The recommendation for denial was based on numerous factors, according to the staff report, including concerns and noncompliance issues related to the developer’s proposed housing density and plans for commercial usages, water, wildlife, affordable housing, public transportation access, and impacts to traffic and other public infrastructure, among others.
Category: Environment
Aspen Journalism’s “Connie Harvey Environment Desk” is named in honor of the longtime Aspen environmentalist.
Posted inEnvironment
Developers are selling the Harvest project as a boon for workforce housing. Others see a burden.
One project skeptic said he doesn’t doubt the developer is genuine about wanting to help address the valley’s housing needs. “I think he believes he can make money and solve a social problem, I’m not going to bet the farm on that.”
Posted inEnvironment
The Western Slope’s nuclear fracking legacy
Observers remain concerned that modern horizontal drilling and fracking technologies have increased the risk that the entombed radioactive material may be disturbed, and skepticism persists that the flaring of contaminated natural gas after the Rulison test had harmful effects.
Posted inEnvironment
As e-bike use grows, so do accidents
More than 60% of the bike and e-bike accidents on Pitkin County OST’s properties involved an e-bike, as they become increasingly popular among locals and visitors.
Posted inEnvironment
‘Bless this house’: Community at St. Benedict’s Monastery bids farewell
“One can’t separate the experience of St. Benedict’s without being mindful of its location. One couldn’t come to the steps of the monastery without being awed by the beauty of its setting and by views of majestic Mount Sopris. I think that might put you in a [certain headspace] before you even got in the door.”
Posted inEnvironment
On the loose
Driving south along the Oregon coast is a journey through natural wonders that adorn calendars and offer spectacular vistas of a rugged coastline where waves crash and send fountains of sea spray into the cool, moist air.
Posted inEnvironment
St. Benedict’s Monastery sells for $120 million
Sale and closure of the monastery has been a possibility for years, as the monks of St. Benedict’s have grown older and their community has gotten smaller. Five monks celebrate Mass there now, down from 18 members present in 2009.
Posted inEnvironment
St. Benedict’s Monastery announces last Mass Jan. 11
Contemplative Outreach of Colorado’s post on their website Dec. 5 indicated a sale of the monastery was imminent, but also stated that “we do not know who the buyer is or what will be forthcoming at this time.”
Posted inEnvironment
Local public-lands group moving from crisis reaction to long-term plan
This was not a typical summer season for the White River National Forest, but thanks to unprecedented efforts from local organizations, visitors may not have noticed. The U.S. Forest Service did not hire seasonal workers to manage the influx of crowds, but it did offer incentives for employees to quit. Funding shrank and uncertainty grew. […]
Posted inEnvironment
Transportation coalition seeks consensus on high-occupancy toll, congestion-pricing recommendations
The Transportation Coalition for the 21st Century has narrowed down its potential recommendations for relieving traffic congestion in the Roaring Fork Valley to two scenarios: congestion pricing or a hybrid plan that would start with a high-occupancy toll (HOT) lane and work toward congestion pricing. Both scenarios include carpooling and public-transit incentives.