HomeMy WebLinkAboutBen and Beth Roos_24-FEB-26As we are unable to attend the Planning Commission meeting on February 25th, we wanted
to share our opposition in this email to the proposed development of the Sanders Ranch
property by Harvest Roaring Fork LLC.
Simply put, the proposed mixed-use development is too large and too dense for that
parcel. We've always believed that something useful will come with its own source of
supply, but what this project brings is added stress to a valley already coping with an influx
of people too great to absorb easily, negative impacts on property values in the
surrounding neighborhoods, bumper to bumper traffic on highway 82, disruption of wildlife,
more pressure on emergency services and schools, diminished beauty of the Roaring Fork
River landscape, and compromised views of majestic Mount Sopris in an area of the valley
already developed to capacity.
It seems any piece of vacant land up and down our valley is ripe for development if projects
like the one proposed here continue to meet approval. Our family have been Carbondale
residents for 29 years and much of the beauty and feel of this valley has changed due to
over-development by corporations who won't endure the impact of the changes they make
but will simply move on to the next project to destroy what so many have tried to protect.
The last development mistake in the valley was the Tree Farm, and when you drive by now
what you see are condos with uninspired design and a look of hasty construction built with
less than appealing materials, by those with a lack of vision for how to implement a plan to
complement the community and enhance the mid-valley quality of life.
Everyone knows developers come to the table with grandiose plans and overreach knowing
they will be told to pare down their proposal. Then come back with a revised plan that
appears to do what was asked, but in reality it's what they wanted all along and knew
they could get if they played the game. I submit instead of wondering when the decimation
of the land and our natural beauty and resources will stop, and consideration for what
makes the Roaring Fork Valley a place we all want to live is the precedent, you have the
ability to stand up and say it stops here and now with this project.
Thank you for your consideration.
Ben and Beth Roos