HomeMy WebLinkAboutJennifer Rose_22-FEB-26To Whom It May Concern,
As a local business owner and longtime resident of the Roaring Fork Valley, I am writing in
strong support of the proposed Harvest Roaring Fork development.
I came to this valley in 1988 and have witnessed tremendous growth and change over the
years. I have also seen a consistent pattern: family-centered housing developments are
often met with opposition, while multiple apartment projects that attract more transient
populations continue to be approved. This cycle needs to stop. If we truly care about the
long-term health of our community, we must prioritize housing that supports families who
want to live, work, and raise their children here.
Every day, I see firsthand the growing struggle working families face when trying to find
housing they can afford. Employers across industries — healthcare, education, small
business, and beyond — are losing talented nurses, teachers, skilled tradespeople, and
professionals because they simply cannot find attainable housing. This is no longer just a
housing issue; it is a workforce crisis and a community sustainability issue.
Harvest Roaring Fork represents a thoughtful and balanced solution.
By offering a mix of affordable, deed-restricted, and market-rate homes — particularly in
the attainable $500,000–$700,000 range — this development provides real opportunities
for full-time local workers to build equity and stability. Families move to this valley for
quality of life: a yard, safe neighborhoods, walkable streets, and space for their children to
grow. A master-planned community designed around connection, green space, and
environmental stewardship reflects the values that define the Roaring Fork Valley.
We must face the reality that school enrollment is declining, middle-class families are
being pushed out, and employers are struggling to recruit and retain qualified employees.
Without attainable, family-oriented housing, we risk becoming a community that serves
only the very wealthy or the very transient. That is not sustainable, and it is not the future
many of us envisioned when we chose to make this valley our home.
While I do not support the hotel component of the proposal, I would strongly encourage
consideration of a community-centered amenity such as a recreation center or pool for
local children and families. With additional housing will come demand for services, and
this growth could also attract essential amenities — including the grocery store our valley
so greatly needs.
I am not only a business owner; I am also an active volunteer serving on multiple boards,
working to help our community thrive. My support for Harvest comes from decades of
involvement and a deep commitment to ensuring this valley remains vibrant for working
families.
Supporting thoughtful, family-focused housing is critical to preserving the economic vitality
and community character of the Roaring Fork Valley.
Harvest Roaring Fork is an opportunity to invest in families, strengthen our workforce, and
secure the future of our community.
I respectfully urge you to support this development, with careful consideration given to its
community-serving components.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Rose
General manager
Bighorn Toyota
970-948-4084