Locals furious as they suspect billionaire of trying to rename town
A billionaire has sparked fury among locals in a Wyoming town who say he is trying to change its name to be more 'marketable' to wealthy city elites. Residents in Bondurant claim Chicago Cubs owner Joe Ricketts (pictured) is attempting to erase its identity as he moves to build a swanky new 230,000-square-foot resort nearby. The Ameritrade founder reportedly wants to change Bondurant's name to Little Jackson Hole, in a bid to lure in tourists.
Ricketts believes city slickers in the likes of New York might associate the new name with Jackson Hole, the renowned ski town. But the suggestion has upset locals, including longtime resident Pat Burroughs who is among 200 people who have protested at local meetings. 'We are Bondurant,' Burroughs told Cowboy State Daily. 'This is the Upper Hoback.'
The idea was reportedly floated to locals by Ricketts at a glitzy, seven course dinner featuring goodie bags, most of which went unclaimed in protest. 'About 75% of the people all got up and left the dinner right then,' Burroughs said. 'They left the gift bags on the table and just walked out.' Bumper stickers with 'Don't Jackson Hole Our Town' have also been spotted throughout the area.
But it is not just the name change with has locals concerned, many fear the impact on the local wildlife, house prices and the town's unique character. It may be too late to stop however, as Ricketts has already snapped up more than 1,800 acres of land in the area. Most recently, he quietly acquired the historic Haliburton Hotel, which locals suspect may be to bolster another recent purchase of the White Pine Ski Resort.
Burroughs explained that locals were already experiencing 'infuriating' issues with mail, as packages have turned up addressed to Little Jackson Hole. 'One gentleman even had trouble getting his medication,' she said. 'He kept telling them he lives in Bondurant, but they were looking for someone in Little Jackson Hole.' Her concerns are echoed by another longtime resident, Richard Pearson.
'He's bought several places around here,' Pearson said. 'It's just like a cancer. He's just sucking everything up. Anything that becomes available, he's buying it.' Ricketts already owns the 1,300 acre Jackson Fork Ranch and 160 acre former Dead Shot Ranch. There is speculation he has been eying land swaps to try and connect the two into one sprawling estate.
Some residents have expressed concern that the resort could send house prices soaring, making it unaffordable for those from the area. They point to the impact of Jackson Hole on its surrounding communities as evidence for their worries 'I've got a buddy who drives a truck with County 23 license plate No. 2. That's how long his family has been here, and he can't afford to live here anymore,' said Justin Brummett.
Ricketts claims the name change would have a historic basis and highlighted research he commissioned which showed a link to famous explorer Davey Jackson. He states the Hoback resort will be a 'premium resort experience with a mission-driven focus on protecting, preserving, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Hoback region'. Many believe that the resort can help revive Bondurant, which has seen ever dwindling class sizes at the local school and a litany of hotel, store and restaurant closures.
If Ricketts' plans are successful, he will become possibly the second largest employer in the area offering work not tied to jobs in volatile sectors such as oil and gas. 'Our federal lands aren't going to be as lucrative as they have been. In my mind, recreation is probably the next easiest thing for Sublette County to delve into,' Sublette County Commissioner Mack Bradley told Cowboy State Daily.
