HomeMy WebLinkAboutcoa.lu.pu.Aspen Highlands.A029-02
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CASE NUMBER
PARCEL In #
CASE NAME
PROJECT ADDRESS
PLANNER
CASE TYPE
OWNER/APPLICANT
REPRESENTATIVE
DATE OF FINAL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL ACTION
PZ ACTION
ADMIN ACTION
BOA ACTION
DATE CLOSED
BY
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A029-02
2735-142-13001
Aspen Highlands Village PUD Amendment-Maroon Bells B
Aspen Highlands Village
Sarah Oates
PUD Amendment
RFTA
4/2/02
Approved
7/10/02
J. Lindt
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SILVIA DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 35.00 D 0.00
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NOTICE OF APPROVAL
TO:
Julie Ann Woods, Community Development Director
,-=:; (;;)
Sarah Oates, Zoning Officer
FROM:
RE:
Maroon Bells Bus Service-Staging Location
DATE:
March 29,2002
SUMMARY:
Hines Highlands Limited Partnership and the Roaring Fork Transit Agency (RFTA),
applicants, have applied for an Insubstantial Amendment to the Aspen Highlands
Village Planned Unit Development (PUD) to amend condition 14 ofthe Board of
County Commissioners Resolution 97-167. Condition 14 states the following:
Consistent with existing practice. the primary staging for the Maroon Bells bus
shall not occur at AHV The preferred start point for Maroon Bells tours shall be
at Rubey Park. For downvalley visitors using RFTA or the train there shall be a
transftr at the proposed station at the intersection of Highway 82 and Maroon
and Castle Creek Roads. The Maroon Bells tour buses shall pick-up riders at
Highlands and tickets shall be available for sale to Highlands's residents and
guests.
Hines and RFTA have submitted a request to the Community Development
Department to allow for primary staging at Aspen Highlands Village. The City of
Aspen Transportation Department and US Forest Service support this request and the
Transportation Department has asked that the condition be amended to allow for
flexibility as to the location for the primary staging.
Community Development staff recommends approval of the requested Insubstantial
Amendment to allow primary staging for the Maroon Bells bus to occur at Aspen
Highlands Village or Rubey Park
APPLICANT:
Hines Highlands Limited Partnership and Roaring Fork
Transit Agency
John Krueger, City of Aspen Transportation Department
AspenHighlands Village PUD - L/-;;;. 3 ;l 7 '-/ -
SKI PUD
Change of Primary Staging for Maroon Bells Bus
REPRESENTATIVE:
LOCATION:
ZONING:
REQUEST:
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SILVIA ORVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 35.00 0 0.00
Community Development Director Decision
The Community Development Director finds the Insubstantial Planned Unit Development
Amendment to the Aspen Highlands Village PUD to be consistent with the review
criteria, and hereby approves the following amendment to the Aspen Highlands Village
PUD: RFTA shall have the option of locating the primary stagingfor the Maroon Bells
Bus at the Aspen Highlands Village or Rubey Park.
Attachments:
1. Letter of Request from RFTA
2. Fact Sheet
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APPROVED BY:
DATE:
APR
('.()MMU,'V(, .' 22002
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"'SPEIi """TOR
Ju e Ann Woods
mmunity Development Director
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, SILVIi=l DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 35.00 C 0.00
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REVIEW CRITERIA & STAFF FINDINGS
The standards for an Insubstantial PUD Amendment for the Aspen Highlands Village
PUD were set by Ordinance 8, Series of 2000, Section 4. The Section states:
The Community Development Director is hereby authorized to approve minor PUD
amendments to the Aspen Highlands PUD which are intended to change an element or
condition of the development permit; provided, however, that the proposed amendments
are consistent with the following standards:
a. The amendment must be a clarification or a technical correction to a plat.
b. The amendment must not change the use of the proposed development
between residential, commercial and tourist accommodation uses.
c. The amendment must be consistent with action taken during the review of
the original development and does not constitute new land development
activity.
d. The proposed activity does not:
i. Change the basic character of the approved use of land on which the
activity occurs including basic visual appearance and method of
operation;
ii. Increase off-site impacts in the surrounding neighborhood;
iii. Endanger public health, safety or welfare;
iv. Substantially increase the need for on-site parking or utilities, or
affect affordable housing generation; and
v. Increase the floor area of the use by more than two (2) percent or
decrease open space on the site by more than three (3) percent.
Staff Finding
Standard a. is not relevant because the amendment is not a clarification or technical
correction to a plat.
The amendment does not change the use of the proposed development in any way and is
consistent with action taken during the review of the Aspen Highlands Village PUD.
In addition, the basic character ofthe approved land use does not change. Off-site
impacts on the surrounding neighborhood will not be increased. The amendment also
does not change the amount of FAR or open space for the neighborhood or the need for
on-site parking or utilities. Finally, the amendment does not endanger the public health,
safety or welfare.
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SILVIA DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 35.00 0 0.00
March 19, 2002
Mayor Helen Klanderud
and Members of the City Council
City of Aspen
130 South Galena
Aspen, CO 81611
Dear Honorable Elected Officials:
In light of the current economic downtnm, and budget difficulties, the Roaring
Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) is exploring ways to cut costs without adversely
affecting service to the public. One area that has been identified is the Maroon Bells tour
program. Following discussions with both the US Forrest Service (USFS) and the
people at Hines Highlands Limited Partnership (HHLP), we are interested in running the
Maroon Bells tour program out of the Highlands base area this coming summer and not
out of the downtown Rubey Park location. There are several good reasons for making
this change, all of them relating to economics and quality of service.
First, the cost of operating this program for RFT A would be cut by approximately
30%. Last summer we ran out of both Rubey Park and the Highlands base area and ran a
deficit of about $70,000. The change to running from Highlands only would virtually
eliminate that deficit.
Second, the USFS agrees that running out of Highlands is a preferable alternative
to turning people in cars away at the entry station and sending them all the way back into
town to catch the bus. It sometimes takes up to two hours to accomplish this feat, and
that's just to get you back to the entry station. Convenience to the riding public is
extremely important.
Third, Aspen Highlands Village has free parking and will provide staff for ticket
sales as host to the tour operating out of the Highlands base area. This saves us more
money by not having to hire a second ticket sales person.
The tour would leave three times per hour, from Highlands, the same number of
connections that currently exist on the free City shuttle to Highlands. This is a
convenient option for people coming from town who want to catch the Maroon Bells bus.
In order to accomplish this move we understand that an amendment to the PUD
pertaining to the development of the Highlands base village must be made. BOCC
Resolution No. 97-167, page 6 ofthe Aspen Highlands Village: Detailed Submission
Consolidated Plan states, "Primary staging for the Maroon Bells service shall not occur at
Aspen Highlands Village. The preferred start point for the Maroon Bells service shall be
Rubey Park."
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SILVIA DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 35.00 D 0.00
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We are respectfully requesting that this requirement be eliminated, thus allowing
RFT A to more economically serve the needs of the taxpayers and the riding public by
operating the Maroon Bells tour solely out of the Highlands base area. We appreciate
any help you can offer to this end. Thank you for your consideration.
Paul Hilts
RFT A Director of Operations
Endorsed and Supported by:
Hines Highlands Limited Partnership
Georgia H. Hanson
Community Relations & Retail Manager
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No One Wants To See The RFI'A/Bells Bus Program Disappear!
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Maroon Bells Bus Program History & Concept:
· It was determined that the impact of auto traffic to Maroon Bells was impacting
the wilderness experience of visitors and destructive to the resources.
· To reduce the air quality problems and to increase the safety of pedestrian and
bicycle visitors, the mandatory bus program was put in place in 1977.
· The first program originated at Highlands and included a "checkpoint" booth out
in the middle of Maroon Creek Road to stop automobiles from going further
without a specific destination.
· A disagreement with the former owner of Aspen Highlands pushed the
destination of origin in downtown Aspen at Rubey Park.
· Beginning Summer 2001, Aspen Highlands became a second point of contact for
the Maroon Bells bus program.
· New trails and the newly constructed arrival corridor at Maroon Bells have been
designed to drastically reduce the amount of parking and to accommodate mass
transit arrivals.
· It is taken for granted that we all (citizens, visitors, residents of the valley, elected
officials, U.S.F.S.) have a common interest in preserving the Maroon Bells
Wilderness Area experience and in protecting the environment there.
Current Situation - RFI'A:
· Summer Program 2001 cost RFI'A $80,000 in excess of revenue.
· Summer Program 2001 increased ridership 35% over 2000.
· Budget constraints are forcing RFI'A to cut many programs back or to cut them
out completely.
· It has been decided RFTA will not run buses from two locations for summer 2002
due to budget constraints.
· RFTA needs to build a self-sustaining program and therefore has designated
Aspen Highlands as their preferred location because it is most cost effective and
eliminates redundancy.
· Partnering with Pro Mountain Sports to sell bus tickets eliminates the
requirement for on site RFI'A staff.
· RFI'A will not subsidize this program from its own funding. It is unlikely that the
City of Aspen will subsidize since they are being forced to cut existing routes back
already.
· Worst case scenario is no bus. Right now that option isn't on the table but RFTA
will not continue to run at a loss.
Current Situation - USFS:
· Bus transit is the preferred access and Aspen Highlands is the preferred location
for the Forest Service.
· Concern over public relations issues with turn-back visitors is huge. On any
given day is can be 100 with 200 closer on weekends. They have actually turned
back more than 300 autos a day more than once a summer. Part of that lost good
III~ II 11111111 111111 ~~7~!J ~ 1 : 47~
SILVIA Di=lVrS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 35,00 0 0.00
relations can be recouped if the return is only to Highlands Ooss of 5 minutes) as
opposed to downtown Ooss of close to an hour).
· With approval of a mid-road "kiosk" sign, the turnaround can be further
reduced to a single digit number.
· Design of original interpretive center at Bells was dramatically reduced in
anticipation of Highlands center.
· Plans for interpretive displays to be set up in Highlands Center to educate
visitors would be cancelled if Rubey Park is the only destination of origin.
· Parking is plentiful and free at Aspen Highlands and it reduces VMT.
Current Situation - Aspen Highlands Village (AHV):
· PUD Agreement lists a condition that AHV will not become the only point of
embarkation for the Maroon Bells bus program.
· Summer programming at AHV is reliant upon partnering with the USFS.
· USFS Interpretive Center and educational opportunities on site is an integral
part of the AHV vision.
· Reduced sales tax at AHV ironically results in reduced contribution to the
transportation budget which is partially funded from sales tax revenue.
· While acknowledging the fact that the previous Highlands program was less
than sensitive to neighbors and that there are continuing concerns for
residents, the actual impact of a Highlands origin is reduced as the number of
buses is reduced and the opportunity to "snag" drivers prior to the turn
around is greater.
Other Points In No Particular Order:
· AHV origin reduces overall mileage and therefore reduces the environmental
impacts of the program.
· AHV is now served by mass transit both from town and from down valley
(transfer at the roundabout), allowing bus access without driving. These
buses are on the same schedule (every 20 minutes) as the Bells Buses were.
· Fall 2002 will bring on a new bus to service the Iselin/Highlands activity with
two direct (no Castle Creek jog) trips per hour in addition to the existing
schedule.
· Opportunity to educate "captive audience" on site is far greater than at Rubey
Park. (Managing overflow of people with lectures, etc.)
· Likelihood of self-sustained program far greater.
· Mass transit from AHV reduces the demand for parking both in downtown
Aspen and at Maroon Bells.
· Propose a coordinated ad campaign and road signage program (a joint City
and County effort?) to get people on buses both down and up valley.
· Maroon/Castle Caucus Executive Committee supports AHV location.
· Opportunity for incentives to encourage bus ridership (e.g. reduced fee to
Bells or discount coupons from merchants.)
· Potential for electric buses on this route in the future. Opportunity to be in
the vanguard of public lands public transit.
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No One Wants To See The RFTA/Bells Bus Program Disappear!
Maroon Bells Bus Program History & Concept:
· It was determined that the impact of auto traffic to Maroon Bells was impacting the
wilderness experience of visitors and destructive to the resources.
· To reduce the air quality problems and to increase the safety of pedestrian and bicycle
visitors, the mandatory bus program was put in place in 1977.
· The first program originated at Highlands and included a "checkpoint" booth out in the
middle of Maroon Creek Road to stop automobiles from going further without a specific
destination.
· A disagreement with the former owner of Aspen Highlands (in ----.J pushed the
destination of origin in downtown Aspen at Rubey Park.
· Beginning Summer 2001, Aspen Highlands became a second point of contact for the
,
Maroon Bells bus program.
· New trails arid the newly constructed arrival corridor at Maroon Bells have been designed
to drastically reduce the amount of parking and to accommodate mass transit arrivals.
· It is taken for granted that we all (citizens, visitors, residents of the valley, elected
officials, U.S.F.S.) have a common interest in preserving the Maroon Bells Wilderness
Area experience and in protecting the environment there.
Current Situation - RFTA:
· Summer Program 2001 cost RFTA $80,000 in excess of revenue.
· Summer Program 2001 increased ridership 35% over 2000.
· Budget constraints are forcing RFT A to cut many programs back or to cut them out
completely.
· It has been decided RFTA will not run buses from two locations for summer 2002 due to
budget constraints.
· RFT A needs to build a self-sustaining program and therefore has designated Aspen
Highlands as their preferred location because it is most cost effective and eliminates
redundancy.
· RFT A will not subsidize this program from its own funding. It is unlikely that the City of
Aspen will subsidize since they are being forced to cut existing routes back already.
· Worst case scenario is no bus. Right now that option isn't on the table but RFTA will not
continue to run at a loss.
Current Situation - USFS:
· Bus transit is the preferred access and Aspen Highlands is the preferred location for the
Forest Service.
· Concern over public relations issues with turn-back visitors is huge. On any given day is
can be 100 with 200 closer on weekends. They have actually turned back more than 300
autos a day more than once a summer. Part of that lost good relations can be recouped if
the return is only to Highlands (loss ofs minutes) as opposed to downtown (loss of close
to an hour).
· With approval of a mid-road "kiosk" sign, the turnaround can, be further reduced to a
single digit number.
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· Plans for interpretive displays to be set up in Highlands Center to educate visitors
would be cancelled if Rubey Park is the only destination of origin.
· Parking is plentiful and free at Aspen Highlands and it reduces VMT.
Current Situation - Aspen Highlands Village (AHV):
· PUD Agreement lists a condition that AHV will not become the only point of
embarkation for the Maroon Bells bus program.
· Summer programming at AHV is reliant upon partnering with the USFS.
. USFS Interpretive Center and educational opportunities on site is an integral part of
the AHV vision.
· Reduced sales tax at AHV ironically results in reduced contribution to the
transportation budget which is partially funded from sales tax revenue.
· While acknowledging the fact that the previous Highlands program was less than
sensitive to neighbors and that there are continuing concerns for residents, the actual
impact of a Highlands origin is reduced as the number of buses is reduced and the
opportunity to "snag" drivers prior to the turn around is greater.
Other Points In No Particular Order:
· AHV origin reduces overall mileage and therefore reduces the environmental impacts
of the program.
· AHV is now served by mass transit both from town and from down valley (transfer at
the roundabout), allowing bus access without driving. These buses are on the same
schedule (ev,ery 20 minutes) as the Bells Buses were.
· Fall 2002 will bring on a new bus to service the IselinfHighlands activity with two
direct (no Castle Creek jog) trip per hour in addition to the existing schedule.
· Opportunity to educate "captive audience" onsite is far greater than at Rubey Park.
(Managing overflow of people with lectures, etc.)
· Likelihood of self-sustained program far greater.
· Mass transit from AHV reduces the demand for parking both in downtown Aspen and
at Maroon Bells.
· Propose a coordinated ad campaign and road signage program (ajoint City and
County effort?) to get people on buses both down and up valley.
· Maroon/Castle Caucus Executive Committee supports AHV location.
· Opportunity for incentives to encourage bus ridership (e.g. reduced fee to Bells or
discount coupons from merchants.)
· Potential for electric buses on this route in the future. Opportunity to be in the
vanguard of public lands public transit.
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TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
MAROON CREEK ROAD CORRIDOR
I. Purchase And Operation Of One (1) Additional Bus On The Castle Maroon
Route
II. Dial-A-Ride Service
III. Comprehensive Traffic/Transit/Parking Monitoring System Plan
IV. Bus Stop Shelters
V. Maroon Bells Service
VI. Promotional Services
VII. Skier Shuttle Service BetweeD Buttermilk Remote Parking Lot and Aspen
Highlands Village
I. Purchase And Operation Of One (1) Additional Bus On The Castle Maroon
Route
Summary of Requirements:
Hines Highlands Limited Partnership (HHLP) is required to make a payment for the purchase and operation
of one (1) additional bus on the Castle/Maroon Route. One year prior to the occupancy of Phase Three
(approximately 2000) the developer is to contact RFTA and order a new bus. Upon the occupancy of the
dwelling units of Phase Three the additional bus is to begin operating on the route. Developer is to make a
cash payment for the purchase and operation of one additional bus on the route. Approximate cost of the
additional bus today is $310,000. The approximate annual cost ofthe proposed Direct Maroon Creek Road
service is $360,000. Estimated cost of winter season service is $160,000.
Proposed Fulfillment of Requirements:
HHLP intends to fulfill this requirement. HHLP will make a payment to the City of Aspen for the purchase
of one additional bus. Current estimated cost of the bus is $310,000.
Operation of a new Direct Maroon Creek Road bus service is to begin December 1, 2002. The service is to
run on 30-minute headways from Rubey Park to Aspen Highlands Village directiy and will operate seven
days a week. The service will be overlapped with the current Castle/Maroon service that operates on 20-
minute headways. Total service to the Maroon Creek Road corridor will be 5 buses per hour. Hours of
operation will vary according to season and demand Proposed hours of operation are: winter hours will
be 05:30 am to 12:00 midnight, summer hours will be 05:30 am to 10:00 pm and spring andfall off
seasons hours will be 05:30 am to 0900am and 2:30pm to 8:00pm. HHLP and Five Trees Metro District
will begin payingfor this new service in 2002.
Documents:
I. SIA For The Aspen HigWands Village P.U.D.
RFTA Payments. page 4
Exhibit D: CastleIMaroon RFTA Route
2. BOCC Resolution No. 97-167
Traffic/Transit/TransportationlParking page 4
3. Aspen Highlands Village: Detailed Submission Consolidated Plan
4. Revised Maroon Creek Corridor Detailed Transportation Plan
john d. krueger
Page I
03118/2002
C:\Home\Attach\Highlands TRANSPORT ATIONTSSUES.doc
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II. Dial-A-Ride Service
Summary of Requirements:
The establishment and operation of a Dial-A-Ride program jointly by the Five Trees Metro District and
HHLP. The detailed plan for the Dial-A-Ride service is contained in the Exhibit D of the SIA for the
Aspen Highlands Village, Exhibit H of the SIA for the Moore Family PUD, referred to in the BOCC
Resolution No. 97-167 and the Aspen Highlands Village: Detailed Submission Consolidated Plan. Service
is to be imitated after all certificates of occupancy have been issued for the affordable housing units in
Phase 3 of the Moore PUD. The Moore PUD and Aspen Highlands Village will join together to operate a
Dial-A-Ride service to reduce the need for residents and guest to utilize automobiles. Service to be
provided to the City of Aspen core and the aiIport. Service to be initiated with two vans when the
developments start to be occupied in approximately 2000. Prior to imitation of service, AHV shall present
a detailed service plan for review. The service plan shall include or address all of the elements contained
"Operations Plan". At the end of each of the first three years of operation AHV shall submit an annual
report. The estimated cost for the service and vehicles in 1998 was $295,000 per year.
Proposed Fulfillment of Requirements:
An interim program has been implemented using High Mountain Taxi. A long-term comprehensive service
pian for the Dial-A-Ride service has not been presented to the city for review yet
Documents:
1. SIA For The Aspen Highlands Village P.U.D.
13. Dial-A-Ride page 5 and Exhibit A and Exhibit D
2. BOCC Resolution No. 97-167
TrafficlTransit/TransportationlParking -page 5
7. Dial-A-Ride Plan
3. Aspen Highlands Village: Detailed Submission Consolidated Plan
4. Subdivision Improvements Agreement for Moore Family PUD, A Planned Community
12. Dial-A-Ride page 4 and Exhibit H
III. Comprehensive Traffic/Transit/Parking Monitoring System Plan
Summary of Requirements:
HHLP to implement a comprehensive traffic/transit/parking monitoring system plan. The plan is to be
administered through the conclusion of phase 4 and for 3 years after. The transportation and air quality
being monitored shall be the subject of an annual report.
Proposed Fulfillment of Requirements:
The status of the monitoring system plan is unknown.
Documents:
1. SIA For The Aspen Highlands Village P.UD.
10. Traffic and Transit parking Plan page 4
2. BOCC Resolution No. 97-167
Traffic/Transit/TransportationlParking -page 5
3. Aspen Highlands Village: Detailed Submission Consolidated Plan
IV. Bus Stop Shelters
Summary of Requirements:
Install or guarantee the installation of two (2) bus stop shelters.
john d. krueger
Page 2
03/18/2002
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Proposed Fulfillment of Requirements:
Zoom Flume LLC has fulfilled this requirement by making payment to the City in the amount of $16,000 for
the installation of one bus shelter as part of an Insubstantial Amendment to the Moore Family PUD. The
amendment allowedfor the modification of the originai condition of approvalfrom two bus stops to one.
Documents:
SIA Moore Family PUD A Planned Community
Bus Stop Shelters page 3
V. Maroon Bells Service
Summary of Requirements:
Primary staging for the Maroon Bells service shall not occur at Aspen Highlands Village (AHV). The
preferred stalt point for the Maroon Bells service shall be Ruby Park. The tour buses shall pick up riders at
Highlands and tickets shall be available for sale at Highlands
Proposed Fulfillment of Requirements:
HHLP and RFTA would like to change this requirement to allow the origination of the service from AHV
with connecting service fi'om Rubey Park via the Castle/Maroon route this year and next year via the
Direct Maroon Creek Road route.
Documents:
BOCC Resolution No. 97-167 page 6
Aspen Highlands Village: Detailed Submission Consolidated Plan
VI. Promotional Services
Summary of Requirements:
Encourage the use of alternative transportation by residents, guests and skiers through a continuing effort of
promotional materials and newsletters.
Proposed Fulfillment of Requirements:
Status un/mown.
Documents:
Revised Maroon Creek Corridor Detailed Transportation Plan
VII. Skier Shuttle Service Between Buttermilk Remote Parking Lot and Aspen
Highlands Village
Summary of Requirements:
An operations and service phasing plan for a remote skier shuttle service to be operated between the Aspen
Highlands Village and the remote parking spaces at Buttermilk Ski Area by the Aspen Skiing Company.
Proposed Fulfillment of Requirements:
The ASC is fulfilling this requirement. The shuttle service is in place and a seven-year transportation and
air quality monitoring program between the developers and the ASC that includes an annual and daily
report.
Documents:
BOCC Resolution No. 97-167 page 6
Aspen Highlands Village: Detailed Submission Consolidated Plan
j olin d. krueger
Page 3
03/18/2002
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THE CITY OF ASPEN
June 20, 2002
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING DEPARTME!\'T
Mr. David Norden
Hines Highlands Limited Partnership
Aspen Highlands Village
P.O. Box 5155
Aspen, Colorado 81612
Re: First Payment Installment
Dear David:
Thank you for the first installment payment of $90,000 to the City towards the purchase
of a bus per our Letter of Agreement dated June 14, 2002 regarding the obligation by
Hines Highlands Limited Partnership (HHLP) as stated in the SIA for Aspen Highlands
Village. We look forward to the next payment in September.
Thank you for your timely action in this matter.
SinCerelY,~ ~
Aeger
Transportation Programs Manager
Cc: Randy Ready
J ohn Worcester
Steve Barwick
Julie Ann Woods
Sarah Oates
130 SOUTH GALENA STREET' ASPEN, COLORADO 81611-1975 . PHONE 970.920.5267 . FAX 970.920.7473
Pr;ntedonRe<:yclcdl'aper
"'HINES HIGHLANDS LIMITED PART~IP
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008236
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HINES HIGHLANDS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
P.O. BOX 5115
ASPEN, CO 81612
WELLS FARGO BANK
23.7/1020
008236
Pay:
DATE
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Aspen, CO 81611
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THE CITY OF ASPEN
June 19, 2002
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING DEPARTMENT
Mr. David Norden
Hines Highlands Limited Partnership
Aspen Highlands Village
P.O. Box 5155
Aspen, Colorado 81612
Re: Letter of Agreement
Dear David:
Enclosed please find an executed copy of the Letter of Agreement you sent to us
regarding the obligation by Hines Highlands Limited Partnership (HHLP) to make a
payment in the amount of $300,000 for the purchase one (1) additional bus as required in
the Subdivision Improvement Agreement (SIA) For The Aspen Highlands Village
P.U.D., Section 8. RFTA Payments, dated October 15, 1998. This Letter of Agreement
and payment will satisfy the obligation ofHHLP in regard to the payment toward the
purchase of one additional bus as required in the SIA.
Thank you for you assistance in this matter.
k~
ohn D. Krueger
Transportation Programs Manager
Cc: Randy Ready
John Worcester
Steve Barwick
Julie Ann Woods
Sarah Oates
1/1~ P ,J~L I,?IE/EL1 ~ ~ j 2-
130 SOUTH GALENA STREET. ASPEN, COLORADO 81611-1975 . PHONE 970.920.5267 . FAX 970.920.7473
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JUN, 14,2002 10: 2iAiI1
RIPfU
IfIGRlnnDl
V I UU H
20. Box51IS
Aspen, Colorado
81612
(970) 920.1710
Fax (970) 920-3955
MS ASPEN HIpHlANOS VillAGE
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NO. 707
p, 2
June 14,2002
Mr, John D. Krueger
Transportation Programs Manager
The City of Aspen
130 South Galena Street
Aspen, CO 81611-1975
Via fax: 544-9447
Dear John,
Please accept this ;Letter of Agreement with the following terms, to finalize the
RFTA bus purchase obligation of Hines Highlands Limited Partnership,
In accordance with the Subdivision Improvements Agreement for the Aspen
Highlands Village PUD recorded October 15, 1998, it is our responsibility to
mo1ce a payment for the purchase of a new bus for the Castle / Maroon Creek
route. We provided noiification of this purchase requirement on Aprill6, 2001.
The order for the bus would be placed by the City of Aspen. Due to ordering
complications with Neoplan, the bus manufacturer, we have agreed that HHLP
will make a payment for the bus directly to COA. This payment will satisfy all
obligations ofHHLP with respect to the purchase provisions as outlined in the
SIA.
The following outlines t.he agreement that we have reached with respect to this
bus purchase obligation:
1. HHLP satisfied the requirei::nent to notice RFTA 1 year prior to project
completion (see April 16, 200l1etter to Nfr. Ready)
2, HELP is required to make a bus purchase, price to equal $300,000.00, Per
cliBcussions with COA officials, direct payment to COA will be made in
lieu of the purchase. The payment will be made in two installments:
$90,000 on June 21,2002 and $210,000 on September 15, 2002.
3. The new service will begin in December 2002.
4. The new service will provide for dedicated Maroon Creek (in lieu or
Maroon / Castle loop) service with 30 minute headways. This would then
provide the valley with the original Mal"oon / Castle Creek - 3 trips /
hours, and the Maroon only route
5. Seasonal operating ooats for this bus will be provided by the Aspen
Highlands Metropolitan District.
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JUN. 14. 2002 10:27P.M rlES ASPEN HrGHlmS VillME
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NO, 707
p, 3
By your signature below, The City of Aspen has reached agreement with HHLP
for the terms outlined above to meet the bus purchase obligation,
~ S~rely, ~
C- J e-::.J) tJ, -
David Nord
Hhes Highlands Limited Partnership
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Date
Cc: Randy Ready I COA
MikeDavis/RFTA
Gary Beach / AHV Metropolitan District
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MEMORANDUM
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TO:
Mayor and City Council
THRU:
Julie Ann Woods, Community DeyetoRment Director
Joyce Ohlson, Deputy Director--J:5t\V
FROM:
Sarah Oates, Zoning OfficerS 0
DATE:
March 25, 2002
SUBJECT:
Operation of Maroon Bells Bus"-:
Condition 14 of the Board of County Commissioners Resolution 97-167, granting Aspen
Highlands Village Detailed Submission, Planned Unit Development, 1041 Environmental
Hazard Review and Special Review approval, states the following:
Consistent with existing practice, the primary staging for the Maroon Bells bus
shall not occur at AHV The preferred start point for Maroon Bells tours shall be
at Rubey Park. For downvalley visitors using RFTA or the train there shall be a
transfer at the proposed station at the intersection of Highway 82 and Maroon
and Castle Roads. The Maroon Bells tour buses shall pick-up riders at Highlands
and tickets shall be available for sale to Highlands residents and guest.
Hines Highlands Limited Partnership and RFTA have requested that the approval be
amended to allow Aspen Highlands Village to be the primary staging for the Maroon
Bells bus.
Ordinance No.8, Series of2000, which was the ordinance annexing Aspen Highlands
Village into the City of Aspen, allows the Community Development Director to make
Insubstantial Amendments to the Pun and staff believes this proposal is consistent with
the Insubstantial PUD standards.
Attached please find a letter from Hines Highlands outlining the issues as they relate to
staging the Maroon Bells bus from Aspen Highlands Village, Community Development
Department and Transportation Department staff has met with representatives from
RFTA, the Aspen Highlands Village Metro District and Hines Highlands regarding this
issue, who all support the change in staging location. Staff supports an Insubstantial
PUD Amendment sign off by the Community Development Director to allow for the
primary staging for the Maroon Bells bus to occur at Aspen Highlands Village.
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
Sarah Oates, Community Development
THRU:
Randy Ready, Assistant City Manager
FROM:
John D. Krueger, Transportation
DATE:
March 19,2002
SUBJECT: Maroon Bells Service Primary Staging Area
SUMMARY:
The Transportation Department endorses a PUD Amendment to the BOCC
Resolution No. 97-167 and the Aspen Highlands Village: Detailed Submission
Consolidated Plan that would allow the primary staging area and starting point for
the Maroon Bells Service to be located at the Aspen Highlands Village for the
service beginning June 2002 and that the selection of the location of the primary
staging area and starting point for the Maroon Bells service should not be restricted
but should allow for changing times, economic circumstances, ridership and the
transportation system in place at the time of the decision.
DISCUSSION:
City Staff met with representatives ofRFTA, Hines, and The Five Trees Metro
District to discuss changing the primary staging area and starting point for
Maroon Bells service from Rubey Park to the Aspen Highlands Village for the
service to begin in June of 2002. City staff agreed with the representatives present
that it would be a good idea to change the starting point of the service to Aspen
Highlands Village for this year.
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There seem to be many advantages and few drawbacks to starting the service at the
Highlands Village.
1. It might reduce some of the congestion in town by reducing the number of
automobiles and buses coming to town.
2. It will significantly reduce the costs of operation on the route to RFTA.
3. The businesses in the Highlands Village may benefit from the location of the
staging area.
4. Bus riders in town can catch the Castle/Maroon Bus to the Highlands Village
and catch the Maroon Bells bus.
5. Beginning in 2003 there will be a direct Maroon Creek Road bus route that
will leave Rubey Park every thirty minutes for the Highlands Village.
6. This new service in 2003 added to the existing Castle/Maroon service will
provide up to five bus trips per hour to the Highlands Village to connect to
the Maroon Bells service.
The Transportation staff would like to review the Maroon Bells service after the
end of the 2002 season and make adjustments to the service for 2003 if any are
needed.
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MEMORANDUM
DATE:
March 25, 2002
TO:
Mayor and City Council, City of Aspen
THRU:
John Krueger, Transportation Manager, City of Aspen
FROM:
Dan Blankenship, Executive Director
SUBJECT: Background Regarding Proposed Changes to Maroon Bells Bus Service
BACKGROUND: The Roaring Fork Transit Authority, and its predecessors, the Roaring Fork
Transit Agency and Pitkin County have been operating the Maroon Bells Bus service since
about 1977. Pitkin County got involved in providing the service when requested to do so by
the Forest Service because heavy automobile traffic was degrading the pristine and sensitive
Maroon Bells environment.
In the beginning, the service was staged exclusively at Highlands Ski Area. In the early
ninety's, Whip Jones indicated he no longer wanted the service staged at the Highlands, due
to difficulties he felt he was experiencing in obtaining land use approvals from Pitkin County
for his proposed development. At that time the service moved to Rubey Park.
During the Rural Transportation Formation effort, an attempt was made to determine the fully
allocated cost of all RFT A services and develop an equitable arrangement for distributing
them between regional and local servic;es. Pitkin County agreed to dedicate 100% of the
countywide one-penny mass transit sales tax collected in unincorporated Pitkin County to the
RT A under the following conditions:
1. That the RTA'would continue to provide the Senior Van, the Woody Creek Van, and
the Maroon Bells bus service at the current levels, unless Pitkin County agrees to a
change in these services. I
2. If Pitkin County and the City of Aspen (acting jointly) ever decide to provide these
services directly, an amount equal to the proceeds of a tax rate of 0.0496% will be
netted from sales tax payments to be made by Pitkin County to the RTA.
At the time the RTA IGA was being finalized, there was an understanding that Pitkin County's
share of the 1-penny sales tax that would be dedicated to the RT A, would be sufficient to
cover the full subsidy on the Senior and Wood Creek Vans. However, there would be an
approximate $40,000 subsidy (in 1999 dollars) on the Maroon Creek Bus service that would
not be covered. Therefore, it was understood that the RTA would have the latitude of
implementing fare increases to reduce or eliminate the remaining subsidy.
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In 2001, after the RTA was established, staff met with representatives of the Aspen
Highlands Base Village (AHBV) and the Forest Service to discuss providing another portal for
the Maroon Bells bus service. The Forest Service receives many complaints each year from
tourists who are turned around at the entrance station because they were not aware that
access to the Maroon Bells is restricted during the day. When turned around, they are
informed of the availability of bus service but, understandably, they are often angry and
frustrated because they must drive all of the way back into town, find parking, and catch the
bus. This negative experience does little to enhance the user friendliness of the Aspen resort
area. Therefore, the Forest Service requested that an additional portal for the bus service be
established at AHBV. Representatives of AHBV agreed sell tickets and to help promote the
service because they believed the association with the bus tour would be beneficial to
business activities at AHBV during the summer season.
Because ridership on the Maroon Bells bus service had been declining, for a variety of
reasons (the economy, construction on the Round-About and Maroon Creek Road, etc.), staff
felt that anything that could be done to improve the service should be tried. So, a fare
increase was not implemented and the RT A Board approved the service increase to see if a
second portal would stimulate ridership.
Ridership to Maroon Bells increased by 16% last year over the previous year, and during a
summer when the economy was in recession, that gain could largely be attributed to the
addition of the AHBV portal. Ridership between the Bells and the two staging areas totaled
approximately 78,000 last season. Of these passenger trips, roughly 40% were associated
with the AHBV portal.
This year RFTA, like the City of Aspen, is facing severe economic difficulties. The 2002
RFTA budget assumes that the Maroon Bells service will be operated out of two portals again
this summer. However, due to anticipated reductions in projected sales tax and farebox
revenue in 2002, RFTA is looking for places to reduce costs that will have a minimal impact
on users. By cutting the Maroon Bells service back to traditional levels and operating out of
only one portal (either Rubey Park or AHBV) RFTA can save an estimated $37,800 in
incremental costs.
CORE ISSUES:
Because of financial constraints, RFTA cannot afford to operate the Maroon Bells bus service
out of two portals this year. A $1 per passenger fare increase would generate insufficient
revenue to eliminate the estimated $55,000 operating deficit for the service. Additionally, the
logistics related to giving the narrated tour and providing sufficient capacity for users, makes
staging the Maroon Bells bus service at Rubey Park and serving the AHBV enroute to the
Maroon Bells impractical. Therefore, given a choice between the two locations to stage the
Maroon Bells bus service, i.e., Rubey Park or AHBV, staff believes that AHBV is the best
alternative for several reasons, as follows:
1. Approximately 6 miles and 20 - 30 minutes can be shaved off of every round-trip if the
service is staged from AHBV.
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2. Savings in route miles and time can either be used to increase the frequency of service
from the AHBV to three departures per hour, if dictated by demand, for essentially the
same cost as providing service twice per hour from Rubey Park. Or, if demand were
insufficient to warrant service every 20 minutes, operating the same twice per hour
frequency from AHBV would achieve additional savings beyond the incremental savings
mentioned above.
3. Staging the service out of AHBV would reduce the number of bus trips in and out of the
City of Aspen by minimum of 4 bus trips per hour, eight hours per day. During peak
hours, peak season, the number of bus trips reduced per hour could be as high as 6 - 10.
4. The AHBV is served by the Castle Maroon Bus service 3 times per hour, so people
staying in town can still use transit to access the Maroon Bells bus service. RFT A plans
to use Channel 16 to extensively market the Maroon Bells bus service to Aspen guests
this coming summer and to explain how to use the local bus system to get to AHBV.
5. AHBV offers a more convenient place to capture significant numbers of tourists who are
turned around at the entrance station because they do not understand that automobile
access to the Maroon Bells is restricted during daytime hours. This location helps to
attract greater ridership for the Maroon Bells service and enhances the overall user-
friendliness of the resort.
6. The AHBV, Forest Service, and RFTA will jointly market the Maroon Bells Bus service.
7. Staging the Maroon Bells bus service at AHBV could free more parking capacity within the
City of Aspen.
RECOMMENDATION:
RFTA staff recommends that the Maroon Bells Bus service be staged solely from the Aspen
Highlands Base Village this coming summer. The permission required to grant this use could
be temporary and conditioned upon a review by the City for the following summer.
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