’t been to the rodeo since I was a child. Moved to JH 10-years ago and immediately was hooked again (at 55-years old)! Have taken family and friends to the JH Rodeo every year. It’s part of America…It’s part of Wyoming…It’s part of Jackson Hole. LET THE RESIDENTS OF TETON COUNTY VOTE YES OR NO ON KEEPING…Not the politicians!
I may not be a local, but I have spent many a night cheering along online through YouTube yearly during the rodeo season. My body, and pocketbook may not allow me to travel where I want when I want, but online I can go where my heart desires. Three Days a Week during the Summer I’m drawn to the Jackson Hole Rodeo, a place of pure fun, morals, values, and ethics. A place where people (and animals) of all walks of life can come together to have a good time, whether you are participating in the Rodeo or a member of the crowd. My heart breaks at hearing that anyone with any amount of local ties would even remotely be thinking about destroying the rodeo grounds/fairgrounds. How can you even contemplate stealing the heart out of a town and still expect it to survive as it is? Yes real affordable housing (for locals) is important, and needed everywhere, but not at this expense. The price is too great. Everywhere in this country has land/areas that can be repurposed from already closed businesses or even fully abandoned properties, use those! This is shockingly dispicable swampy politics plain and simple. Straighten up, listen to the voices of people reaching out to you from all around our country as well as the locals, & learn for maybe once in your life to be proud of what you have as a part of your town’s long standing heritage!
please keep the rodeo
These are the grounds where we boxed up and shipped the Capitol Christmas Tree. City kids are/were invited down to pull the yellow ribbon off a calfs tail, a once in a life time event for most. This is where cowboys “cowboy up”! This town has picked old body parts off all around town, ruined Snow King and now they are considering ripping the heart out of a cowboy town. You want to stop feeding elk and reduce the herd. Why not build housing in the middle of the elk reserve, take down the fencing and kill two birds with one stone and save the rodeo from developers. Problem solved!
I was born and raised in Jackson Hole until I was 10. Some of my fondest memories were made at the rodeo and county fair. I moved back to Jackson after graduating high school and rodeoed every Wednesday and Saturday that entire summer. I was even lucky enough to carry the American Flag on the back of my horse Trig, who has since passed. I still love to go visit when I’m able. Jackson has already been ruined in so many ways from everyone moving in. It no longer feels like the “Old West”. Please keep this small piece of Country that we all love so much!
Why do you have to take away everything away from the town of Jackson. The grand stands are full in the summer. This is what people come for, a western town. Put your housing elsewhere !!! The fair grounds are part of Jackson, the heart and sole of our town. Stop tearing it down anymore. I agree with what Kerri Ellis wrote. Leave our western town alone.
I am so sad to hear that this is even being a consideration. Jackson Hole Wyoming is known world wide for its cowboy culture. It is what built Jackson with skiing to follow. Taking out the rodeo grounds would be changing what has been a symbol of Jackson. I have a son with a disability who loves to go every week to watch the Jackson rodeo. It is something he lives for. Because of its location he can go. It is truly one of a very few rodeo grounds that is accessible for the disabled. This rodeo is a favorite of many people outside of Jackson. Many people in Eastern Idaho love to travel to Jackson rodeo. To me it would be a big loss to give up something that has brought so much joy, fun times, and an economic impact to a community that is known for its spirit of the old west. There are other options that need to be considered.
We NEED affordable housing. It’s a very real issue but I can’t support this being the place to do it. The fairgrounds are a part of Jackson. Please look into other affordable housing options that don’t destroy the heart of this town.
I would sign this petition but I am no longer a local up there. I would say that after 34 years of living and being raised there it would be absolutely devastating to me to see the fairgrounds moved from it’s current site. The town and county seriously needs to reconsider this decision and study and find a different location for this affordable housing. Thank you.
In 1983 my world was turned upside down. I suffered loss if every persons and things that I held dear. Left home with 1000.00 in an worn out old truck.
Jim Houston had offered me night work at the rodeo. The Jackson Rodeo was there when all else was lost to me.
Since 1983 I have reurned to the Jackson area every year. Beacuse of the Jackson Nightly, I now have a small summer place in Dubois. I bring my grand daughter to the Nightly so that I can share “behind the shutes” cowboy life with her. To allow her to met and mingle with young upstart cowgirls and cowboys, as her grandfather once was.
To loose the rodeo and its history robs the desires of these young upstarts.
The rodeo is the main attractant to the tourist that choose Jackson as a destination.
The loss of the rodeo serves the needs of local business, tourists, and a way of life that is being shunned more and more every day.
When I was offered a job as Rodeo Clown in 1988, money was generous but I knew I was to slow to collect it. I can’t recall whether it was an honest offer from Russ or a tongue and cheek offer from Fred Crane.
I have so many memories, going back to 1976. I lived there in Jackson a short time and used to jog around this area. Then after moving away, we came back to visit friends. We sat in the local section to watch the rodeo it was awesome. Then there is the figure 8 derby every year at the festival. I understand the need, but get those millionaires to give up some of their land for housing. Don’t take anything else away from the locals.