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HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit R_Public Comment post 12.12.16To Whom it may concern, I have lived in the town of Aspen for over fifteen years. My first job here was as a liftie working the disheveled, vintage lift known as 1A. It amazed me at the time, and still does today that in a town such as Aspen, we are still living with a rundown relic from a by -gone era. The whole area, for those that even go over there, looks like a desolate wasteland. When the Aspen we know was rejuvenated by the likes of Freidle Pfeifer and Walter Paepke, they had a vision in mind; a forward thinking community, which invites change and prosperity. And now we are presented with a project that I believe they would have embraced and endorsed. The Gorsuch Haus, is a project brought to us by a name just as synonymous with Skiing as it is with Aspen. Jeff Gorsuch, from the ski -racing family who created the iconic ski brand that has helped define Aspen from the rest. Here is a man that loves Aspen as much, if not more than any of us, trying to create a re -energized base, with a new lift to replace one that even the World Skiing Organization has said is sub par for their use in the future. The project would bring back vibrancy to the area we are sorely missing, not only providing beds in its new Hotel, but a gathering spot for public use. Aspen Skiing Company has said that they are happy to upgrade the lift on the condition that the town comes together with a suitable lodge/base to compliment it. Are we so caught up trying to preserve something that should have been replaced years ago, that we are going to miss yet another opportunity to fix this blight on the base of our icon Aspen Mountain? I'm not saying everyone has to agree with everything the project entails. We would all love the lift to move back to its original position by Dean St. But this is unfortunately not an option at this time, and definitively out of the control of the Gorsuch project. That being said, if the opportunity arose in the future, it is just a matter of splicing a longer cable and moving the lift base further down the mountain. In the meantime there would be new skier shuttles from Rubey Park, which would provide quick and easy transportation to the Gorsuch Hans and the new lift. The Gorsuch team has listened to the naysayers and come back with a legitimate answer to our problem at the base of 1A. Do we really want to lose another event as iconic as the World Cup? (Which at this time is not on their calendar for next year!) With endorsements from countless locals, and from one such as Klaus Obermeyer, do we really believe this is not something being done for the good of the town? When this goes to vote in February, I ask that we not miss yet another opportunity Aspen. Lets go with a project that makes sense for 1A and Aspen. The Gorsuch Hans. Scott Weber l Irk; ASS. - December 12, 2016 Mayor Skadron and members of Aspen City Council, I am writing to you about the Gorsuch Haus hotel proposed at the top of S. Aspen Street in hopes that you will give the project as currently proposed a fair review. I vividly recall my first visit to Aspen on a sunny March day in 1986 when I was able to watch Switzerland's Peter Mueller win America's downhill with his arm in a cast. The next day was equally unforgettable after the racers staged a boycott of the giant slalom in protest of dangerous course conditions created by rain and wet snow that had fallen overnight. I was just 18 years old at the time and a on my spring break as a freshman in college. Following the cancellation of that race, I spent the afternoon skiing powder on Ajax with a very talented young ski racer who I had befriended at a ski racing camp the summer prior and whose story would become a legendary part of Aspen history — Wilder Dwight. I share this story because I have equally vivid memories of how lively and energetic the base area of the Lift 1A area used to be in the mid 1980's. That's where my first lift ride up any Colorado ski area originated, and memories like that are hard to forget. Ten years later when I finally moved to Aspen, both the Skier's Chalet and Holland House still provided accommodations, dining and event space at what used to be major portal to Aspen Mountain. The closure and demolition of these two properties along with many other small lodges across town that I witnessed since moving to Aspen in 1995 effectively sucked all remaining energy that had existed there, and this portal to one of world's premier mountain resorts now has the appearance of being run-down and in a state of disrepair. Gorsuch Haus represents a unique opportunity to build a new hotel with a restaurant and bar at the base of Aspen Mountain that is so sorely needed there. This is the last location at the base that is suitable for a project of this type. It's a location at the base of Lift lA in a neighborhood that has historically been home to lodging and dining makes perfect sense. Gorsuch Haus also answers one of the critical needs that we in the lodging community and the community -at -large have identified as important for Aspen's long-term viability as a resort — new lodging rooms. As you are aware, our community has seen a considerable number of lodging properties either demolished or converted to other uses over the past 20 years. A new hotel with 60 hot -bed rooms and seven condominiums that add another 21 keys will help check that trend in a meaningful way. The community amenities that will come with approval of this project are numerous, and I hope you will factor them into your decision. They include a badly needed new lift and lift plaza area with easier to access for the public than the current lift. The base area will have a ticketing, restrooms and a ski patrol room. The ski out down the historic Lift 1 corridor to Willoughby Park will be greatly enhanced. There will be a restaurant and bar on the east side of the building with patios and decks that will be open to the public for use throughout the day and evening. Gorsuch Haus is providing public transportation from Rubey Park to the top of South Aspen Street for the first time since Lift 1A opened in 1972. Jeff Gorsuch, Bryan Peterson and the team to Lowe Enterprises have been extremely responsive to the community on matters such as lift location and sizing. The new Lift 1A is positioned to move further down the hill should other property owners, including Lift One Lodge and the city of Aspen, make way for it to do so. The Gorsuch Hans building is sized appropriately for the neighborhood as well. It is considerably smaller than the projects that were recommended through the COWOP process in 2008. The latest design has taken community and neighborhood input to heart and deserves to be considered on its merits. I recently attended the women's World Cup event in Killington, Vermont and can say that Aspen has its work cut out to remain a viable stop on the FIS World Cup tour. Other resorts are eager for the fall event, which for many years had traditionally been hosted on Aspen Mountain. The concerns of FIS officials about the dilapidated state of the Lift 1A base area are real and should not be ignored, and they are closely the following proceedings that will ultimately change the appearance and functionality of this base area. The exciting thing about Gorsuch Hans is that it answers those concerns fully with a new lift and a revitalized base area. Wouldn't it be great if we could report some meaningful progress by the time eyes from across the world will be on Aspen this March? Stay Aspen Snowmass is extremely supportive of this proposal for all of the reasons cited above. I am hopeful that you will give this latest proposal, as it is being presented this evening, full consideration. It is the type of hotel that fits in well with modern Aspen's needs and connects perfectly with our place as a leading alpine resort. Sincerely, r � s Bill Tomcich President, Stay Aspen Snowmass Dear Mayor and City Council members, My name is Mario Zulian and I own Eco Steam Wash, the car wash and detailing business that operated for 7 years at the Conoco Gas Station in Main Street. I'm writing this letter in support of the Gorsuch Hans development, which is a beautiful project for Aspen that intends to revitalize the forgotten and misused area of the Lift 1. Different than Base 2 lodge, in my opinion, this project has found the perfect area to be built and stands as a wise choice of development for our town. I didn't support the Base 2 lodge project because it tried to demolish a gas station that offers services and fuel to the community. Without the Conoco, Aspen will be down to only the Shell Station, which has no auto service premises (not even an air pump) and it's extremely crowded already. So if the Shell breaks down or has a shortage of fuel, or if it gets sold to another developer, then no other fueling option would be available in town. Besides, in the case of a wild fire or any catastrophe in town, if people had to evacuate only thru independence pass route, the next gas station would be one hour away, in Twin Lakes. Imagine the traffic jam for escapers to get gasoline in Aspen only Shell station prior to the escape trip up the pass... After openly opposing to this project and clearly trying to save the Conoco with my Green Gas Station idea, I was kicked out of my location only a month after the ballots denied Base 2 lodge. The outsider developer from Chicago, mr Mark Hunt, told publically that it had nothing to do with my opposition but instead, he had a better tenant for that location, a business that Aspen would LOVE it! That didn't happen, the spot stayed empty for 6 long months, and the business put there was an ATV rental, strictly for summer tourists, opened for only 3 months out of the year. I still can't find a spot downtown to operate my business, I had 7 employees and now I have only one. Tons of my local clients cannot get their cars washed or steam cleaned in town anymore. I'm sure the town didn't really LOVE the trade off... or do we locals really need to rent an ATV for $800 dollars a day?? I don't think so. A developer from outside of town can easily do things like that to locals and local businesses like mine because they have no real ties to the people here, they can deal with us just as if we were simple numbers, a Zero or a One. They don't know the struggles of running a business in this town, or to simply find a place to live here, or to raise money in the off-season to pay year round bills. Their money do not come from this valley so they just don't know, it's not even their fault. Jeff Gorsuch and his team, in the other hand, are Aspen grown-ups and long time residents who have lived here for decades and participated intrinsically in local institutions like AVSC, Aspen Community School and Aspen Education Foundation. Jeff Gorsuch is a great guy and a really good customer of ours. He's always been super enthusiastic about our work and tipped our guys really well, showing his generosity. He is one of many of my clients at Eco Steam Wash that cannot have their cars washed here in Aspen anymore, and needs to bring it to Snowmass at the Viceroy Hotel or have me come over with my mobile unit, increasing carbon footprints and traffic. Maybe a development like Gorsuch Haus will open opportunities for business like mine and many other ones to find.a good place to operate in Aspen. The Gorsuch Haus is a great project for Aspen because it revitalizes a second access for skiers to Aspen Mountain that is currently forgotten. It would reduce drastically the traffic car jams by the Gondola Area and offer a convenient option for skiers to park and shop. Its size and dimensions are pretty modest and the architecture is very much in tune with the neighborhood and the Aspen style. They have approached neighbors and the community closely about the project nuances (I was not asked even ONCE about Base 2 lodge, I would have certainly suggested mr Hunt to provide underground parking spots, which he did a little too late). I'm also a professional snowboard racer and attended several world cups and world championships for my country Brazil. Jeff Gorsuch and many of his family members have a also a solid history in the ski -racing world and helped to elevate Aspen's name to the top of the Ski industry standards with Gorsuch Ski shop, also supporting a lot of local athletes. Their love for skiing opens up the opportunity to enhance even more our beloved ski resort by promoting a new high speed chair lift that would go all the way up to the historical Ruthies restaurant, which shall be revived as well. New offices for ski patrols and ASC employees shall be build there and even a new support base for AVSC too. I encourage you City Council Members and Mayor, our highest representatives, to approach this project with a long-term perspective and an open mind view for the future of our community and local businesses. I'm'really excited about the Gorsuch Haus project and think it will set the pace for other future projects in Aspen, ones that promote recycling the forgotten areas instead of demolishing existing assets, ones that promote integration instead of separation and most important ones that promote sustainable community growth instead of personal enrichment. Happy holidays to all, Warmest regards, Mario Zulian Dear Mayor Skadron and Aspen City Council, Aspen has a chance to do something great at Lift 1A. The Gorsuch Flaus proposal is an opportunity to make that side of the mountain a place where people gather once again to ski and dine and enjoy our alpine community. This is a chance to bring a hotel and a Tyrolean touch to the base of Aspen Mountain, one that celebrates Aspen's great historic links to skiing in Europe. I have confidence in Jeff's taste. He will surely take advantage of the opportunity you give him to create a hotel that is fitting with Aspen's place among the great ski resorts of the world. There will be a restaurant that serves skiers, hotel guests and our entire community. It will hopefully have an Austrian touch, serving schnitzel and strudel and other great dishes. I envision a place like the old Weinerstiibe where locals can gather to eat and talk, though perhaps with a different name. Maybe Innsbrul<stube? We will also get a new chairlift and a lift plaza and loading area that is worthy of Aspen. The current base area is a mess that needs to be cleaned up. And while it would be nice if the lift were moved further down the hill toward town, I understand that Jeff and his partners have done everything possible to bring it down as far as they can.. I urge the City Council to give Gorsuch Haus a fair review, and to think about the great things that can happen with that side of the mountain if we let them. Sincerely, aus Obermeyer 115 AADC Aspen, CO 81611 USA 1 970,925.5060 On Dec 6, 2016, at 2:28 PM, Junee Kirk <junee kirk(a,comcast.net> wrote: December 6, 2016 Dear members of Aspen City Council: I was a member of the Lift 1A COWOP back in 2008 and want to express my support for the proposal by Jeff Gorsuch and Bryan Peterson to build a hotel at the top of Aspen Street. Last summer I had a chance to walk around the entire premises of the construction site and was glad to see that Gorsuch Haus would not extend much farther up the hill than the Mountain Queen. This proposal also has minimal impact on view planes from the viewpoints of both pedestrians and neighboring property owners. Gorsuch Haus is half the size of the original proposal that was approved by the COWOP and considerably lower in height — 93 percent of the building. It is less than 40 feet in height. It is important to consider that a building's height impacts are reduced when it is built up against the mountain. The city's design guidelines in the 100s allowed taller buildings next to the mountain for that reason. I would suggest, however, if changes can be made, that the roofline be pitched as was originally proposed and is in line with the early post WWII modern roofs on the Skiers Chalet and Shadow Mountain condos. This would keep some of the historic character in the neighborhood. The proposal before you is quite a reduction from the very large projects that were considered acceptable back in 2008-09. Gorsuch Haus development will be a great addition to this .side of Aspen Mountain and will not only enhance Lift 1A, but will provide vitality for all to enjoy. Sincerely, Junee Kirk Jennifer Phelan From: Jessica Garrow Sent: Friday, January 20, 2017 7:06 AM To: Jennifer Phelan Subject: Fwd: Gorsuch Haus Jessica Garrow, AICP Community Development Director City of Aspen 130 S Galena St Aspen, CO 81611 970.429.2780 Sent from my iPhone Please excuse any typos Begin forwarded message: From: Steve Skadron <steve.skadron@cityofaspen.com> Date: January 20, 2017 at 6:44:12 AM MST To: Jessica Garrow<Iessica.Barrow@citvofaspen.com> Subject: Fwd: Gorsuch Haus For public record: Steven Skadron Mayor, City of Aspen Begin forwarded message: From: Jim Cardamone <Cardamone@masonmorse.com> Date: January 19, 2017 at 5:15:20 PM MST To: "Steve.Skadron(a)cityofaspen.com" <Steve.Skadron@citvofaspen.com> Subject: Gorsuch Haus Hi Steve, I am writing in support of the Gorsuch Haus hotel project. I come from a family of ski racers and I have volunteered many days for the Aspen Valley Ski Club and World Cup events here in Aspen. I believe that we clearly need an upgrade of lodging, restaurant, bar, and ski lift on that side of Aspen Mountain to keep high level ski racing events coming to our town. I know Jeff Gorsuch and Bryan Peterson very well and have faith that they are the best team to build the right hotel on that site. And whether we are hosting World Cup, Nor -Am, orjunior racing on Strawpile or just enjoying that side of the mountain, it would be great to have a new facility there for meals and apres ski fun. I feel confident that Jeff and Bryan are the right guys with the right project and the time is now. Thank you for listening. Jim Cardamone On Jan 30, 2017, at 2:33 PM, Charlie Cal -now <ccainowguniteherel l.org> wrote: Dear Mayor Skadron, As you are aware, local developers Jeff Gorsuch and Bryan Petersen are partnering with Los Angeles -based Lowe Enterprises for the proposed 67-unit boutique hotel at Lift IA. As part of your due diligence on this landmark development, I wanted to provide you with information regarding Lowe Enterprises' record. In other communities, developments pursued by Lowe Enterprises and its affiliates have undergone foreclosure or were never built even after Lowe obtained approvals including the following: In 2005, Lowe Destination Development opened the Stone Eagle Golf Club, an 18-hole luxury golf course in Palm Desert, CA and the Coachella Valley. Five years later Stone Eagle was foreclosed upon by the lender, Pacific Western Bankjil In 2006, Lowe Enterprises Investors acquired Hotel Icon in Houston, Texas on behalf of its fund Lowe Hospitality Investment Partners. In 2011, a joint venture between Canyon - Johnson Urban Funds and Centurion Partners acquired the property from Lowe at a foreclosure auction. ii In 2015, 71 current and former tipped employees sued Lowe Enterprise -owned and managed Wild Dunes Resort, claiming the restaurant required servers to come early and stay late, making only $3.25 an hour, less than half the minimum wage, while cleaning and setting up, when there was no opportunity to receive to tips.fil Lowe settled the suittijil without admitting wrongdoing, agreeing to pay $455,000 plus employer share of payroll taxes and ensure that tipped employees receive the full minimum wage or more in the future for all hours worked outside the scheduled hours of operation. Attached is a more detailed fact -sheet regarding issues at Lowe Enterprises. Please feel free me to contact with any questions regarding this fact sheet or Lowe Enterprises. Thank you, Charlie Cainow Charlie Carnow, Research Analyst UNITE HERE Local 11 Phone: (213) 481-8530 x239 Email: ccarnow(duniteherel l.org <LoweForeclosuresJan2017.pdf> Lowe Enterprises: ForecLosures and Failed DeveLopments Local developers Jeff Gorsuch and Bryan Petersen are partnering with Los Angeles -based Lowe Enterprises for the proposed 67-unit boutique hotel at Lift IA. The City of Aspen should carefully review Lowe Enterprises' record in deciding whether to approve this landmark development. In other communities, developments pursued by Lowe Enterprises developments and its affiliates have undergone foreclosure or were never built even after Lowe obtained approvals. Development Failures In 2005, Lowe Destination Development opened the Stone Eagle Golf Club, an 18-hole luxury golf course in Palm Desert, CA and the Coachella Valley. Five years later Stone Eagle was foreclosed upon by the lender, Pacific Western Bank.' • In 2006, Lowe Enterprises Investors acquired Hotel Icon in Houston, Texas on behalf of its fund Lowe Hospitality Investment Partners. In 2011, a joint venture between Canyon - Johnson Urban Funds and Centurion Partners acquired the property from Lowe at a foreclosure auction.' In 2006, Lowe Enterprises was selected by the City of Azusa, California to develop a mixed use retail and housing project on public land. In 2008, Azusa terminated its agreement with Lowe to redevelop the site after Lowe failed to obtain financing for the project' In 2007, Lowe Enterprises won a bid to redevelop a subway station in North Hollywood, CA. In 2013, Metro, Los Angeles County's public transportation authority, announced that Lowe had failed to secure the funds needed to bring the project to fruition.`' In 2007 Lowe paid $13.1 million for a 700-acre tract of development land in Palm Coast, Florida that it intended to develop into the Sawmill Creek master planned community.' "Sawmill Creek's rich history provides the opportunity to tell a genuine story more than any other community we have developed," said' Bob DeVore, president of Lowe Destination Development, Southeast. In April 2013 Lowe sold the land to an Orlando real estate firm for $406,000, a 97% loss.' • In 2009, Long Point Enterprisesa Lowe subsidiary —opened the $480 million, 582- room luxury Terrenea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes after ten years of planning and construction. However, prior to its opening, Lowe claimed it was running out of money to open the hotel, and received City Council approval for a `loan valued at more than $8 million"' despite opposition from city staff who called the loan "not financially prudent 9" suit alleged the company violated federal law when a male co-worker harassed a female food server, conduct alleged to include persistent requests to have a relationship and unwelcome touching. According to the EEOC, the company did not take the employee's complaints seriously, allowed the harassment to continue and retaliated against her by transferring her from her banquet food server position to a part-time bartender position, reducing her seniority, hours and earnings. As part of the settlement Destination agreed to pay the former employee $30,000 revise its handbook regarding discriminatory harassment, and provide annual training to all managers and supervisors and report any complaints of sexual harassment or retaliation to the EEOC. Endnotes See "Bank Holds Foreclosure Sale for Stone Eagle Golf Club" The Desert Sun Jan 141h 2010. See also "Stone Eagle Golf Club in Palm Desert Shuts Down" The Desert Sun Marl lth, 2010. "Hotel Icon deal a slam-dunk" Houston Business Journal Jan 7th, 2011 `Azusa shelves renewal project' San Gabriel Valley Tribune August 1lth, 2008. "Major Metro Projects in NoHo Arts District Delayed" Patch January loth 2013. See vii "Lowe Enterprises Acquires Land to Develop Sawmill Creek Community." Judy 17'" 2007. http://www. loweenterprises.com/news/News-Dowiiload.aspx?newsid=1129 "Orlando Firm buys 700-acre development cite in Palm Coast" News Journal Online. April, 28a, 2013, <http:// 9 "RPV grants Terrenea $8 million tax rebate' Daily Breeze May 2/, 2UU9. 10 "Teri coca resort requests dew in payment of fees" Daily Breeze August 8e 2009. 11 "Lowe Enterprises and Its Partners Examining How to Restructure Terrenea Resort's $320 in Loans" Hotel Online. August 27—" 2009. 12 Ibid. 13 ``T'e renea Resort's `Lo g Complicated' Saga Involves Bill Gates 'The Bachelor' Starwood" The Wall Street Journal. 5 October 2010, 14 "Crystal City Complex Sells for $133M" Costar. I ttr//www costar can/News/Article/Crystal-City-Complex-Sells- for-$133M/61864. 18 August 2004. - 15 BRAC Impact on Defense Contractors in Arlington. Page 2. December 2010 https://www. arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/index.cfm?LinkServ[ D=CA86088F,-A245-4876- 8B2AF53BF 18B6E93 &showMeta=O 16 "Lowe Announces Renovations at Cetnury Cetner Office Complex" 6 May 2008. <http://www.IoNveciiterprises. com/news/News-Downtoad.aspx?iiewsid=1148> 17 "Lowe Enterprises pays $ISOM for Crystal City Office Complex" February 8", 2008 <http://www.costar.com/News/ Article/Lowe-Enterprises-Pays-$150M-for-Crystal-City-Office-Canplex/98230> 18 "Lowe Enterprises kicks off Crystal City redevelopment" 29" March 2012. <htti)://iww.bizjournals.com/ washington/bloom*/2012/03/lowe-kicks-off-crystal-cityhtml> 19 Vacancy rate calculated using spaces available for lease on Loop Net by dividing total space available was divided by total square footage of space in the building. < http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/Looplink/Profile/Profile. aspx?stid=lpavashingtondc&L[D=18322272&linkcode=31731> 20 As of 3Q 2016. Collici:s. <http://www.colliers.com/-/media/files/united%20states/markets/district%20of%20 columbia/markel%20rep ortshiova_g3_2016.pdf> 21 http://counton2.com/2016/01/28/more-than-70-employees-suing-wild-dunes-resort/ 22 Memorandum in Support of Joint Motion for Approval of Settlement, Irvine vs. Destination Wild Dunes, 2:15-cv- 00980-RMG, page 4-6. 23 "Tahoe Ski Resort Settles EEOC Suit for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation" US Equal Opportunity Commission. <http,//`www.ceoc.gov/eeoc/­neivsioom/release/9-27-13f.cfm> February 2, 2017 To whom it may concern, I am a property owner at 650 S. Monarch St. Unit 5. I am writing in support of the plans that Gorsuch Haus has proposed to the city of Aspen for the redevelopment and improvements surrounding Lift 1A. I believe that Aspen Mountain is in need of a second base, and a new lift is necessary for better access to that side of the mountain. Every other access point to the Four Aspen Snowmass Mountains has mixed use facilities. I think that it would be wonderful to add housing and restaurants to this part of the mountain. Please upgrade Lift 1A to be comparable to our other beautiful mountain lift areas. Sincerely, Gerald A. Buchheit Jennifer Phelan From: Adam Frisch Sent: Thursday, February 2, 2017 8:45 AM To: Don Gilbert Cc: Jessica Garrow; Jennifer Phelan Subject: Re: Gorsuch Developement M. Thank you for your email of concern. While I am unable to comment outside of a public meeting on a live land use application, I do want to acknowledge your letter. Thanks -a adam b. frisch council member the city of aspen 130 s. galena street aspen, co 81611-1975 p.970.925.5199 f. 970.920.5119 adam.frisch@cityofaspen.com On 2/2/17, 8:26 AM, "Don Gilbert" <dcgilbert437@gmail.com> wrote: > Dear Councilman Frisch > I see now that we are coming up on another set of hearings regarding the Gorsuch > proposal next to Lift One. Please allow me to revisit the main reasons I oppose > this development, as I previously presented to the City Planning Department at their > hearings on the subject > I and now three generations of family have been skiing in Aspen for forty years. We come > a long way multiple times each Winter ( and Summer) knowing that there are far easier > places to get to but nowhere would we find the beauty, the ambience and the caring > that imbues this town. So I ask; why would anyone want to diminish it for the sake > of a few more hotel rooms? > Notjust another hotel but one that will rise well higher than anything else on the > mountain and to a visitor in town, loom over the last natural access to an historic > ski area as it scales it's way up ( and ever higher ) over the trails. > Beyond that; if approved, you will be creating a dangerous mess by adding traffic > of all shapes and sizes to what has to be the the steepest road in Aspen. We ski > the One -A lift regularly and I have witnessed firsthand what a little snow can do to > South Aspen Street. Disney could make a goofy movie of vehicles sliding backwards > down that hill; garbage trucks, pick-ups,rigs of all sizes and yes, ambulances. All > this on a street about to become narrowed. > My last comment to the P&Z ( picked up by the press ) was to wonder why, setting > everything else aside,the town would want to make it so difficult for it's citizens to > get to that lift entering the area and then squeeze a very popular trail, Norway, on the > way out. You will have collisions there; I guarantee it. > Regarding this last point, I do not believe the so called rubber tire solution will help > at all, nor will any other affordable means of getting up that hill. People will drive ,park > and unload just as they do now. Only there will be more congestion,certainly not less. > I sincerely hope that the Council will table this entire plan until all of these issues are > solved, safely and to the benefit of the townsfolk who should not have to defer to a > very small number of hotel visitors, most of whom will not ski that hill. > Respectfully, > Don Gilbert > New Canaan, Ct. > 203-966-8579 Jennifer Phelan Subject: FW: Gorsuch Haus From: Steve Skadron<steve.skadron(aDcityofaspen.com> Date: February 1, 2017 at 4:43:42 PM MST To: Jessica Garrow <jessica. ar7ow ci ofaspen.com> Subject: Fwd: Gorsuch Haus for public record: .............................. Steven Skadron Mayor, City of Aspen steve.s kadron(a)citvofaspen.com Begin forwarded message: From: David Stapleton <dstapleton26c�yahoo.com> Subject: Gorsuch Haus Date: January 30, 2017 at 9:48:14 PM MST To:"steve.skadron(L:Dcityofaspen.com"<steve.skadron(a),cityofaspen.com> Reply -To: David Stapleton <dstaPIeton2(a)Vahoo.com> Steve, My name is David Stapleton. I am writing this letter in support for the Gorsuch Haus. As one of the oldest families in Aspen and after thinking long and hard about that area and what it means to have a great hotel there would mean a lot to the town and that part of our great ski mountain. I feel we are in need of a hotel at the bottom of 1A. Not only will it help clean up that area, but it will give it some life. Having a place where people can actually use a bathroom, get a ski locker and take some of the congestion away from the bottom of Little Nell. It would feel more like a ski lodge at the bottom of the mountain which Aspen does not have. A new ski patrol room, not sure if you have ever been in their room but it is what you would call very dated. That part of the mountain is my favorite place to ski and it would be wonderful to have a place to have lunch, apre ski or just to hang out. We are in desperate need for a new lift over there especially if we ever want to continue to host world class ski racing in the future. I feel that there will be something built up there in the future and it should be a hotel. The last thing our town need's up there are more townhomes or condos. That just means more cars and empty part time home owners. From attending some of the open house meetings Jeff and Bryan have done, I feel that they have done everything the town has asked and made major concessions to meet those demands always tell people that we are a ski town. Let's make it the best we can. Thanks for your time, Best, David Stapleton Jennifer Phelan Subject: FW: From: Jessica Garrow Sent: Wednesday, February 1, 2017 4:58 PM To: Jennifer Phelan<jennifer.phelan@cityofaspen.com> Subject: Fwd: Jessica Garrow, AICP Community Development Director City of Aspen 130 S Galena St Aspen, CO 81611 970.429.2780 Sent from my iPhone Please excuse any typos Begin forwarded message: From: Steve Skadron<steve.skadron(c�cityofaspen.com> Date: February 1, 2017 at 4:47:34 PM MST To: Jessica Garrow <jessica. arg row@cityofaspen.com> Subject: Fwd: For Gorsuch record: .............................. Steven Skadron Mayor, City of Aspen steve.s kadron(a)citvofaspen.com Begin forwarded message: From: RICHARD CUMMINS <rcumminslaw(a)icloud.com> Date: January 30, 2017 at 8:59:37 PM MST To: Steve. SkadronCc)-cityofaspen.corn Hi Steve, I just got a call from Mick, who asked me about my thoughts regarding Lift IA development. I told him that 1 have always thought that development should occur around the base of our ski mountains. In this way, we avoid the need for cars, get people into our core area, and create a vibrancy in the town. We can argue all day about density and I think that issue is at least initially addressed in the code. However, my thought is that density is good at the base and should be encouraged. Happy to discuss this further; I came here 41 years ago -saw a great opportunity implode at the base of Highlands, and I hope we don't obsess at staring at our navels instead of being bold and energize a major redevelopment of IA. Take care. Richie Jennifer Phelan From: Alexander Biel <alex@alexbiel.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 1, 2017 11:32 AM To: Steve Skadron; Ann Mullins; Adam Frisch; Bert Myrin Cc: Jessica Garrow; Jennifer Phelan; Cindy Klob Subject: Gorsuch Haus Project is Too Large, Too High , and Right in the Center of a Ski Run! Dear Mayor Skadron and City Council Members, The Gorsuch Hans hotel initial application which you must shortly review describes a building that is far too massive and far too large to be allowed in the center of a ski run! It would be questionable anywhere in our town; but to propose that it should be erected in the center of Aspen's Fifth Avenue ski run is outrageous. So who really `owns' the ski runs anyhow? Everyone knows that the Aspen Skiing Company is the legal owner of the property on which Gorsuch Hans holds an option. However, I'd respectfully point out that Aspen's mountains in general and ski runs in particular are effectively part of our heritage and therefore effectively `owned' by the town. Clearly, the long-established existence of zoning demonstrates that the town of Aspen has `standing' when it comes to what should or should not be done with land within the town's boundaries. The newly gerrymandered parcel of land in question has been zoned Conservation for more than a quarter of a century. Conservation zoning, caries a height limit of 25'. Far, far less than the Gorsuch folks are demanding. That 25' limit should be honored whatever zoning accommodations are eventually given to Gorsuch. The Gorsuch developers have positioned their proposed hotel as `necessary' to the redevelopment of a -dilapidated' part of town. That's total nonsense. While that may have been the case a few yeas ago, it certainly isn't so today: The One Aspen Townhomes development is well underway. The second phase of Dancing Bear has been completed. And Lift One Lodge has its approvals from the City in place to deal with the Skier's Chalet buildings and to create a new lodging structure. Indeed, only the SkiCo's own lower I lift terminal building remains an unaccounted-for eyesore! So the area's redevelopment is already well underway. It certainly doesn't need a massive new hotel high on the mountain. A hotel stuck up on the mountain won't attract visitors to Aspen. It is the incredible views of the mountains themselves from virtually everywhere in town that attracts visitors. It is the presence of nature that attracts visitors away from over -built, over commercialized ski resorts like Vail to the very `real' mountain town of Aspen! That is our precious natural heritage. It must — and should — be protected. That is why I'm totally opposed to Gorsuch's scheme to enrich himself and his pals from an oversized hotel in the center of one of Aspen's irreplaceable, truly priceless runs back to town. If the project were less than half the mass and and less than half the proposed height, then it might —just might — be worth considering. But as currently designed, it is virtually guaranteed to be a blight on the landscape! The ski runs and the mountain views don't really belong to the SkiCo. And they sure don't belong to the Gorsuch gang! Our mountains, views, and ski runs belong to Aspen. And you City Council members are the elected temporary custodians of this invaluable heritage! Please, please don't squander it; it is truly irreplaceable. Thank You, Alex Biel Aspen, Colorado January 30, 2017 Dear Aspen City Council Members: Last September, Aspen's Deputy Planning Director submitted to the Cib/s Planning & Zoning Commission a fifteen -page memorandum carefully analyzing the proposed Gorsuch House development. For well -articulated reasons, the Deputy concluded P&Z should reject the GH application as presented. Appropriately, the members of P&Z took the recommendation to heart and did just that. They did the right thing and I am writing to urge you, and your fellow Council members to do the same: reject Gorsuch House as presented. We all know that Aspen is distinguished from other large ski resorts by its unique character. That character is defined, in large part, by the views from town of a pristine ski run in the winter and a mountain of green in the summer. Constructing an enormous hotel with a huge driveway smack in the middle of Aspen's beautiful mountain would alter the town and its character irreversibly. Why would the Council do that? Especially in light of recently passed Referendum 1- the heart of which recognizes the importance of Aspen's character to the people of Aspen. The ski run may be outside the town "core", but it hugely impacts the town's aesthetic and ambiance. Viewed from downtown today, Aspen Mountain represents the soul of Aspen. Please do not facilitate its destruction. I urge you to deny the GH application. Very truly yours, 5�� Julie Shelton cc: Mayor Steve Skadron Director Jessica Garrow Jennifer Phelan Planning & Zoning Commission Aspen Daily News Aspen Times February 1, 2017 Dear City Council Members: I have been coming to Aspen for over 30 years; first to attend workshops at the Aspen Center for Physics, then to ski with my family and later to visit my resident daughter. In a few months, I expect to be in Aspen to welcome my first grandchild. While things have changed over the years, Aspen has kept its natural beauty and small town feel. When you evaluate the Gorsuch House proposal in mid -February, please consider the projeces impact on the town itself and all of its citizens and visitors. First and foremost, the sheer size of the project- right in the middle of an iconic ski run, should give the Council pause. In addition, the GH proposal is bound to result in hazardous over -crowding of South Aspen Street, virtual privatization of the new lift, and a significantly smaller ski run. It is difficult to understand how it benefits the town to permit such a massive structure, which is not only incompatible with the surrounding buildings, but which will also have such a negative impact on views of Aspen mountain. If a project like this is to be constructed please ensure that its size is consistent with the feel of the Aspen that we all know and love. Sincerely, effreyOarvey� cc: Mayor Steve Skadron Director Jessica Garrow Jennifer Phelan Planning & Zoning Commission Aspen Daily News Aspen Times Jennifer Phelan From: Clark Smyth <clarksmyth@comcast.net> Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2017 6:09 PM To: Jennifer Phelan Subject: Fwd: Gorsuch Haus Begin forwarded message: From: Clark Smyth <clarksmyth (a)comcast. net> Subject: Gorsuch Haus Date: February 5, 2017 at 4:09:36 PM MST To: Adam. Frisch(a)citvofaspen.com, art.daily(a)cityofaspen.com, ann.mullins@cityofaspen.com, bert.myrirua�cityofaspen.com, steve.skadron cit ofas en.com Cc: Jessica.aarrow(a-)cityofaspen.com, lenniferphelan(a�cityofaspen.com, cindy.klob(a)cityofaspen.com Dear Mayor Skadron and City Council: Re: Gorsuch Hans submission: I have been visiting Aspen for about 55 years, lived there for eighteen years and have had a second home there for the past ten years. When I lived in Aspen I helped develop/manage the Airport Business Center and I was on the Pitkin County Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board. One of the reasons that people would like the Lift One area redeveloped is "to clean up a blighted area". This is a reasonable premise but must be done carefully. With the construction of townhouses underway on the West side of S. Aspen St. and the Lift One Lodge approved on the East side, should we not catch our breaths and see the results of those projects before jumping into a third project? The completion of these projects will give us a better idea of the effect of traffic on a narrowed, up to 10% grade S. Aspen St., and time to study the Lift One alignment as well as the best way to get skiers to the lift. I ask that at this time you do not approve Gorsuch Haus. Sincerely, Clark Smyth Boulder Jennifer Phelan From: Jessica Garrow Sent: Monday, February 6, 2017 10:58 AM To: Jennifer Phelan Subject: Fwd: Gorsuch Haus application... Jessica Garrow, A1CP Community Development Director City of Aspen 130 S Galena St Aspen, CO 81611 970.429.2780 Sent from my iPhone Please excuse any typos Begin forwarded message: From: Michael Mizen <m.mizenamizen.com> Date: February 5, 2017 at 8:25:31 PM MST To: <jessica. arg rowcr),eityofaspen.com> Subject: Gorsuch Haus application... A copy of a communication sent to city council. It is disappointing that you have chosen to override the very sound recommendations of both the City of Aspen's own professional, highly trained planners as well as those of the P&Z Commissioners. Moreover I am not happy to hear that the City Council, in its wisdom, thinks city planning somehow is better resolved by you rather than these committed individuals. I urgently request you give extreme scrutiny to any modifications that will arise from these new presentations in 2017. Problems remain in 2017 that were present when Gorsuch Haus was first put forward by the developers in 2016 when they tried to cloak themselves in the mantle of `town benefactors'. In particular: 1-1 do not believe that a hotel of any size — and certainly not the bloated proposed size of Gorsuch Hans — located in the middle of a current ski area represents a value year around to the city of Aspen, it's residents, and visitors. The significant mutilation of the view of this area of Ajax from the perspective of Ruby Park, the Transportation Center or the Smugger Mountain road just to mention a few of the vantage points —from anywhere in town cannot be underestimated. Moreover, if you permit this project to be built, Aspen will be stuck with it for time immemorial. This is not an exaggeration. Unlike the canvas tents/scaffolding the SkiCo erects for temporary use from time to time(example XGames last week, mobile free champagne carts on multiple mountains for the past several years), the Gorsuch's hotel high on the hill will be around forever! If, in the Council's wisdom, you are thinking of allowing this self-serving project to move forward, it should be mandatory to have story poles erected, and left in place for at least a month. No more of the developer's "instant story poles" of last fall, that disappeared almost before they were erected! In addition, the developers should be required to provide 3D modeling to better portray the potential obstruction of their project. Importantly I believe it is important to require the developers to properly advertise the presence of both story poles and 3D modeling so Aspen citizens can better inform themselves as to what may be in store for them. Council members -If this is such a wonderful project for the residents of Aspen let yourselves and citizen look at the story poles from Dean, Durant, or Cooper Street at multiple times of day during both snow and non snow season and decide the choices you wish to live with going forward. 2-If the merits of this project are to provide more Winter skier access then how will people be effectively moved using 12 passenger vehicles from the Transportation Center or other locations in the vicinity of the Silver Queen Gondola? Lines and waits for the "new lift I a transport" will drive potential skiers to take the far easier route to the Silver Queen just a flat block away. Thus your decision to proceed as requested will be to allow the new area becomes a usable "feature" only for guests on South Aspen street. In passing know while these rubber tire units might be successful moving people in town they will likely fail attempting to negotiate one of the steepest city streets in Aspen that even cinder trucks with chains have challenges when providing services to this part of our town after snow storms. 3-While the ski season is November to April it would be equally significant for the developers to substantiate economic data supporting the merits of altering the west side of Ajax. Without the skiing, who in the world would want to stay at a hotel on the far edge of town up on the mountain in seasons other than ski? Note there are no renderings of any scenario other than winter possibilities. How do you say' White Elephant'? Sincerely, Michael Mizen Lakewood Ohio/Aspen Colorado Michael R. Mizen Mizen & Associates, LLC Jennifer Phelan Subject: FW: Gorsuch project From: Jessica Garrow Sent: Monday, February 6, 2017 10:59 AM To: Jennifer Phelan<jennifer.phelan@cityofaspen.com> Subject: Fwd: Gorsuch project Jessica Garrow, AICP Community Development Director City of Aspen 130 S Galena St Aspen, CO 81611 970.429.2780 Sent from my iPhone Please excuse any typos Begin forwarded message: From: Steve Skadron <steve.skadron (r cityofaspen.com> Date: February 6, 2017 at 10:05:17 AM MST To: Jessica Garrow <jessica.garrow cr,cityofaspen.com> Subject: Fwd: Gorsuch project .............................. Steven Skadron Mayor, City of Aspen s teve. s ka d ro n (v7 c i tv ofa s p e n. c o m Begin forwarded message: From: Theba Feldman <theba.feldman(a.gmail.com> Subject: Gorsuch project Date: February 3, 2017 at 5:28:51 PM MST To: steve.skadron(a) ctVofaspen.com My husband and I have been coming to Aspen since January of 1968. We stayed at Hearthstone House for 25 years. All those years we rarely skied Aspen Mt because of the walk up To Lift IA. On occasion we would take the bus to the bottom of Little Nell, but usually we'd just hop the bus to Highlands, Buttermilk or Snowmass. In 1997 we bought a home in the West End. It wasn't until the crosstown started that we started skiing our beloved Ajax. What a terrible waste of all those years not being able to access the entire mountain. I believe after all these years of tempting us with plans for an Aspen Street access, the time has come to accept this proposal set before a City Council. Do the right thing!!! Sent from my iPad Theba Feldman