HomeMy WebLinkAboutRachel Sweeney_23-FEB-26Dear members of the planning staff,
I am writing to express my strong concern and opposition to the proposed housing
development currently under consideration in our valley. I respectfully ask that you
carefully consider the long-term impacts this project would have on our community, our
natural resources, and the wildlife that make this area so special.
First, the development would inevitably lead to a significant increase in traffic. Our existing
roads already experience congestion and safety concerns, and adding a large number of
new residences will place additional strain on infrastructure that was not designed to
accommodate such growth. Increased traffic affects not only convenience but also public
safety and the rural character that residents value deeply.
Equally concerning is the proposed location within an established elk migration path.
Wildlife movement through this valley is not incidental — it is a vital, seasonal pattern that
has existed long before development pressures arrived. Disrupting this corridor would
directly harm local elk populations and other wildlife that depend on connected habitat for
survival. Once migration routes are fragmented, the ecological damage is often permanent
and cannot be restored.
Water availability is another critical issue. After a low snow year, our community is already
anticipating water restrictions this summer. Under these conditions, approving a
development that substantially increases water demand does not appear responsible or
sustainable. Our water resources are finite, and growth should not come at the expense of
existing residents or the long-term health of our watershed.
Our valley is special precisely because of its open spaces, natural beauty, and thriving
wildlife. These qualities are not only environmentally important but also central to our
community identity and quality of life. Approving this development would permanently alter
the landscape and erode the very characteristics that make this area worth protecting.
I urge you to prioritize responsible planning and conservation by rejecting this proposal.
Thank you for your time, your service, and your careful consideration of the voices of
community members who care deeply about preserving the character and ecological
integrity of our valley.
Sincerely,
Rachel Sweeney
280 Surrey St.
Carbondale, CO 81623