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To:
Membership and Interested Parties
From:
Board of Directors
Date: December 29, 2005
RE:
Crossroads Redevelopment
Five years ago
our Town was in economic decline. It seemed that everyone and everything
was moving down valley. What a difference one billion dollars in
re-development makes!
We have not as
yet seen how some of the new developments will change the look of our
community. When the Four Seasons and Vail Plaza Hotel are complete…the
height and mass of these projects will surprise many people. Most other
projects seem a more appropriate scale.
There is one
major project that is not yet approved and has created wide discussion. In
fact, the Crossroads re-development is all that everyone seems to be talking
about!
Virtually
everyone wants Crossroads re-developed. Many are influenced by amenities
promised by the developer. But beyond that, there is deep concern about a
process that has allowed applicable zoning, covenants, and
planning
codes not to be followed. And more specifically there are objections to the
height and mass of the proposed project.
The Homeowners
Association shares these concerns…recognizing that they occur when a Special
Development District is proposed.
The SDD is not
new. Town Councils in the past have approved many projects that exceed
height and mass rules in return for public benefit. Past and present
Councils have considered these up-zoning approvals carefully, often
attempting to ensure that results are not over-growth or inconsistent with
community standards.
When they are
justified, SDD’s allow a compromise between the people’s desires and the
public benefits. Successful projects include the Austria House, the Golden
Peak base lodge and other projects currently under construction.
As the sequence
of events related to the Crossroads project are playing out, it now appears
that it’s up to the Council to mediate and approve a new Crossroads that
achieves a compromise to satisfy the opposing views and bring the community
together. In doing this, the Council should demonstrate that this result
reflects adherence to the applicable Town policy, review and approval
processes.
Until these are
demonstrated the Homeowners Association cannot recommend approval of the
project.
Getting this
done is a big job and will require courage. If the Council is not
successful, the community might lose a needed project. It is also possible
that dissatisfied people could take the issue back to the people by petition
calling for a vote! This result would be very unfortunate and divisive.
Let’s all hope that the Council, the community and the developer can work
together and achieve a viable compromise that we all can support.
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