HomeMy WebLinkAboutMiriam Muñiz Fennell_DEC-25Dear John,
I am writing to formally express concerns shared by many community members and
transportation professionals regarding the traffic mitigation plan proposed for the Harvest
Roaring Fork development along Highway 82.
After reviewing the application materials, it appears the traffic analysis relies on
assumptions that do not reflect current conditions on Highway 82 or the long-term realities
of this already constrained transportation corridor.
First, the traffic projections do not appear to fully account for the scale of the proposed
development. The project includes approximately 1,500 residential units, the potential for
hundreds of accessory dwelling units, expanded commercial uses, and a larger hotel
component. When more realistic trip generation rates are applied, the resulting traffic
volumes may be significantly higher than those presented in the applicant’s study.
Second, Highway 82 is already operating at or near capacity, with existing daily traffic
volumes estimated between 24,000 and 29,000 vehicles. Introducing what could amount
to more than 15,000 additional daily trips is functionally equivalent to adding a small city’s
worth of traffic to a roadway that is already experiencing congestion and operational stress.
Of particular concern is the lack of meaningful analysis of construction-related traffic. The
application does not appear to adequately model the years—potentially decades—of
heavy truck traffic, equipment hauling, material deliveries, and construction worker
commutes associated with a multi-phase buildout. These impacts would be experienced
well before project occupancy and would persist throughout the development timeline.
Public safety is another critical issue, especially in the Cattle Creek area, which already
presents elevated crash risks. Increased traffic volumes, additional turning movements,
and construction vehicles are likely to exacerbate safety concerns for residents,
commuters, emergency responders, and wildlife.
Environmental impacts must also be carefully considered. This stretch of Highway 82
functions as important wildlife habitat and a movement corridor. Increased traffic, noise,
and human activity further fragment an already stressed system and increase the
likelihood of wildlife-vehicle collisions.
The proposed density also raises questions regarding consistency with Garfield County’s
rural character. When residential units, accessory dwellings, commercial space, and hotel
uses are considered together, the resulting traffic impacts resemble those of a small city.
However, the proposal does not appear to include the level of transportation infrastructure,
transit capacity, or emergency services typically required to support that scale of
development.
Finally, the traffic mitigation strategy relies heavily on optimistic assumptions, including
high levels of internal capture and widespread reverse commuting. Should these
assumptions not materialize, the burden of additional trips will fall directly on Highway 82,
resulting in chronic congestion and raising serious concerns regarding emergency
response and wildfire evacuation capacity.
In summary, if the traffic mitigation plan does not withstand rigorous technical scrutiny, the
project itself may not be ready for approval. I respectfully request that the Board require a
more comprehensive, transparent, and realistic traffic analysis before advancing this
proposal.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to Garfield County.
Respectfully,
Miriam Muñiz Fennell
630 Foster Ridge Rd
Glenwood Springs