HomeMy WebLinkAboutSteve & Carol Udvarhelyi_13-OCT-25IAN STEVEN AND CAROL ANN UDVARHELYI
I 09 DIAMOND A RANSH ROAD
CARBoNDALE, CO a1629
October 13,2025
Commissioner Perry Will
Garfield County, Board of County Commissioners
108 8th Street, Suite 101
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
RE: The proposed development known as the HARVEST ROARING FORK PUD
Dear Commissioner Will,
We are writing with deep concern about the proposed large-scale development, HARVEST ROARING
FORK, at the Cattle Creek Confluence, where Cattle Creek meets the Roaring Fork River. This area is one
of the last intact open spaces along the river and is vital not only to Garfield County, but to the health
and sustainability of the entire Roaring Fork Valley - including Pitkin and Eagle Counties.
We strongly oppose this development moving forward and are asking for your assistance in stopping it.
Here are key reasons why this proposed project should not move forward as proposed:
L. Traffic, Safety & lnfrastructure
Thousands of new vehicle trips would overwhelm Highway 82 and local roads. We are sure you
have travelled on Highway 82 in either the morning or afternoon "rush hours," and are aware of
the significant traffic issues we have already in the valley. Accommodating additional vehicles
would require new traffic lights and stretch our existing emergency response capacity. This puts
residents at greater risk.
2. Water Quality & Watershed Health
The Roaring Fork watershed is already under strain. As you know, we had a significant drought
this past year and the watershed can struggle to meet current demands, let alone support a
development of this scale. ln addition, a large development without robust stormwater
safeguards would increase runoff, pollution, and sediment, degrading water quality for
communities downstrea m.
Commissioner Will Page 2
3. Rural Character & Scenic Beauty
The proposed density - 1,500 residential units, up to 450 ADU's, a hotel, and commercial space
on 283 acres - is fundamentally incompatible with existing zoning and with the valley's rural
identity. We realize that ongoing development in the valley is inevitable, but that should not
include this type of high-density development. We need you to help protect the character of
this area.
4. Public Services & Community Costs
The proposal does not account for the strain on schools, fire protection, EMS, and utilities. This
leaves existing taxpayers and communities to absorb the costs of growth.
5. Ecosystems & Wildlife
The confluence is a rich ecological corridor, home to bald eagles, herons, elk, deer, foxes, trout,
and migratory birds. Development of this scale would fragment critical habitat and disrupt
migration and breeding grounds.
These issues extend beyond Garfield County. Water quality, wildlife migration, and development
precedent will affect the broader valley - including Pitkin and Eagle Counties. Our region must prioritize
sustainable growth that protects natural resources and community well-being.
We respectfully urge you to reject this development as proposed and to protect the Cattle Creek
Confluence for current and future generations. Thank you for your leadership and for listening to the
concerns of residents across the Roaring Fork Valley.
Sincerely,
\a^rtX
L steven Udvarhelyiand CarolA. Udvarhelyi