Northern South Park Neighborhood
The Northern South Park proposal sets a historical precedent as one of the largest residential developments. The project would add hundreds of new homes. The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance understands our community's desire to address the housing shortage, but a project of this scale must meet adopted planning standards and protect wildlife, transportation infrastructure, and community resources.
Why It Matters
We say this a lot: growth and change may be inevitable, but the degradation of natural resources, wildlife, and wild places is not.
The Jackson Hole community has nearly unanimously identified a need for more housing. But growth must be guided by responsible planning. Large developments, like NSP, have cascading impacts on the surrounding world that must be considered and mitigated before we break ground. Traffic, public infrastructure, water resources, neighborhood character, and wildlife movement will be changed and sometimes harmed for decades.
Development decisions should balance housing needs with conservation – always. If approved without adequate transportation considerations, wildlife permeability, and compliance with existing planning documents, the project will create negative impacts that are difficult—or impossible—to correct later. Developments, especially of this scale, must be planned responsibly and adhere to those plans even when a sense of urgency is portrayed.
What we’re calling for : Accountability and Advocacy
JHCA supports housing for public employees and the U.S. Forest Service workforce in Jackson. We do not support the Nelson Drive proposal in its current form. JHCA is advocating that all housing units on this public parcel be reserved for federal, state, town, and county employees, and that any public funding be conditioned on a clear and enforceable public benefit. We are also calling for full transparency regarding project partners and unit allocations. Our goal is to meet workforce housing needs without establishing a precedent for private residential use of public lands.
JHCA advocates for NSP developers to adhere to established commitments in the Comprehensive Plan, Neighborhood Plan, and Land Development Regulations. Our priorities include:
Compliance with applicable Land Development Regulations.
Wildlife permeability through meaningful open space and reduced fencing.
Transportation improvements that keep pace with development through clear phasing requirements.
Infrastructure investments that protect community safety and quality of life.
Accountability throughout the review and build-out process.
Status:
The Teton County Planning Commission has recommended approval of the Northern South Park Area 1 Development Plan. The proposal now advances to the Teton County Board of County Commissioners for final review.
Timeline:
2022 — NSP Neighborhood Plan adopted by County Commissioners.
2024 — Teton County implements neighborhood plan into development regulations.
2024 — Master site plan for Area 1 approved
August 2026 — Planning Commission recommends approval for development plan with conditions.
September 15, 2026 — County Commissioners begin final review.
Get Involved:
You can help shape the future of Northern South Park by:
Submitting comments to the Board of County Commissioners.
