The decision came following public comment from several neighboring business owners, and internal debate among the council.
Some of the public commenters expressed serious concern about the disruption they see the summer construction causing them, while others voiced support for getting the project underway quickly so it will be completed sooner.
Likewise, councilors weighed the costs and benefits of approving the plan as-is and allowing the construction to begin during the summer, as opposed to forcing the Darwiche family, who own Hotel Jackson, to wait until the fall months â after peak tourism season â to begin the project. Phase 2 of the hotelâs expansion includes additional hotel rooms, a spa, and a high-end restaurant, which the staff report notes âwill help add visitors and new residents within easy walking distance to downtown Jackson shops, amenities, and transportation options.â The project will extend the hotel from its current entrance on Glenwo
As Agnes Bourne walked through her most recent art exhibition at the Center For the Arts, she told the News&Guide she was âgetting goosebumps.â
âIt just goes forever,â Bourne said. âIâm so excited because itâs really beautiful.â
The centerâs âcreative in residenceâ had just put the finishing touches on the installation she had curated, titled âNature,â which features outdoors-inspired pieces by over 30 artists. Bourne said the goal of the exhibition is for visitors to feel a âspecial relationshipâ with nature and the joy of it.
âAnd to feel, you know, in love with it to the extent that we want to be sure that nature continues to be healthy,â Bourne said.