Legacy Lodge approved as emergency housing, application process begins (2024)

JACKSON, Wyo. — On Tuesday, June 18, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) narrowly approved the use of Legacy Lodge for emergency housing for commuters while Teton Pass remains closed. The 53-unit workforce housing building, located in the Rafter J Ranch subdivision, will be available for use until Monday, July 29. Its use was approved in a three-to-two vote.

During the meeting, a heated discussion, with differing opinions from the community, took place after Deputy County Attorney Abigail Moore presented to the BCC that Legacy Lodge is in violation of its Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

According to Moore, the BCC originally approved the building’s CUP in 2022. However, in April, litigation went to the Wyoming Supreme Court contesting the applicant’s Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment to convert the building’s existing office units into residential units. Certain building codes, including proper ventilation for kitchen stoves, are not currently not in compliance. Moore also said that the lodge has not provided beds in any of the units. Additionally, Chief Deputy County Attorney Keith Gingery told the BCC on June 12 that Legacy Lodge has not provided the County with the building’s fire and livability inspections.

County Commissioner Luther Propst said he did not see how the building was ready to house people for even the short-term and he preferred to rely on the judicial process for the conditions of the PUD and CUP.

In response, Legacy Lodge Owner Jim Darwiche urged the BCC to allow the building to be used during the emergency response.

“This community needs housing, the people who give you coffee and put tires on your cars need housing,” Darwich said. “This is an opportunity to get along with our neighbors.”

County Commissioner Wes Gardner urged the BCC to see the opportunity of Legacy Lodge during the Pass crisis.

“I do not see a conflict between the short term and long term,” Gardner said. “We are talking about 30-something days.”

BCC Chairwoman Natalia Macker said the approval declaration will include an amendment suggesting that rental rates remain below the fair market rates calculated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

During the BCC meeting on Monday, June 17, Gingery said that as soon as the emergency is lifted, people will have to vacate Legacy Lodge within two days. The emergency use is unrelated to the building’s current CUP, and after the emergency declaration is over, the building still needs to apply to current CUP regulations.

Macker said that unless earlier repealed, the emergency resolution will expire on Monday, July 29, but it will be renewed if a state of emergency still exists. The BCC will study the current state of emergency on Monday, July 22.

According to Darwiche’s son, Sadek Darwiche, the BCC’s approval of the use of Legacy Lodge is an opportunity to finally reuse the building in the way it was intended to be used, as affordable residential housing.

Darwiche said that he and his father are working out the next steps with Teton County, but qualified commuters in need of housing can begin the approval process for a unit in Legacy Lodge by contacting Mountain Property Management at 307-733-1684. Currently, unfurnished units are available for rent.