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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.apz.19801205 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves FORll III C. F. ~OECKEL B. B. It L. co. JOINT MEETING ASPEN/PITKIN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIONS DECEMBER 5, 1980 Note: These are summary minutes of the special joint meeting of the Aspen and Pitkin County Planning and Zoning Commissions' public hearing on the Little Annie Ski Area. A complete transcript of the meeting can be obtained from tapes held by the City Clerk. A complete transcript of the initial meeting, December 4, 1980, can be obtained from the County Clerk. Olof Hedstrom, chairman, continued the public hearing, reminding the public that this meeting is concerned with only general matters. Ron Garfield, representing the Little Annie application, stated he wished to speak for the many persons who attended the public hearing last evening, but were unable to speak because of the time limitation. He said there were a silent majority of people who are in favor of this application. Also, in response to Steve Crockett, some of his comments were completely unsubstantiated. Further, that Crockett used to be an avid supporter of this project. Hans Figi, supporter of Little Annie application, followed what Ron said about the majority of supporters who didn't get a chance to speak. His family have been residents for about 12 years and have been following the project. He said the concerns that people have will be mitigated in a positive way. The project has come a long way and alot of people believe in the project and the man behind it. It can be good for Aspen. Terry Simpkins, 9 year resident, said he has watched this area become more and more congested. Aspen could use more skiing. He has recently become involved with Little Annie, initially his reaction was negative, but since being educated to what is actually involved with the detail and decision making he now approves. There is no concern in his mind that Little Annie will make it. Jerry Hewey, representing Aspen Alps and Condominium Assn., 25 year resident, wished to correct any misconceptions about the letter put into the record at last night's meeting; he stated the Aspen Alps as well as himself are positively aware of the Little Annie and want to work with the development. They did have some concerns, but wished to state they are pro the development. Tom Wells, stated that two things have happened over the past sev- eral years to determine what the character of Aspen will be; first, the step by step downzoning and the river protection movement. He stated concern with the density and the 3 - story height is not appropriate. Tom Fisher, employee of Little Annie, stated he has been a long time supporter of the project. One reason being that theveis a need for more skiing in this area. Also, that the community is in a state of transition and many changes are going to take place in Aspen whether or not Annie comes on line.ie. transportation, parking, employee housing, etc. Cindy Farney addressed herself to Don Brackenbush. He answered as follows; On the negative side there are national environmental problems and negative site specific problems. Positive side is the cash flow. Accounting shows that by and large it will be a positive thing. It depends what your view is - some people think more people means more money and some think more people means more congestion. Ed Brennan, 29,o/ear resident, stated he is very much for the project and wondered what else does the applicant have to do? Shouldn't he be given some kind of time frame? Brain Stafford, Ass't. County Manager, trails director for the County, need to do alot more analyzing of total access, there is inadequate sidewalks and use of the nature trails would be inap- propriate. In view of the recent election the County can't raise property taxes. Bob Lewis, resident since 1951, showed a 3 dimensional map which showed the terrain of the area and North Star Ranch - which was purchased by the County. He said the fish and wildlife report isn't extensive enough. We're dealing with something we don't know enough about yet. There has to be enough of an elk buffer zone. He asked where does it all stop? Meaning the expansion and in- fringement into the wildlife areas. These times are coming to a point where we are going to have to make a choice and at this time it is morally irresponsible to continue at this rate. George Parry, City Council member, stated that if this were a ski area the elk would have a much better chance of surviving. Dick area. to go right Wilhelm, stated ski areas are expanding all around the Aspen When listening to reports on where are the "noted" places Aspen is not mentioned and he feels that says something there. Carl Netzhorn, 12 yr. resident, from the experience of litigating anti-trust in the dept. of Agriculture, he notes that anti-trust policy almost dictates that Little Annie be preferred first. One of them has to be issued first. Mike Strang, original limited partner in Little Annie, stated he feels the community has brought itself some trouble. He said Aspen is turned shabby. Little Annie is super skiing. Ajax makes much more sense with Little Annie. John Busch, 11 yr. resident, trolley car advocate, stated the use of the trolley cars would alleviate the transportation problem. Harley Baldwin, owns 6 acres across the street from Annie, thinks the development is a super idea. Doesn't feel employee housing parking is a good idea. If the parking is provided people will provide the cars to fill the spaces. Trolley or buses would be a good idea. Dave Farney, said he originally requested that this area be a pedestrian area. He was told there has to be parking made avail- able. This is why it is shown on the current plans. Dave feels for the nature of a destination resort, Little Annie must respond to the needs of the lodging community in Aspen rather than the down- valley drivers' needs for parking. Nick McGrath, representing the Gant, stated the owners are concerned with noise, pollution and traffic. He also asked about the Engin- eering necessity for a 44 ft. Gondola Building. The turnaround is a major concern. Consider adding amenities to the employee housing so they don't come to the Gant and use our facilities. Expressed that P&Z keep the concerns of the letter submitted in the packet in mind. Fritz Benedict, architect for base area and involved since the beginning of this project, in response to the height of the base terminal, the terminal must be 35 feet high to house the machinery. he suggested that persons concerned with the employee housing could all sit down together and try to work something out. The density seems to be appropriate in comparison to surrounding projects. Fritz further stated that there are so many more elk now than there were thirty years ago, it's ridiculous. - - " - ..._.".._,~_____._____H' _"'_'~ _.. .,. .,..,. '. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves fORM!O C.F.HOECKELB.B.& L. CO. JOINT MEETING ASPEN/PITKIN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIONS DECEMBER 5, 1980 Little Annie Ski Area Public Hearing Continued..... Hans Gramiger, discussed the concerns about the elk and stated a few like the human footprint, highways and gunshots. He expressed to the condominium owners in town to think carefully about the necessity of the economics involved in a project such as this. Main p~int being that Snowmass has made tremendous strides and is becoming an independent of Aspen. People used to say that even SnowmasS people would make a point to come into "quaint" Aspen for dinner or this or that, but now Aspen is not so quaint anymore. Aspen has a plastic image, it has lost even that additional unique attraction. Aspen is now left on her own. Does this community have the foresight to counter-act this possiblity? If Aspen doesn't support more skiing terrain, not necessarily growth gnerating, but accomodating of what we have, there will be no way of protecting our economic base. Mike Peters, representing Little Annies, expressed the enormity of this project; 29 million. There are impacts, some of which cannot be mitigated. There is much effort being made. Annie's appre- ciates the comments. Fred Larkin, base landowners, All things like employee housing, noise, pollution and traffic congestion are all necessary to balance having this project. He said he is perfectly willing to put up with these things to fulfill the needs of the community and the skiers. Let's move ahead with this. Bob King, stated that one of the concerns of last night's meeting was impact on the residents of the area, but this development will help the entire community and the County. Steve Crockett, did work for Little Annie, refuted Ron Garfield's words about him, he said he and Dave ran into problems - had a fallout on Dave's way of doing business. Whether sour grapes or not, the issues are still true. He further said he is not openly opposed to the Little Annie issue. Harry Truscott, stated he is interested in settling these questions of data differences. This is extremely important to the com- munity. Should this be done now? Olof said this is not appropriate to the public hearing. Also, that there are 30 days left that the public can make written comment. Olof closed the public hearing. Di":...7~-1J Denise P. Elzinga Deputy City Clerk /' ,.....-.,.".-."'...'"--- -.,~, ,,",._,'" -,- ,'_.~>-._-- ..-,.....~~--_.,-'-~-'- .