A Billionaire’s Plan for a Massive Resort in a Rural Community Divides Locals
Billionaire Joe Ricketts, the founder of Ameritrade and owner of the Chicago Cubs, has sparked controversy with his plan to build a massive resort in the middle of a small, rural community in Wyoming. Ricketts has purchased 33 acres of land at Granite Creek, about an hour’s drive from Jackson, and plans to renovate the existing Safari Club into a luxury resort called The Hawken.
The resort would include 22,000 square feet of new developments, including cabins, lodges, a nature center, and a spa. The plan has been met with opposition from local residents and politicians, who fear that the resort will damage the natural beauty of the area and lead to over-development.
One local official said that Ricketts needs to be held on a tighter leash, and that the resort could have a massive impact on the area’s natural ecosystem. Another official worried that the resort could increase the risk of wildfires and put people and the land in danger.
Ricketts has stressed that his proposed resort would actually help protect wildlife in the area and teach guests the importance of environmental conservation. However, his claims have not convinced many locals, who remain concerned about the impact of the resort on their community.
This is not the first time Ricketts has faced backlash over a development project. He was previously criticized for trying to rename a nearby town and building a high-end resort on his 1,300-acre ranch property in the area. His new plan has sparked fresh outrage and has left the rural community divided.
