HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.apz.19620313
JOINT MEETING OF THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONS OF
THE CITY OF ASPEN & COUNTY OF PITKIN
Tuesday, March 13, 1962
Present from the two Boards were: Ken Moore, Herbert Bayer,
Jim Marka1unas, Jack Walls, Frank Willoughby, Fritz Benedict,
Fred Glidden, Sam Caudill, Henry Stein. Other persons who
attended the meeting were: John Herron, Harold Johnson, Jim
Moore, Richard Lai, Waddy Catchings, Rob Roy, Edgar Stanton,
Harold Lash, Bud Leitner, Bill Clark, Bi1 Dunaway, Sam Howell.
Mr. Bayer called the meeting to order at 7:40 P.M. As there
were many persons at the meeting who were not members of the two
Boards, Mr. Bayer asked Mr. Moore to state the reason for having
invited them. Mr. Moore stated that he felt there must be public
participation in the planning meetings; that t~ere should be
more work put upon planning; and that he wante!! to show Mr.
Bayer that the public is interested.
Mr. Bayer stated that there had been a specific agenda for this
first joint meeting, but would explain to those present the
background of the proposed planning. He stated that both zoning
boards have known that zoning is only the second stage, but that
zoning had to be instituted without a major plan because Aspen
was not then ready toaccept planning. They have established
regulations to prevent the worst from happening to the area.
We did not have a plan. Now the Planning Commission has found
someone through the Institute who has given $5,000 toward hiring
a professional planner if the city and county will match this
contribution. Though $10,000 is not enough,it is a satisfactory
start. Mr. Bayer wanted to know if the two Boards want to
stand solidly behind planning for the entire region. He also
explained what is necessary to develop a plan; that it is a
professional job and that the Boards could assist in compiling
data for a future plan. If there is no plan, soon Aspen will
develop as a jumble - we need overall guidance in the growth
of the community. Mr. Moore stated that the loss of time in
planning worried him; that there is a great deal of information
available at the present time and that the citizens should get
data compiled to aid the planner when he comes. Mr. Stein raised
the question as to whether the money was available for such a
start, and Mr. Moore stated that it would be mostly voluntary;
that each had a sphere of influence and could contribute within
it.
Mr. Bayer stated that no one has been afraid to talk planning;
that now we have $5,000 and will ask the minimum amount of what
the total cost will be, and expect to be able to raise supple-
mentary moneys, but one cannot institute planning without the
consent of the governments under which it is to be instituted.
He thinks the City and County will make the effort to raise the
money and that it will be a great mistake if we begin to collect
facts, not knowing what facts will be needed, etc. We have to
aid a planner, but in a reasonable way, as it is a profeSSional
job. The work must be guided and handled by the planner. Mr.
Glidden stated that the Zoning Boards have been working with
the Trafton Bean office for some time.
There was discussion on what the planning should encompass, and
it was decided that as the boundaries of the city and county
are not in any way related to geographic boundaries, that the
fringe areas should be within the city planning, khe lines
dividing the two were merely political lines. This, Mr. Glidden
stated, was the reason for calling of the Joint Meeting of the
City and County Zoning Boards. Mr. Bayer stated that they
wanted to get the full approval of the two Boards to pursue the
idea of a plan for the region of Aspen and vicinity. He said
that the proposal of a planner has been made to both the City
and the County; planners have been investigated, and one has
been asked to come to Aspen for an interview. But any plan must
be flexible. Mr. Benedict stated that in five years a permanent
planner might be necessary. Mr. Stein stated that a planner
could not be considered until the citizens of the area were ready.
- 2 -
Mr. Bayer stated that it took many years to get the two Zoning
Boards and to get zoning, and that now it is high time to do
something about a plan; that this is the last moment we can do
any good for the city with a plan; that it is an urgent matter.
Mr. Bayer estimated that a preliminary plan might be done in six
months, and that another year might be necessary for a compre-
hensive plan. This would depend on the cooperation of the
community - also on how extensive the plan is.
Mr. Herron stated that there are three main economies in Aspen:
the Ski Corporation, the Institute and the Music Associates,
and that any plan should be utilized to enhance these three
phases. This was, of course, agreed to by all, but it has been
suggested that perhaps the economy of Aspen should be more
diversified so as not to be entirely dependent upon the tourist
trade. Mr. Lash suggested that the convention trade be encouraged;
and a convention hall might save Aspen economically in the summer.
Mr. Moore again urged that the citizens present spread the word
around booking planning.
The joint meeting of the
then begun at 9:00 P.M.
the City Board were read
Planning and Zoning Commissions was
The minutes of the January meeting of
and approved.
Mr. Bayer stated that Mr. Robert Anderson has offered to help
in talking with oil company officials with regard to their signs.
With relation to disposing of the water coming off the mountain,
Mr. Moore stated that he was writing to the Forest Service for
information and aid. Mr. Bayer commended this action.
Mr. Humphrey stated that the contract on the streets program
had been ~ranted to Frank Ray; that the city has paid $7400
of which 34400 will be reimbursed to the City; and that this
outfit is holding up the program. Should have final decision
on Mill Street very soon.
Mr. Glidden stated that the reason for calling the joint meeting
of the two Zoning and Planning Boards was to get the feeling on
planning, and that it was only logical for the two Boards to
make decisions together.
Mr. Bayer asked the opinions of the members of the City Board
on planning, and they were unanimously in favor of it. Mr.
Glidden asked for a vote from the County Board members, and they
were also unanimously in favor. Mr. Bayer felt we should make
a statement to the City Council and County Commissioners to the
effect that both Boards were solidly behind a plan.
There followed a discussion of a letter which was directed to
the City Zoning Board with relation to having a narrow gauge
railroad car put next to the present Chamber of Commerce building
to be used as additional office space. It was felt that the
Chamber should approach its space problem in some other manner;
that they shoUld seek other permanent quarters; and it was the
consensus that the Commissions did not approve of the railroad
car for this purpose.
Thereafter the two Boards displayed the maps which would be
available for their joint use in planning. Mr. Moore requested
a schedule of maps which will be needed for presentation to
the City Council, for their information.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:40 P.M.
Jack Walls, Secretary
Recorded by:
Bette Gallagher
)1 {
January 11, 1962
Mr. Daniel V. BctllUlI4eora
10.,54
Aapeo, 00101'_0
Dear Mr. Bdllllll4eool
OIl bebalf of tba Aapeo Plunilll aIl4 ZoaiDa c-t..iora I want to
.xprue a,preeiatwD aIl4 thaka for your thouahtful aM g.aaroue
lift towaEde the p1anti.. of tre.e.
I hope tbat J'OU will eooo e.. iIIprovaMota ill tba appearuc. of
our etraaU.
Si_rely,
BBlm
cc: Mr. Jack Walls