HomeMy WebLinkAboutKae McDonald_undatedSubject: Harvest Roaring Fork Public Comment
Name: Kae McDonald
Email: kaemcdonald@comcast.net
Phone Number: 9703792846
Message: Dear Garfield County Planning Department,
I am writing today to comment on the magnitude of the proposed Harvest Roaring Fork
development. I am aghast at the size of the proposal: 1500 residential units, plus
accessory dwelling units; a 120-unit hotel; and more than 50,000 square feet of
commercial space. This will be a small town shoe-horned between Glenwood Springs and
Carbondale. This magnitude of development WILL have an impact on everyone that lives in
the Roaring Fork Valley, and in a variety of ways:
The short commute between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale will be hamstrung by the
additional of one or more stoplights. The transparent story that since the development will
be close to mass transit, EVERYONE will take the bus is just that, a story. To state that
commuters down valley will “jump at the chance” to move and therefore reduce traffic
congestion doesn’t take into consideration other variables that may be at play in people’s
lives. And the housing in New Castle, Silt, Rifle, and Parachute will still be filled with people
who will drive to Aspen because they will be paid more there than anywhere. Let’s also not
forget the massive number of construction vehicles that will be traversing Highway 82 for
the duration of build out.
The already overcrowded boat ramps at Carbondale, Hardwick Bridge, and Two Rivers Park
will be clogged with even more people and the “Disneyland” effect on the Roaring Fork will
be even more intolerable for those of us that appreciate quiet.
The trails on Red Hill – already busy throughout the year, will become even busier.
I also have a hard time believing that “just one more development” will solve the affordable
housing problem – and the advertised starting price of $320,000.00 will still be out of reach
for many people. And let’s be realistic – the developer purchased this property for
$33,000,000 anticipating a profit. The tired, and transparent, story that more housing will
solve this problem has been told in this valley for more than 50 years and the needle still
hasn’t moved. The only thing that more development will achieve is MORE Noise, MORE
Pollution, and MORE Consumption of Resources – and this at a time when western
Colorado is experiencing a prolonged drought cycle. I think many other people have
pointed to the minimal conservation easement of 54 acres and the impact this
development will have on wildlife.
To be honest, I can’t find anything positive reading through the Harvest Roaring Fork’s
proposal, and I hope the impact to the entire Roaring Fork Valley population will be
considered when discussing approvals.
Thanks,
Kae McDonald
954 County Road 106
Carbondale