January 5, 2012

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Sopris Carbondale’s

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Sun

Volume 3, Number 47 | January 5, 2012

The grass at River Valley Ranch must be mighty tasty because this mule deer was licking his chops on Monday. On a related note, deer are out and about in almost all parts of town, so motorists should be especially cautious at night, early in the morning and at dusk. Photo by Jane Bachrach

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Carbondale Commentary The views and opinions expressed on the Commentary page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The Sopris Sun invites all members of the community to submit letters to the editor or guest columns. For more information, e-mail editor Lynn Burton at news@soprissun.com, or call 510-3003.

Not your mother’s revolution As a child of the ‘80s I have very little patience for the sit-in protest atmosphere found at the heart of most revolutions. Camping in a park and letting certain personal hygiene habits go by the wayside is not my cup of tea.

My formative years were spent teasing hair and using baby oil as sunscreen to make tan tattoos. We did experiment with societal taboos and junk jewelry — remember those rubber airplane washer bangles?! But while Reagan was in office, we were on the other swing of the pendulum as far as showering daily and brushing our teeth. And if we ever took to the streets it was simply to find a keg party in an abandoned building or an empty warehouse.

Due to unemployment and subsequent home foreclosures, more than 1.5 million American children are now homeless, that we know of. While kids get ready for school in gas station bathrooms, the men and women hired to work for us to secure our future do nothing for the people of this country. Instead they cower before the almighty dollar. The same generation that wore flowers in their hair (and not much else) while dancing around in parks and tuning out The Establishment now sends riot police to university campuses to use pepper spray and batons on American students.

“It’s unavoidable; just happens … When you grow up

By Jeannie Perry your heart dies.” — Allison Reynolds Luckily, I’m from Generation X and we had John Hughes movies to teach us what is real versus what is made-up to keep the kids quiet, e.g. Your Permanent Record. We were already jaded by the time we reached middle school. Economic collapse? Marshal law?

Anarchy? Bring it!

You can’t scare a generation that gets its news from Comedy Central and its comedy from the ass clowns in Washington. All of our lives we’ve watched politicians get caught for holding pop-up sales with Big Business in public restrooms.

I used to clean up in gas station bathrooms, but that was in my 20s when I was traveling around in a van (kinda like a hippie except with good music; bands like NOFX and Social Distortion.) In other words I was washing my armpits in the sink at Conoco by choice. And however misguided or naïve I may have been to think that I could roam on punk and fumes forever, I cannot imagine trying to get ready for the tedious hell that is high school in a public restroom. Not to mention having no home to go to after surviving yet another school day.

Naomi Wolf asked this new generation of protestors what it is that they want. And contrary to what our mainstream media reports from the darkness of a paper bag with two hands and a flashlight, the demands are quite simple and straightforward: The No. 1 agenda item: get the money out of politics. Most often cited was legislation to blunt the effect of the Citizens United ruling, which lets boundless sums enter the campaign process. * No 2: reform the banking system to prevent fraud and manipulation, with the most frequent item being to restore the Glass-Steagall Act — the Depression-era law, done away with by President Clinton, that separates investment banks from commercial banks. This law would correct the conditions for the recent crisis, as investment banks could not take risks for profit that create kale derivatives out of thin air, and wipe out the commercial and savings banks.

No. 3 was the most clarifying: draft laws against the little-known loophole that currently allows members of Congress to pass legislation affecting Delaware-based corporations in which they themselves are investors.* So there we have it — less venality from our so-called “elected” leaders, more integrity (and maybe a few more advanced math classes for the bankers.) That should just about cover it. Then we can all go on with our pendulum-swinging, retro-wearing ways.

And I can relax, knowing that the next generation isn’t mock-showering in a Texaco because their home was seized by a bunch of old peaceful loving dopers who now buy their junk in bonds.

Ps & Qs

*The shocking truth about the crackdown on Occupy by Naomi Wolf/the guardian.

Letters

The Sopris Sun welcomes your letters, limited to no more than 400 words. Letters exceeding that length may be edited or returned for revisions. Include your name and residence (for publication) and a contact email and phone number. Submit letters via email to letters@soprissun.com or via snail mail to P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623.

ad misrepresents agnellos Dear Editor: After having just spoken to my son about my personal decision to not have bumper stickers on my car or political signs in our yard you can imagine my surprise in discovering my name and my husband’s name — misspelled by the way; we are Diane and John Agnello, not Diane and John Aguello — leading the list in your newspaper of Dec. 29 as those “supporters who say Yes to Village at Crystal River.”

We have yet to make our informed decision on this and we currently do NOT support or oppose this development proposal.

I am writing to ask that this organization retract our names from this list and also I would like to know how this list was inaccurately compiled.

Diane Agnello Carbondale

Thoughts on VCR Dear Editor: Some thoughts on Carbondale and Village at Crystal River.

My wife and I have lived in Carbondale for 22 years after a career in business/engineering. We moved here to enjoy the outdoor life — skiing and hiking. Carbondale has been good for us; it is the right size to get involved in community activities. I was head of the New Town Hall Committee and have been involved in the Nordic Council and Trails Committee for many years. Our five children live in various parts of the country and visit here often. A sixth’s child’s ashes lie on a high shoulder of Mount Sopris. This is home.

However, there are some myths that exist about Carbondale. It is not a typical small town. The typical traditional small town is pretty much self-contained, providing the goods and services needed by the citizens.

Carbondale is a typical small tourist town.

Its downtown is largely filled with boutiques, art galleries and restaurants plus two great theaters. For this reason I think it would not be harmed by the addition of commercial businesses in VCR, in fact it would be boosted by them.

I also don’t think the plight of young families living here has been considered. Where does a mother with two or three children in

Truth matters Village at Crystal proponents and opponents may not agree on what’s good for Carbondale but hopefully they agree on at least one thing — truth matters.

The truth in this case pertains to the 1 percent PIF charged on retail sales at VCR if voters approve the mixed-use development in the Jan. 31 mail-in election.

One truth about the PIF is it will not be collected on prescription drug sales, according to Carbondale Finance Director Nancy Barnett.

The Sopris Sun has received more than one letter claiming the PIF includes prescription drug sales so we feel it’s important to set the record straight. The PIF will not be collected on prescription drug sales.

The VCR outcome could be determined by just a few votes. It would be unfortunate if those votes were based on incorrect information.

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JaNUaRy 5, 2012

tow go to find shoes, clothing and other necessities? She has to travel 15 miles — by bus? Not all of us have two cars.

Another concern is sustainability. We want to support the arts and non-profits yet we fight added commercial businesses that provide the taxes that support them. The VCR is not perfect in this regard. I think more commercial and less housing would be a better mix. I feel that the developer had been coerced into this particular mix in the negotiations with the town. Maybe as time goes by it can be corrected as we see the way business goes.

I feel a Kohls, perhaps, would be a good fit for the future. Yes, I know it is considered a big box, but it has the right mix to meet the needs of the families in Carbondale. It appears that the economics of retail today rule against small mom and pops filling this need.

It also would attract other valley business and help with our tax income. Perhaps it could be scaled down to meet the sensitivities of our town.

Even though the present proposal is not perfect, its the only game in town and would be a step toward fiscal strength. I urge you to vote in favor of VCR. Bob Lucas Carbondale LETTERS page 8

To inform, inspire and build community Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 510-3003 Editor: Lynn Burton • 510-3003 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Bob Albright • 970-927-2175 bob@soprissun.com Photographer/Writer: Jane Bachrach Ad/Page Production: Terri Ritchie Paper Boy: Cameron Wiggin Webmaster: Will Grandbois Sopris Sun, LLC Managing Board of Directors: Peggy DeVilbiss • David Johnson Allyn Harvey • Colin Laird Laura McCormick • Trina Ortega Jean Perry • Elizabeth Phillips Frank Zlogar

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970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Visit us on facebook.com Send us your comments: feedback@soprissun.com The Sopris Sun is an LLC organized under the 501c3 non-profit structure of the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation.

“Analysis”

VCR’s 1 percent PIF: some facts and figures

By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Writer In Village at Crystal River discussions, one issue is getting plenty of play. The issue is the 1 percent PIF (public improvement fee) that will be assessed on retail sales (excluding prescription drugs) at Village at Crystal River.

The developer will use the money collected from the PIF to pay for a roundabout on Highway 133 at VCR’s main entrance. Town officials expect the PIF to be in effect for 23 years.

How much would a 1 percent PIF at the proposed City Market grocery store at VCR cost individual shoppers for the duration of the 23 year payout?

According to a Sopris Sun analysis, the 1 percent PIF would cost individuals an estimated $851 over the course of the 23 years; and $2,748 for a family of four.

The Sopris Sun’s analysis is based on a 2011 nationwide survey by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, and interviews with sources with first-hand knowledge of the local grocery store industry.

The figures listed below come from the “Official USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home at Four Levels,” plus and extra 30 percent to include non-food items commonly sold at City Market. The following analysis is not specific to Carbondale and does not take into account projected inflation over the next 23 years. Individuals and families in Carbondale might spend more or less than the figures listed below.

The USDA survey looks at individual males and females in five age groups; and families of four with kids in two categories. The survey breaks down spending plans as: thrifty, low-cost, moderate and liberal.

Spending for food by individual females 19-50 years old breaks down this way on a monthly basis: thrifty, $155; low-cost, $197; medium, $242; liberal, $311; average, $226.

Spending for food by individual males 19-50 years old breaks down this way on a monthly basis: thrifty, $176; low-cost $227; medium, $283; liberal, $347; average, $257.

Spending for food by families of four with kids ages 2-5 and 4-5 (Category A): thrifty, $533; low-cost, $678; medium, $836; liberal, $1,035; average, $770.

Spending for food by families of four with kids 6-8 and 9-11 (Category B): thrifty, $612; low-cost, $796; medium, $996; liberal, $1,209; average, $890.

Annual spending on food breaks down as follows: • Females (19-50): $2,712; • Males (19-50): $3,084; • Males & females: $2,898; • Family (Category A): $9,240; • Family (Category B): $10,680; • Family (combined): $9,960.

Trustees reconsider bags

By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Writer Bag the bag ban?

That’s what the Carbondale Board of Trustees are being asked to do on Jan. 10, after bag-ban opponents submitted a petition to the town asking trustees to rescind an ordinance that prohibits the use of most plastic bags at City Market grocery store.

If the trustees vote not to void the ordinance, the issue will be settled in the town’s April election, according to Town Clerk Cathy Derby.

The bag-ban opponents — Mary Boucher, Lyndsey Sackett and Michelle Hyken — collected 195 signatures on their petition last month, according to Derby. They needed 143 valid signatures to boot the ban back to the trustees; Derby verified 149.

The trustees voted 5-1 on Oct. 25 to ban most plastic bags at City Market and charge 20 cents apiece on paper bags. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect in May. Carbondale’s action came after several months of discussion and research, led by the town’s Environmental Board and CORE (the Community Office for Resource Efficiency).

At CORE’s urging, Aspen and Basalt also passed ordinances meant to reduce the use of plastic bags.

At the Oct. 25 meeting, board member John Hoffmann got the trustees to exempt “thin film bags derived from starch-based biodegradable polymers.” City Market officials have said they are not interested in using those bags.

Boucher, one of the petition organizers, told the trustees last October she shops for a family of six and that if the town charges 20 cents per plastic bag (which was one option under consideration), it would cost her $820 per year. “I use 20 bags, four times a week,” she told The Sopris Sun during a break in the action. She also called the notion of a ban “ridiculous.”

Jimmy Nadel, who owns a catering business, also opposed the ban and said if he switched to reusable bags such as the canvas variety, he risked cross contamination when he put tomatoes into a bag that previously carried chicken.

Trustee John Foulkrod, a bag ban supporter, dismissed the idea that cross contamination is a major concern and uttered his now famous line, “I’ve eaten raw chicken out of Dumpsters.”

On Jan. 10, the trustees will also discuss the Thompson Park annexation/zoning. At their Dec. 13 meeting trustees closed the public hearing on the proposed project, which includes developer Frieda Wallison turning over the historic Thompson House to either the town or Mt. Sopris Historical Society.

The proposal also calls for up to 45 housing units on 10 acres between Highway 133 and the north end of River Valley Ranch.

Wallison first proposed the project more than two years ago. Since then she presented several different plan for the property and at time negotiations with the trustees have bogged down over details.

Also on Jan. 10, trustees are also expected to allocate money to non-profits. The trustees couldn’t agree on the allocations in December and continued the issue to January 10.

Average annual PIF spending with non-food purchases included: • Females (19-50): $35; • Males (19-50): $39; • Males & females: $37; • Family (Category A): $101; • Family (Category B): $138; • Family (combined): $119.

PIF spending over 23 years: • Females: $805; • Males: $897; • Males & females: $851; • Family (Category A): $2,323; • Family (Category B): $3,174; • Family (combined): $2,748.

Note: the USDA food survey is available at http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/ Publications/FoodPlans/2011/CostofFoodMay2011.pdf.

Other notes: Carbondale Finance Director Nancy Barnett said the 1 percent PIF can only be collected on items on which the town charges a sales tax, which does not include prescription drugs.

The sales tax total in Carbondale is 8.4 percent, which breaks down as follows: 3.5 percent (town of Carbondale), 2.9 percent (state of Colorado), 1 percent (Garfield County), 1 percent (RFTA). The town collects sales taxes on food but the state of Colorado does not, Barnett said.

When contacted by The Sopris Sun, an individual with extensive experience in the local food industry estimated that “at least” 30 percent of City Market’s sales come from nonfood items. City Market officials did not respond to questions about sales break downs.

Developers in Colorado are turning to PIFs and TIFs (tax increment financing) to help pay for their projects’ impacts or infrastructure.

The days of folks toting their groceries home in plastic bags may be coming to a close, or maybe not. The Carbondale Board of Trustees is being asked to rescind an ordinance that bans plastic bags at City Market. Photo by Jane Bachrach THE SOPRIS SUN • JaNUaRy 5, 2012 • 3

Village at Crystal River forum fills town hall

By Lynn Burton Sopris Sun Staff Writer The most interesting bit of information from Wednesday night’s Village at Crystal River forum didn’t come from the panel members prepared statements, questions from the audience put to the panel or their answers.

The most interesting bit of information came from the packed house itself at town hall. When asked by forum moderator Tim McFlynn whether the audience supports or opposes VCR, the split was about 50/50.

When asked how many undecideds were out there, raised hands showed maybe 1020 percent of the audience is still filtering through arguments pro and con on the mixed use commercial/residential development on Highway 133 that Carbondale residents will approve or shoot down in the Jan. 31 mail-in ballot.

It’s those undecided voters who supporters and opponents hope to convert between now and Jan. 31.

Both rooms in the council chambers were opened up for the forum. The Say Yes to Carbondale group and Locals for Smarter Growth were both given tables in the town hall lobby to distribute their information.

The Say Yes group’s double-sided handout included an aerial map of the property. The Locals for Smarter Growth laid out four handouts on their table, including one headlined “Don’t supersize Carbondale! Keep the Diabetes Drive-thru out.”

The panel was comprised of: Allyn Harvey, Bob Schultz and Debbie Bruell for the Locals group, and Mark Chain, developer Rich Schierburg and Frank McSwain Jr. for Say Yes to Carbondale.

Each panel member got three minutes for his or her opening remarks, then the forum was opened for questions written on 3X5 cards and given to McFlynn.

Harvey from the Locals groups led off.

He said the economic, social and spiritual components of Village at Crystal River are “bad.” He then asked the audience how many of them live here in hopes Carbondale will eventually look like “suburban Denver … or Glenwood.”

He said if the developer can’t build the project without a 1 percent PIF, “it’s the wrong development” and if City Market moves across Main Street to VCR the remaining shopping center “will look like an abandoned strip mall.”

Harvey said a fast-food restaurant at VCR, which is allowed in the proposal, will “make us fatter … and will compete with Main Street.” He concluded his remarks by saying Village at Crystal River “strikes at the heart of existing businesses” on Main Street and Highway 133.

Say Yes to Carbondale member Mark Chain, a former Carbondale town planner dating back to the mid-1980s, said he worked for the town when the previous two VCR proposals were presented. He reminded the audience the VCR developer met

PUBLIC NOTICE From the Garfield County Clerk and Recorder Election Division In accordance with C.R.S. 1-7.5-105(1.5) (b) and Secretary of State Rule 12.3.4, the Garfield County Clerk & Recorder Election Division, invites the public to comment on the proposal of conducting the 2012 Primary Election by mail ballot.

Garfield County voters have been voting by mail in Coordinated Odd Year elections since 1993. Many municipalities in Garfield County conduct all elections by mail ballot. Since the 2000 General Election the percentage of Garfield County voters requesting mail ballots has increased steadily from just over 50% in 2000 to 79% of the voters who cast ballots by mail in the 2008 Presidential Election as well as the 2010 General Election. Legislation enacted in 2007, gives all voters the opportunity to opt into permanent mail-in voter status. At this time 68% of the active registered voters in Garfield County have requested placement on the permanent mailin voters’ list.

The factors considered beneficial to the voters of Garfield County, if the 2012 Primary Election scheduled for Tuesday, June 26, 2012 is conducted by mail, include convenience, popularity, turnout, and cost effectiveness.

Written comments will be received via mail, fax, or e-mail until Friday January 13, 2012. The public hearing with the Board of County Commissioners is set for Monday, January 16, 2012 at 8:00 a.m.

E-mail address: jalberico@garfield-county.com Mailing Address: Garfield County Clerk & Recorder 109 8th Street, Suite 200 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Fax Number: 970-947-1078 For more information call: 970-945-2377 ext 1820 4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JaNUaRy 5, 2012

with the public and the Economic Roadmap Group several years ago, and “the community helped push forward this plan.”

Chain said the Roadmap Group suggested the VCR’s residential component, which is not allowed under the current zoning, and “the public process led to where we are now; let’s move forward.”

One question put to the Locals for Smart Growth group referred to the previous development proposal for the VCR property that voters shot down in 2003 and asked, “how much more time do you need” to present an alternative? Locals member Bob Schultz replied that 10 years ago community members looked into a plan to revitalize Main Street, but the VCR property shifted attention to Highway 133.

Locals member Debbie Bruell added, “ … we’d like to see energy on downtown.”

Most of the discussion surrounding VCR so far has to do with City Market relocating to the new shopping center and presumably generating more sales tax dollars for the town. When asked why City Market can’t just remodel or expand its current store, developer Rich Schierburg said the company doesn’t want to do that because it would have to tear down the building, and there isn’t enough parking for the number of shoppers a bigger store would attract.

Allyn Harvey for the locals pointed to the recently remodeled City Market store in Aspen and said,“City Market could remodel if they wanted to … (Aspen) looks great.”

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SOPRIS LIQUOR & WINE Be Responsible!

Cop Shop The following events are drawn from incident reports of the Carbondale Police Department.

Dec. 22 A resident in the Miner’s Park area called police to report a possible drug deal taking place. Police were unable to locate the vehicle she described.

Dec. 30 at 7:22 p.m. officers contacted a vehicle near Morrison and Mancos streets after observing it had expired plates. Officers found alcohol and marijuana in the car. The driver and one occupant were cited and released. A third occupant was arrested on an outstanding warrant and taken to Garfield County jail.

Dec. 31 at 3:19 a.m. an officer observed a male dressed in black and wearing a black ski cap. The officer talked to the man and recognized him as a local who was just out for a walk.

Jan. 1 at 1:43 a.m. officers gave two intoxicated individuals a ride home.

Jan. 1 at 2:57 p.m. an officer observed a large black dog on Merrill but was unable to catch it.

Signs, signs, everywhere are signs. What with the pending Village at Crystal River vote, Monday afternoon was a particularly sign-worthy day. Top photo: Post Independent photographer Kelley Cox (far left) rounded up a squad of Say Yes to Carbondale folks and posed them on Highway 133. Meanwhile (bottom photo) at about the same time, Karl Jones was posted at the intersection of Highway 82 and 133 holding a sign. The message on the top part of Jones’s sign comes from Carbondale’s 2000 comprehensive plan. Jones, from Glenwod Springs, would not confirm or deny whether anti-VCR forces were behind his sign. He did, however, say a guy named “Steve, or something like that” paid him to stand out there until 3 p.m. Photos by Jane Bachrach THE SOPRIS SUN • JaNUaRy 5, 2012 • 5

Scuttlebutt

Send your scuttlebutt to news@SoprisSun.com.

Renewing their vows Bob and Betsy Schenck were married on Dec. 17, 1951 and on Dec. 17, 2011 they renewed their vows at the chapel in which they were wed (St. Martin’s chapel in Denver).

In attendance were their children Susan Schenck, Barbara Hale, Bob Schenck Jr., Patty Naft, Paula Byra and John Schenck, plus 14 grandchildren.

Wishing Weiss the best Soozie Lindbloom wrote The Sopris Sun a letter to the editor that reads as follows: “I am honored to be able to say that Johnny Weiss, former executive director of Solar Energy International, has been my teacher, my mentor, my boss and my friend for the last 10 years.

“As a teacher, he was charismatic, knowledgeable, and highly entertaining. As a mentor he was thoughtful, witty, and visionary. As a boss he was empowering, supportive and diplomatic, and as a friend he is interesting, funny, and caring.

“His guidance has been invaluable to me as I weaved my way through the renewable energy field, and his tenure as executive director has been inspiring to watch, especially in his ability to make deep connections and partnerships that further strengthen the renewable energy educational industry.

“Always quick with metaphor and never forgetting a name, may Johnny Weiss thrive in his new role, and may his dedication and passion continue to drive SEI into the future!”

Good eatin’, good cause Susie Jimenez, whose catering company is named Spice it Up, has volunteered to put together a fund-raiser dinner for the Shining Stars Foundation at the Little Bear in Aspen on Feb. 4. The menu will be passed hors d’oeuvres and a fondue station and include tuna Tartare on wontons (sesame dressing), chicken dumplings (with soy lime dipping sauce), vegetable spring rolls with jalapeno cilantro sauce), shrimp ceviche on spiced tortilla chips (with avocado mousse), Parmesan and apples wrapped in proscuitto (with reduced fig balsamic), fingerling potatoes with crème fraiche and caviar, sopes and truffled with white bean puree and cabbage slaw, rice cakes with seared tilapia (with lime chile de arbol aioli), pork spring rolls (with sweet chili sauce), pan seared beef (with blue cheese and garlic chips), ricotta and blue cheese stuffed jalapenos (with lemon crust), lamb cous

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Betsy and Bob Schenck 1951

Betsy and Bob Schenck 2011

cous and taziki stuffed mini pitas.

Tickets are $75 and auction items are still being accepted. For details, e-mail Jimenez at susiespiceitup@gmail.com or go to www.susiejimenez.

FYI – Jimenez was runner up on this season’s Food Network Star and repeatedly wowed the judges and celebrities with her dishes.

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating their birthday this week include: Peter Lamort and Taylor Faczak (Jan. 6), Stephen Paul (Jan. 8), Kay Jacobson, Jim Mitton, Anne Hillmuth and Rick Holt (Jan. 9), Mary Finley and Nancy Vories (Jan. 10) and Brett McKenzie (Jan. 11).

VOTE NO Why

on the Village at Crystal River?

1

2 3

PIF Subsidy

• VCR would charge shoppers an additional

1% Public Improvement Fee (PIF) on all groceries and other goods in order to subsidize the developer's construction costs. Add in the interest on the construction bond and we're paying a total of about $5 million.

• The developer may finance this construction bond

himself, which means that we would pay interest to him and his financial backers every time we buy food.

Draining our downtown • The economic climate will not support commercial

development throughout the entire town. Focusing our resources on VCR would drain resources away from our downtown core.

• Fast food and chain restaurants will compete

with The Pour House, Peppino’s and our other unique, locally-owned restaurants.

Adding to the real estate glut • VCR would add 164 unneeded homes and

125,000 square feet of unneeded commercial space.

• There are nearly 60 commercial properties around town that are for sale or lease.

• Carbondale has been struggling with foreclosures

for years and the market remains at historic lows.

4

Rosy forecasts and empty promises

• The developer's economic analysis relies on

pie-in-the-sky projections that assume a gas station, chain restaurant and other stores will magically generate spending that doesn't already exist.

• Building commercial space is no guarantee that

new stores, new shoppers and new sales dollars will automatically appear.

• In fact, we risk undermining successful businesses downtown and along Hwy 133 by putting all of our eggs, and tax dollars, in this risky proposition.

http://sites.google.com/site/carbondalelocals

We urge our friends and neighbors to vote NO on the VCR

Chris Chacos, Ben and Sue Heffer, Bill Gray, Chrissy Leonard, John Stickney, Kate Lindeman-Schutt, Katherine Ware, Greg and Kathy Feinsinger, Frank and Ruthann Zlogar, Bob and Kathy Ezra, Frosty and Carly Merriott, Greg Fitzpatrick, Craig Wheeless, Diane Kenney, Hank Van Berlo, Gwen Ballard, Sloan Shoemaker, Stacy Stein, Skip Bell, Frank and Sally Norwood, Leslie C. McNamee- Johnson, Lisa Ruoff, Marc and Debbie Bruell, Jeff Dickinson, Jennifer Cull, Laurie Guevara-Stone, Jillene Rector, John J. McCormick, Erin Rigney, Illene Pevic, Jade Moss, Janet Carney, Laurie Loeb, Katrina Byars, Keith and Carrie Brand, Ken Olson, Marge Palmer, Mark Burrows, Pat Bingham, Patrick Johnson, Mary Lilly, Shelle DeBeque, Patty Phelan, Soozie Lindbloom, Richard and Rita Marsh, Gwen Garcelon, Rosemerry Bingham, Russ Criswell, Kevin Passmore, Laura Bartels, Lee Beck, Steve and Karen Hessl, Michael and Jill Sher, Kay Brunnier, H. Robert and Patricia Johnson, Sheri Gaynor, Dawn and Michael Vrabel, Noah Davis, Steve and Skye Skinner, Marj Perry and Bill FalesLaurel Karlik Sheehan, Dan and Pam Rosenthal, Bob and Kathy Zentmyer, Kathy Fontaine, Marta Parker, Bob Schultz, Charles Moore, John Philip, Sarah Johnson, Danny Stone, Paul Black, Shane Spyker, Diana Alcantara, Jason White, Annie Flynn, Dan Whitney, Diana Alcantara, Craig Silberman, Allyn Harvey, Tina Fang, Wewer and Steve Keohane, Angela Hanley, Collette Newell, Alyssa and David Reindel, Miles Barkhurst, Nan Campbell, Thane and Betsy Lincicome, Zuleika Pevec, Nancy Watts, Randy Schutt, Megan Larsen, Anne Sullivan, Davi Roach, Meghan Perry, Melanie Finan, Jean Perry, Michael Gorman, Nancy Kyner, Matt Johnson,Chuck and Peg Malloy, Cody Lee, Amber Sparkles, Amelia Potvin, Andrew and Karin Beuter, Rebecca Young, Tania Odessa, Tanya Black, Denise Moss, Russell Hedman, Sam and Ann Johnson, Greg Watts, John Hoffman, Kim Stacey, Joanne Jimino, Clare Bastable, Sam and Ann Johnson, Austin Hazzard, Tyler Stableford, Nancy Thal, Jennifer Johnson, Jess Jacobson, Sue Edelstein, Michael Lindsay, Pam Zentmyer, Robbie Williams, Patrick Hunter, Vicki Browne, Dylan Mace, Noah Sher, Eilene Ish, Miser’s Mercantile Paid for by Locals for Smarter Growth • 837 Sopris Ave • Craig Silberman, Treasurer

Letters continued om page 2 Let’s be clear Dear Editor: We Carbondale residents face an important vote this month — casting a yea or nay ballot on the proposed Village at Crystal River development (VCR).

Let’s be clear on one thing: I’m all for the economic prosperity and growth of Carbondale. Unfortunately, the developer’s plans for VCR contain a nasty pork-barrel sales tax and property tax in the guise of a “public improvement fee” that will add an unnecessary burden to us all: the new retail shops, including the proposed grocery store, will charge an additional 1 percent fee on all items sold; and most of the commercial property will carry a 3 percent additional mill.

So why should you and I pay an additional 1 percent tax on our groceries to support a privately funded, capitalist venture?

Well, we shouldn’t.

I’m all for capitalism and economic growth. And I’m not against modest taxes, either — when they go to support the infrastructures we hold dear like strong schools and emergency services. But the VCR fees will go to the developer to help fund trafficflow improvements on Highway 133. Keep in mind that these improvements are only needed to support the development — and in fact the Colorado Department of Transportation already has over $3 million slated for Highway 133 improvements in the next few years.

As a business owner in Carbondale, I bristle at the idea of being taxed to support a free-market, private development. No other businesses here in town are taxing the citizens to subsidize their ventures.

If, as the developer claims, the VCR cannot exist without taxing us, then it simply is not a sound business venture. Vote no this month, and say yes to viable economic growth without taxation.

Tyler Stableford Carbondale

VCR a no brainer Dear Editor: I live, work and play in Carbondale.

Spend my money in Glenwood or Carbondale? It’s a no brainer.

Sue Alexander Carbondale

Not the developer’s job Dear Editor: It’s nice to believe. It feels better to believe in our leaders than to doubt them. It feels better to agree with people than to disagree with them. And it feels better to believe that decisions made on our behalf are the right ones. Unfortunately, sometimes our leaders are wrong; sometimes we need to disagree with people; and sometimes decisions made on our behalf fail to value what we hold most dear.

While I’d like to believe that the developer for the Village at Crystal River (VCR) mall has crafted the best development possible for the town, I’m afraid that he has not.

He may have truly done the best he can do, given the parameters he’s working under.

His job is to maximize profits for himself and his investors. Given how successful he is, I’m sure that he does his job very well.

However, it’s not his job to look after the 8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JaNUaRy 5, 2012

town’s best interests. It’s not his job to make sure his development doesn’t siphon business and sales revenue from existing business in downtown. It’s not his job to make sure his projections are as realistic as possible. It’s not his job to craft a proposal that plays to Carbondale’s unique strengths and vibrant community. It’s not his job to ensure that new businesses pay their workers a livable wage. It’s not his job to present a new model for growth that strengthens the downtown core. It’s not his job to keep City Market from raising their prices to pay for their new store.

Given all the tasks he is charged with, we can’t fault him for failing to look after Carbondale’s best interests. That’s not his job — it’s ours. It’s our job, as committed citizens, to cast our vote against outdated proposals based on unrealistic financial models.

And our job doesn’t stop there. It’s our job to invest in Carbondale, whether that’s by buying local and supporting our local businesses or by volunteering and supporting our non-profits.

Too many towns across the land have traded their character and soul for the lure of the dollar and in the end sacrificed their downtowns for empty promises and vacant storefronts. We must not let that happen here. Please join your fellow Carbondalians and vote no on VCR. Marc Bruell Carbondale

Consider these numbers Dear Editor: What a larger grocery store and VCR does for Carbondale.

Just for a start it will: • Add as much as $8 million per year to taxable retail sales; • Add up to $270,000 per year in new sales tax revenue; • Amortize the PIF with $280,000 a year, with a projected payback in 14.5 years.

The no group bases the PIF payout on a low projected sales number of about $431 per square foot. According to the Food Marketing Institute, a grocery store trade organization, in 2010 the average sales nationwide were $612 per square foot.

The most likely regional number for 2011 would be in the $500 per square foot range, which puts a 42,000 square-foot store at $21 million per year and a 58,000 square store at $29 million per year.

These projections represent less than 50 percent of the 125,000 square feet of commercial/retail space scheduled for the Village at Crystal River.

The increased property taxes on the completed development could add as much as $490,000 per year to our schools, and $125,000 per year to the fire district.

Not only is this a green project, it provides Green $ to the town, our schools and fire district. Say yes to Carbondale.

Bill Grant Carbondale

VCR numbers inflated Dear Editor: The Village at Crystal River folks are promising $335,000 in new sales tax. Examination of their figures show some highly questionable assumptions.

For example, VCR assumes that the new

fast-food restaurant will do $2.5 million in sales and that 20 percent of those sales will come from existing businesses. I’ve talked to several restaurant owners in town and not a one of them does even half that amount, including alcohol sales. At $10 a meal, the new place will have to sell 685 meals per day every day of the year. If 20 percent of those customers come from Dos Gringos, Fatbelly, Peppino’s, Pour House, etc., that means those existing businesses will lose one-hundredthirty-seven $10 meals per day. Can any of those establishments afford to lose even 1/8 of that?

They estimate the new grocery store will add an additional $5 million in sales, which assumes that every one of Carbondale’s 6,400 citizens will buy $784 more per year in groceries; that’s $1,560 more for a couple, $3,120 for a family of four. People from out of town will not come to Carbondale to buy groceries and current Carbondale shoppers will not buy more groceries because of a “state of the art” store. Most of us are on a budget.

The developer projects that the new gas station will do $800,000 in sales and that 20 percent of that will be from existing gas stations. Carbondale drivers would have to buy an extra 160,000 more gallons of gas (at $4 per gallon) than they do now. That’s 25 extra gallons of gas every year for every resident in Carbondale including those who don’t drive, even though we’re not leaving town to buy groceries! And it’s $160,000 in gasoline sales taken away from existing service stations.

Also, the PIF pay-off time is based on these unrealistic sales figures, so it is a reasonable bet that we will be paying 1 percent more for our groceries for much longer than the developer’s estimate of 20-25 years.

The developer needs to sell his project to the public so he can make a profit and he’s using inflated numbers to do it. If you plan on voting yes on VCR because you’re tempted by the additional sales tax revenue, get ready to be disappointed. Don’t drink the Kool-Aid. Shelle de Beque Carbondale

their suitability for many businesses and retail, especially those that will add many jobs, as well as sales tax. VCR has plans for spaces that many entities need. These include medical and lodging. The negative mindset that advocates “slow” growth will only result in more vacant stores, crumbling buildings and decreased property values of homes and businesses in Carbondale.

We have a very good proposal in the Village at Crystal River. At least $8 million per year in new sales resulting in at least $300,000 additional sales tax revenue is just one part of its benefit. New construction and associated activity will send a positive message that Carbondale is not just a town of “no” and will encourage sensible economic development for our town.

Save Carbondale’s future and vote yes.

Barbara Grant Carbondale

yes on VCR

Consider VCR carefully

Dear Editor: I am writing about the Village at Crystal River. I am very concerned about the future of Carbondale. It seems that many people have the mistaken impression that this issue is about a grocery store. While that is a factor in this debate, the real issue is the economic viability of Carbondale.

This development will bring in sales tax dollars and jobs. Without this development, the future of our town looks grim. We cannot take in enough sales tax dollars to keep up with our infrastructure demands. The town is now using reserves to fund roads, trails, parks, non-profits and other non-water and sanitation needs. Without increased tax revenue, the trustees will have to raise property taxes to fund the basic essentials of our town.

Without the increased sales tax dollars from VCR, homeowners, including those who are concerned about the PIF, will be facing increases in property taxes.

Those opposed to VCR complain about vacant store fronts the town has now. They fail to realize is that these are very limited in

Dear Editor: Because we live outside the city limits, like many others, we will not be voting on the important Jan. 31 mail-in ballot election (even though we are taxed on our townowned property).

First of all, kudos to the Sopris Sun in their featuring an official VCR five reasons — pro and con. I think this was a good idea and well presented by those writers from each side — good for all of us to think about. Thank you.

I think the pros and cons have been well stated in your newspaper. I only wish come voting time you all will be thinking of what the long-term ramifications of your vote and what that means to our special community going into the next 20 years and beyond.

I wish you grand wisdom when you exercise your community duty and vote.

We all hope it will be an exceptional turnout.

Chris Chacos Carbondale

Loving the idea Dear Editor: I actually love Adam Carballeira’s idea about an antique carousel at Village at Crystal River — just like Flying Horses Carousel in Oaks Bluff, Martha’s Vineyard! We already have exceptional fishing, kayaking, boating, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice-climbing, arts, dining and shopping, but I’m all for another tourist attraction — especially one that could produce a little bit of sales tax and drive visitors to downtown.

It’s a fun idea and if nothing else, we’ve all lost our sense of humor over this VCR debate. Maybe we’re all looking at this VCR development all wrong. Sure, we not only want to keep our small town character, but also create avenues for sales tax and new businesses. I’d personally like a nicer grocery store and probably won’t be able to regularly shop at Whole Foods. The same way I prefer not to always shop in Aspen or in Glenwood. A pedestrian mall with a beautiful carousel as it’s crowning glory could be just the ticket.

Maura Masters Carbondale

LETTERS page 15

School board terminates superintendent’s contract Sopris Sun Staff Report The RE-1 school board voted 3-2 to terminate superintendent Judy Haptonstall’s contract as of June 30 at a special meeting on Wednesday night.

New school board members Matt Hamilton, Daniel Biggs and Terry Lott Richardson voted for the termination following an executive session; Richard Stettner and Bob Johnson voted against the motion.

After the meeting, Hamilton said the board will discuss a transition plan at their meeting on Jan. 11.

Haptonstall was in her fifth year as the district’s superintendent. She started with the district as a teacher many years ago and worked her way up through the administration ranks.

Wednesday night’s action followed a meeting on Dec. 14 in which some school district administrators pressured the board to endorse Haptonstall’s Moving On initiative.

Shortly before a vote was called on Dec. 14, board member Biggs said,“This has caught me off guard. I'm feeling rushed into something here that I don't want to get boxed into.”

At issue was an agenda item entitled “Overview of Moving On Components” listed under “Discussion/Information Items.” During the discussion of this item four principals urged the board to formally endorse the new program that night.

Bridges High School Principal Lynn Bair stated that because the board is questioning Moving On, she and her teachers are feeling “more nervous now than we were around the mill levy.”

Carbondale Middle School Principal Rick Holt agreed, saying “people are scared.”

Holt told the board that if they chose not to make a formal statement before teachers leave for the holiday break, then that decision itself would send a strong message to the staff.

As he told the board, “I will not feel comfortable leaving this up to January … .”

Biggs and board member Hamilton objected to making a formal statement. Hamilton said,“We're asking you (district administrators) to put some time into identifying things we can do this year to tweak the tremendous pressure points on staff. I'm uncomfortable saying much more than that.”

In response to comments that the board's questioning of Moving On has caused fear and anxiety among teachers, Bigg stated,“I did not know this fear was out there until you mentioned it. This is the first time I'm hearing it.”

During the initial discussion on this agenda item, board members Hamilton, Biggs and Stettner shared many of the concerns they have been hearing from teachers about Moving On and its accompanying new gradebook, both of which were implemented this fall.

The basis of Moving On is teaching kids at their appropriate learning level, regardless of their age and grade level.

Board members raised questions about whether the new gradebook was taking up too much of the teachers' time and energy and whether the district should use a piloting approach for these kinds of changes in the future.

Principals at the meeting acknowledged that implementing change is always challenging, but they assured board members that the district was taking all the right steps in terms of how they are implementing these changes.

The board struggled to draft a motion about Moving On that all board members could agree upon.

In the end the board voted 5-0 to approve a motion that affirmed the board's support for three key elements of Moving On as defined in a powerpoint presentation that Haptonstall and Assistant Superintendent Brad Ray presented to the board earlier in the meeting: • students must demonstrate proficiency before moving on to the next level of learning; • student placement at learning levels for math and reading; • students chart their progress and set goals.

The Band of Heathens make a stop at PAC3 at 9 p.m. on Jan. 13 on their way to their annual gig in Steamboat Springs. “A Roaring Fork Band of Heathens show will draw folks of all ages from throughout the Roaring Fork Valley,” said CCAH Director Amy Kimberly. Tickets are $30 at www.carbondalearts.com. Jane Bachrach file photo THE SOPRIS SUN • JaNUaRy 5, 2012 • 9

Community Calendar THURSDAY Jan. 5 ROTaRy • The Mt. Sopris Rotary Club meets at Mi Casita every Thursday at noon.

HPC MEETS • Carbondale’s Historic Preservation Commission meets the first Thursday of each month at town hall starting at 6:30 p.m.

VCR DISCUSSION • The Hothouse Design Project hosts a discussion about the design of the Village at Crystal River at the Third Street Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Items up for discussion include the project history, financial implications, design vibe (what it feels like), future opportunities to publicly review the project in the town processes, commercial vacancies in town, market supply/demand for both the housing and the retail/commercial space, open space in Carbondale, Highway 133 now and in the future, the current City Market site and Main street implications, according to Hothouse Design Project founder Andrea Korber.

WINTER CaMPING CLaSS • The Colorado Mountain Club gives a free class in Winter Camping from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Carbondale fire house. The class is taught by Eli Fester, a volunteer instructor with the club’s backpacking school. RSVP at 925-6648.

BaSKETBaLL • Roaring Fork travels to Aspen High School for a girl’s game at 5:30 p.m. and a boy’s game at 7 p.m.

FRIDAY Jan. 6 FIRST FRIDay • Carbondale’s First Friday celebration continues with all kinds of events on Jan. 6.

MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents

To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Saturday. Events take place in Carbondale unless noted. For up-to-the-minute valley-wide event listings, check out the Community Calendar online at soprissun.com. View and submit events online at soprissun.com/calendar.

“Young Adult” (R) at 7:30 p.m. Jan 6 -12.

LIVE MUSIC • Steve Skinner and the Lagerheads play Carbondale Beer Works on Main Street.

LIVE MUSIC • Carnahan’s Tavern in the Dinkel Building presents Fire in the Asylum at 10 p.m.

LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars presents live music every Friday. This week it’s Justin Roth. Coming up at Steve’s: Cassie Taylor (Jan. 14), Peter Mulvey (Jan. 18) and Ashleigh Flynn (Jan. 20). Info: 963-3304.

SATURDAY Jan. 7 LIVE MUSIC • Carnahan’s Tavern in the Dinkel Building presents the Holdouts at 10 p.m.

MONDAY Jan. 9 BaSaLT LIBRaRy • Story time returns to the Basalt Library Mondays at 10:15 and 11 a.m. for Book Babies. Preschool story times are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., with Toddler Rhyme Time at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.

TUESDAY Jan. 10 LIVE MUSIC • PAC3 in the Third Street Center presents Jason Isbell. Info: pac3carbondale.com.

SENIOR ZUMBa • Senior Matters offers Zumba classes for seniors at the Third Street Center from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays through Jan. 31. A punch pass is offered for $32. For details, call 945-8822.

TaNGO • Argentine tango classes are offered at the Third Street Center Tuesdays through Feb. 7. For details, call 948-3963.

NORDIC SKIING • Roaring Fork Conservancy hosts a guided cross-country ski tour along the banks of the Roaring Fork River from 5 to 7 p.m. The tour begins at Stein Park at the end of Cemetery Lane and covers about 1.5 miles of gently sloping terrain. The tour is appropriate for those 12 and older.

Info: 927-1290.

WEDNESDAY Jan. 11 ROTaRy • Carbondale Rotary meets at the fire house Wednesdays at 7 a.m.

LIVE MUSIC • White House pizza on Main Street presents Porchlights (“guitar pickin’”).

On Jan. 18 it’s Karen King and Barry Chapman (“original smooth jams”).

OPEN MIC • Dan Rosenthal hosts open mic nights at Rivers restaurant in Glenwood Springs every Wednesday from 8 to 10 p.m.

Further Out THURSDAY Jan. 12 CRySTaL RIVER CaUCUS • The Crystal River Caucus takes place at the Redstone Community Church at 7 p.m. Agenda items include discussion on developing a process leading to the creation of a trails committee that will help guide the design and construction of the Crystal River bike trail. The forest service will also update the caucus on several items, including Coal Creek stream restoration. Info: 963-2143.

FRIDAY Jan. 13 LIVE MUSIC • PAC3 in the Third Street Center presents The Band of Heathens. This is the fourth or fifth time around for this Austinbased roots rockin’ outfit. “This will be their first performance in the new PAC3 so it will be really special,” said CCAH Director Amy Kimberly. The Milemarkers are the opening act. Doors open at 7 p.m. Info: pac3carbondale.com.

CCaH SHOW ENTRIES • Entries are due for a Carbonale Council on Arts and Human-

ities show slated for March 2-27. The theme is “everything old is new again, seen with new eyes in this new world.” CCAH is seeking two and three-dimensional art using recycled materials, clear vision and artistic integrity that will intrigue and inspire. This is a juried show.

Digital images or conceptual drawings can be sent to ccah@sopris.net. Artists will be notified by Jan. 27. Art must be delivered by Feb.27. Info: 963-1680.

SATURDAY Jan. 14 WyLy RECEPTION • Wyly Community Art Center in Basalt presents stitched aluminum mixed media and encaustic pieces by Nicole Nagel-Gogolak. An opening reception takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 14. The exhibition continues through Feb. 6. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wyly Community Art Center is located in the former Basalt Library building at 99 Midland Spur in downtown. Info: 927-4123 or art@wylyarts.org.

ONGOING page 11

Western Slope Concert Series presents Celtic band FEAST and STRICTLY IRISH Champion Dance Duo in an all-new show

KEEP THE SOPRIS SUN SHINING Your financial support is a critical part of our community news effort DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

Donate online at www.soprissun.com Send a check made out to the Sopris Sun LLC, P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, 81623 Take out an ad for your business by contacting 8E8@soprissun.com, zsxÄsrxv 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JaNUaRy 5, 2012

Celtic band

FEAST

Champion Irish dancers

GLENWOOD SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL Jeannie Miller Auditorium Sunday, Jan. 15, 3:00 PM TTICKETS: ICKETS: TICKET OUTLETS: online at Adults: Adults:$19in inadvance, advance, www.JunctionConcerts.com $22attthe heddoor. oor.

Kids Ki ds$9. $9.

Calll970-241-4579 Cal 970-241-45579ffor or m more oreinfo. info.

www.JunctionConcerts.com

Ongoing WyLIE aRT CLaSSES • Registration is

of the month. Info: 384-6657.

under way for art classes at the Wylie Art Center in Basalt. Classes include Boys Art Club I (ages 5-10) and Girls Art Club (ages 5-10).

Info: 927-4123.

CONVERSaTION CIRCLES • Literacy Outreach holds conversation circles for nonEnglish speakers to practice their English at the Gordon Cooper Library Mondays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and Fridays from 10 to 1 a.m. Volunteers are needed. Info: 945-5282.

TEEN PHOTO SHOW • The Gordon Cooper Library presents a photo show from local teens based on their favorite book titles.

MayOR’S COFFEE HOUR • Chat with Carbondale Mayor Stacey Bernot on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Village Smithy, located at 26 S. Third St.

PHOTOS SHOWN • Allison Austin shows her photography at the Blend on Highway 133.

GORDON COOPER • The Gordon Cooper Library presents activities for kids from kindergarten through fifth grade from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, and toddler and infant story time on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Info: 963-2889.

BOOK CLUB • The Senior Matters Book Club meets the third Tuesday of the month at the Third Street Center from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Info: 945-7094.

BLOOD DRIVE • Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs holds its monthly blood drives from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the third Tuesday

LINX NETWORKING • The Linx networking group meets each Tuesday morning at 7:15 a.m. at the Chaffin and Light Real Estate office in downtown Basalt. Linx is a business networking organization whose members work together to grow and promote their businesses. All dues not used for administration are given to local charities each December. Info: Keith at (970) 390-8401.

CaNCER SUPPORT GROUP • Pathfinders holds its support group at the Third Street Center the fourth Tuesday of every month.

Info: Elizabeth Miller at 925-7792. aL-aNON MEETS • Al-Anon for friends and families of alcoholics meets at the Orchard Tuesdays. Info: 963-8773.

GRIEF GROUP • Hospice of the Valley, in partnership with Grand River Hospital, is offering an ongoing Grief and Loss Support Group that meets the first and third Monday of every month. Info: 544-1574.

Obituary Blair austin “Buzz” Weaver 1952-2011

Buzz Weaver, 59, of Carbondale went home to the Lord on Christmas Day from complications of pneumonia.

Born in San Antonio, Texas to Joan and Jack Weaver, Buzz lived in Dallas until he was 19. He moved to Basalt where he and Ann, his wife of 36 years, lived for eight years. They moved to Dana Point, California where their two children Casey, 22 and Lisa, 20, were born. After 10 wonderful years on the coast, they returned to the valley.

Buzz lived a rich, full life as a devoted family man, skilled carpenter and craftsman, passionate musician, devout Christian and generous community member.

He loved his role as ski chaperone for the Aspen Valley Ski Club for 14 years. He was able to pursue his passion for music, playing bass and guitar in several praise and worship teams in the valley, for local benefits and jammin’ with friends.

Buzz was an avid supporter of his children’s sports. In the last few years he returned to his love of riding his Harley.

He will be greatly missed by his community, friends and family: his parents, Richard and Joan Swanson; wife Ann Marie; children Casey and Lisa; brothers Scott (Claire) and Jeff; step family Janna, Scott (Cindy), Karie (Doug), Kevin and Kristy; and several nieces and nephews.

Please join us in remembering Buzz on Saturday Jan. 7, 2012 at 2 p.m. at The Orchard (Church at Carbondale), 110 Snowmass Drive.

An account has been set up at Alpine Bank under Buzz Weaver Memorial Fund. Benefits to be announced at a later date.

Hold the Presses BILINGUaL STORy TIME BEGINS • The Gordon Cooper Library is offering bilingual story time (with songs) every Saturday at 11 a.m. starting on Jan. 7. For details, call 963-2889.

SKIER aPPRECIaTION Day • The Lafarge Skier Appreciation Day takes place at Sunlight Mountain Resort on Jan. 6 with $15 lift tickets, a 1960s costume contest, scavenger hunt and

live music from Fifty50. Proceeds go to United Way of Garfield County.

WRITTEN COMMENTS DUE • Written comments on Garfield County’s 2012 Primary Election by mail ballot are due Jan. 13. The Garfield County commissioners hold a public hearing on the proposal at 8 a.m. on Jan. 16. For more information, call 945-2377, ext. 1820.

The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year.

It is that we should have a new soul. ~ GK Chesterton ......................................................................................

Come join us as we reflect on new beginnings. ......................................................................................

Sunday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m.

Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist (TRUU) @ Third Street Center

www.tworiversuu.org UU Minister

Gretchen Haley Inspirational, Contemporary Music

Jimmy Byrne Youth Program Director Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist

Heather Rydell Childcare Provided

THE SOPRIS SUN • JaNUaRy 5, 2012 • 11

Community Briefs Classes take flight at CCaH

Recycle your Christmas tree

The Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities offers a fresh array of classes in textiles, photography, journaling and more beginning in mid-January.

The CCAH School of Textile Arts (SOTA) opened last Fall and is “thriving,” according to CCAH Director Amy Kimberly. From Beginning Sewing for Youth to Inkle Loom Weaving and Knitted Socks, SOTA covers techniques that will advance students to the next level. Lizzie Klein is teaching the Garment Construction class beginning Jan. 18 that will focus on techniques needed to construct a shirt (intermediate sewing knowledge is a must). Adrianna Pevec will oversee Beginning Sewing for Youth. This class stemmed from the overwhelming response to the Youth Fashion Show held in November and will teach students basic sewing techniques through the construction of an apron.

Other classes are paper making for elementary aged kids, photography for youth, visual journaling taught by Sheri Gaynor, a Susan Olsen taught class on constructing sculpture from driftwood, and much more.

A full schedule of classes and registration is available at www.carbondalearts.com.

Scholarship information is available by calling 963-1680. All classes are held at the Third Street Center in Carbondale.

The town of Carbondale’s Christmas tree recycling lot is located at the northeast corner of Colorado Avenue and Fourth Street and will accept trees through Jan. 31. No ornaments, tinsel, garland, wreaths, lights, wires, nails, plastic bags, stands, flocked or artificial trees, commercial or dumping. For more information, call 963-1307.

Library board meets The Garfield County Libraries Board of Trustees next regular board meeting will be held on Jan. 5, 2012 at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library, located at 413 Ninth Street. Board meeting begin at 6 p.m. For ADA needs, contact Wilma at 625-4270 prior to meeting.

HEaRTBEaT meets Tuesdays The Glenwood Springs Chapter of HEARTBEAT – Support for Survivors After Suicide – will meet on Jan. 10 at 6:30 pm.

HEARTBEAT is open to anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one through suicide – no matter how long ago. This peer group does not provide or replace therapy; it is a safe place where mutual support can be found with others who share this unique pain.

“We all survive one heartbeat at a time,” said a spokeswoman.

HEARTBEAT meets at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs. Use the Bethel Chapel entrance of the church located at 824 Cooper Street.

For more information, call Pam Szédelyi at 945-1398 or email at pamsz@sopris.net.

Not all the action at the roping arena ice rink was skate related on Monday. The weather was so warm, Alex Burdee, 11, tossed some passes. Alex is from Golden and was visiting Carbondale with his family. Photo by Jane Bachrach

Happy New Year.

VCR INFORMATION Read all about the VILLAGE AT CRYSTAL RIVER at the town of Carbondale’s Web site:

www.carbondalegov.org GO TO THE LINK “Village at Crystal River documents” on the right of the home page. (is ad brought to you by the non-profit Sopris Sun, which is made possible through donors, fund-raisers and advertisers).

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JaNUaRy 5, 2012

A

s LIFT-UP begins its 30th year of service, we sincerely hope that 2012 will be a year of increased stability for our region, marked by lower unemployment and a robust economy. After three straight years of steadily increasing demand for LIFT-UP’s services from families and individuals struggling to make ends meet, we are grateful to all who have helped us fulfill our mission to provide essential services in our communities. However the new year unfolds, we hope that the needs in our community will continue to be matched by the generosity and responsiveness of those who live here. Your support, by donating food, volunteering and contributing financially, makes the work of LIFT-UP possible.

It is community spirit in action.

www.liftup.org LIFT-UP • P.O. Box 1928 • Rifle, CO 81650 • 625-4496

Be at the first, First Friday of the new year Sopris Sun Staff Report

First Fridays, Carbondale’s celebration of the arts, shopping, dining and music, rings in the New Year on Jan. 6 with a fire pit downtown, horse-drawn carriage rides, food, shopping and other merchant sponsor specials.

Along Main Street, Harmony Scott Jewelry will be serving “Spice It Up” appetizers from caterer Susie Jimenez, a “Food Network Stars” finalist, from 5 to 9 p.m. on behalf of the Shining Star Foundation. Fifteen percent of all sales on Jan. 6 will benefit the foundation.

At Kahhak Fine Arts & School, there will be live painting by Majid Kahhak from 6 to 8 p.m. celebrating “new beginnings.” Beverages and hot hors d’oeuvres will be served and there will be a 50 percent off sale.

Elsewhere, Phat Thai has DJ dancing every Friday night along with its hip food and cool drinks inspired by Southeast Asia.

Other First Fridays Main Street sponsors include: Peppino’s Pizza, Russets Restaurant, Transformation Yoga, Crystal River Spas, The Pour House, Mi Casita Mexican Cuisine, lulubelle, Fig & Lily, White House Pizza, Ravenheart Gallery and Six89.

On Highway 133, Sopris Liquor & Wine is offering a First Fridays special of 15 percent off any non-sale item.

For more information, contact the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce at 963-1890 or “like” First Fridays Carbondale on Facebook to stay in the loop.

RAVENHEART At Ravenheart Gallery, located across from Sopris Park on Weant, Colorado native Nicolette Toussaint said she feels fortunate to be back home after her advertising agency career took her to the San Francisco Bay area.

Following shows in a number of San Francisco galleries, her first local exhibit, celebrating a Colorado homecoming, hangs in the Ravenheart Gallery.

Toussaint’s preferred painting medium is watercolor. However, these are not the pale, washy splashes of gentility that might pop to mind when you think about watercolor.

“Her work is more dramatic, and a bit hard-edged – reminiscent of the lines employed by Georgia O’Keefe,” said a Ravenheart spokeswoman.

Her subjects are distinctly Colorado, some painted as she anticipated returning to Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.

Other works were painted after she and her husband made the move to Carbondale last spring.

Colorado nature subjects are all personal to Toussaint.

“When I go for a bicycle ride or ski I see the inventiveness of nature and I’m inspired by the color of light. That makes me want to paint.”

Trudy Day, a San Francisco Bay area resident said, “When I saw (the painting) ‘Zen Stones’ I knew I had to have it. I was creating a little mini-spa in my house and it was the perfect visual for the peace and calm I was trying to create.

Nicolette's work helps create moods.”

Nicolette Toussaint will be on hand at Ravenheart Gallery during First Friday to discuss her work, including “Zen Stones” (shown here).

The original ‘Zen Stones’ painting is on display at the Ravenheart Gallery. Although the original is not for sale, prints are available for under $100.

Trish Martin McDermott, who has purchased one of the prints, said “When I purchased Nicolette's ‘Zen Stones’ art as a poster, I thought it was a photo. I found out afterward it was a watercolor painting. Wow! The color and definition was so lifelike, the stones had looked real to me. It is beautiful.”

Toussaint will be on hand during First Fridays. For details, call Ravenheart Gallery at 963-1401.

A Ravenheart spokeswoman said Nicolette Toussaint’s watercolors are “distinctly Colorado.” A Colorado native, Toussaint recently moved to Carbondale from the San Francisco Bay area.

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AllValleyMusic.com • annieflynn@sopris.net THE SOPRIS SUN • JaNUaRy 5, 2012 • 13

Mt. Sopris Historical Society January 2012 Annual Membership Newsletter

NEWSLETTER IT’S A DRIVE

THANK YOU Alpine Bank Aspen Community Foundation BKS Charitable Foundation Bonfire Boy Scouts Crossland Foundation DHM Design Executive Service Corps Garfield County Main Street Gallery Pour House Rebekahs Lodge The Sopris Sun Spring Board Steve’s Guitars The Orchard Umbrella Roofing and all the individuals and organizations who support Carbondale history

A MEMBERSHIP DRIVE, THAT IS. In the Carbondale tradition, we’re having a big drive, and we invite you to sign on soon!

Help us support our local museum of local history and continue our programs of education and events.

The Mt. Sopris Historical Society depends on members like YOU to drive the message home that history is alive and well in our very special community!

A few short years ago, Carbondale had no historical museum at all. But thanks to

supporters like yourself, tireless volunteers and a hard-working board of directors, the Mt. Sopris Historical Museum now offers a place where visitors can see artifacts from the pioneer days, study photographs of our town’s early history, and examine changing displays about life in the valley. They can research their family trees, peek into the old city jail, or relax in the Museum Park. Learning about our history as a community enriches our experience and gives us something to share with our families, friends, and visitors to our area.

Mount Sopris in the News In response to the many calls and letters we have received about preserving the name of Mount Sopris, we created a poster of Sopris views selected from the Museum’s large collection of historic scenic postcards. Get a free poster by joining at the $75 membership level or above.

Cecil Trainer in front of Mt. Sopris, 1948

PPP Photos in Public Places

WHAT WE’RE DOING NOW Bringing local history to school kids Organizing a large collection of photographs and journals Maintaining a museum of local history Sponsoring events Preserving stories Preparing to curate the Thompson House Museum Building our board Planning for our future

Visit our website:

MtSoprisHistoricalSociety.org

Maybe you’ve seen the historical Carbondale photographs that are popping up around town. It beautifies our businesses and keeps us aware of where we came from as a community. Contact us to learn about historic photos in your business.

CREAM SALAD DRESSING From Garfield Extension Club Cook Book, 1938 2 eggs (beaten lightly) 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar 3 tbsp cream 3 tbsp vinegar 1/2 tsp dry mustard

Mix eggs, salt, sugar and cream and add mustard which has been dissolved in vinegar. Cook in double boiler until thick.

Recipe provided by Helen Tibetts.(pictured at right)

We Support Heritage Tourism

Ways to Visit..

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Executive Board: Jeri Alberts, Skip Bell, Toni Cerise, Greg Forbes, Charlotte Graham, Kip Hubbard, Molly Irwin, Carol Klein, Darrell Munsell, Marge Palmer, Jeannie Perry, Lew Ron Thompson, Cameron Wiggin Advisory Board: Sue Anschutz Rodgers, Vicki Browne, Emma Danciger, Dorothea Farris, John Hoffman, Bill Hofto, Wayne Horak, Ros Turnbull, Judy Welch, Pam Taylor Executive Director: Linda Romero Criswell The Time Capsule Project is underway! To be located at the new Carbondale Library, the time capsule will speak to future Carbondalians about what it means to us to live here, and will contain photos and artifacts about our community. Call us to learn how you can become part of this exciting idea.

"Odyssey" etching by Frank Norwood

JOIN TODAY!

Helen Tibetts 1917

“What’s happening with the Thompson House?”

See us on Facebook • Shop for gifts and memberships on our website or at the Museum • Visit the Mt. Sopris Historical Museum at 499 Weant • Attend our events • Pass on this newsletter to your friends and family.

WE SPONSOR: Wild West Rodeo KDNK Immigrant Stories Sopris Sun history column

The Board of Trustees will next discuss the Thompson Park Annexation Proposal at their meeting on January 10.

$35 Individual, $50 Family, $100 Supporting, $250 Sustaining P.O. Box 2, Carbondale, CO 81623 or join on our website: mtsoprishistoricalsociety.org MEMBER OF

14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • JaNUaRy 5, 2012

Mt. Sopris Historical Society P.O. Box 2, Carbondale, CO 81623 Museum: 499 Weant - 970-963-7041 mtsoprishistoricalsociety.org

Letters continued om page 8 VCR is an opportunity Dear Editor: As a resident of Carbondale for over two years, and a native of Steamboat Springs, I greatly appreciate mountain living. From the majestic presence of Mount Sopris, to the First Friday art walks, the 5Point film festival, the farmer’s markets and wonderful restaurants, this town is a very special place.

I frequent the amazing dog park and appreciate the sense of community here. But as you drive into Carbondale along Highway 133, there is a strong feeling that things are in need of an improvement. Carbondale is desperate for a new economic opportunity; this is crucial for its survival and for the survival of the community’s members.

The town of Carbondale is predominantly funded through sales tax revenue. If we had an expanded and improved City Market and additional retail options that attracted locals and visitors, we could bring in increased revenues.

The wonderful things we all love about this community rely on sales tax dollars for survival.Without it there will be no dollars to fund events, charming additions, non-profits — all the reasons people choose to make their lives here.

The new Village at Crystal River development is that opportunity. The benefits for improvements to Highway 133 will be far reaching, and taking responsibility (one penny to every dollar) for these improvements extends to the entire community, plus a much safer road for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

It’s time to nourish this amazing community, to take responsibility for the continuing prosperity of Carbondale. It’s time to vote yes to the Village at Crystal River.

Natalie Fisher Carbondale

Stand up for Carbondale Dear Editor: At the end of the month, we will have a chance to stand up for Carbondale and save ourselves from the financial burden of paying for a development that isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

The proposed development known as “VCR” would require citizens to pay $5 million to cover costs of the highway improvements necessary for the approval of its construction. Building another mall-type development across the street will not magically make the recession go away, nor will it be the giant cash machine its proponents have promised.

The market is already flooded with for sale and foreclosure homes, and plenty of commercial space for sale or rent. Proponents argue the development would bring more retail dollars into town. VCR might generate sales tax for the town, but at whose expense?

The developer predicts $40 million in taxable sales to be generated each year at VCR.All of Carbondale currently does about $80 million in sales per year; even if the new shopping center attracted some new shoppers, where is all that extra cash coming from? Existing businesses and Main Street would take a hit.

Residents and new shoppers could still spend money in town at new businesses that opened up in any of the vacant commercial space currently sitting around.

We pride ourselves on our town’s charac-

ter and Carbondale stands out as a unique town here in the valley. In 2010 Carbondale was listed as one of the best towns to live in

by Outside Magazine, with our surrounding beauty, recreational opportunities and our small-town character. It wasn’t because of shiny new buildings, roundabouts, fast-food restaurants and Front-Range style mall developments. Attempting to turn our town into a shopping destination will only wash out our unique character. Let’s keep it one of the best towns to live in: vote No on VCR. Michael Gorman Carbondale

It’s time for VCR Dear Editor: The Village at Crystal River has been in process for years. Hundreds of thousands have been spent during this process for creative rezoning to avoid typical commercial uses. The developer took the route of working with the town to gain support as the Town Mothers strongly demanded in 2003.

Now after significant community input,VCR needs voter blessing.

We need solutions to serious town issues.

Why don’t the “Locals” provide solutions?

Maybe they do not understand the full scope of the financial stress the town is facing in the next 10 years. People should look hard at this and also read the Web sites.

Betsy Lincicome asks “Why did the developer buy a piece of commercial land with zoning that would not allow him to do what he wanted”? The answer is the town encouraged him to enter the process and he proposed the plan endorsed at the time by the Economic Roadmap group.

Yes he can build under current zoning.

That would look more like the big-box proposal from 2002. Betsy, we do not want to move (and not for “big boxes” — they are prohibited in this plan), and we do not want to see this town struggle and shrink indefinitely. The town’s budget has been reduced dramatically due to lack of sales tax money.

What is the Locals plan? I hear it is property taxes. That would stick it to local small businesses that pay triple the rate. VCR will bring a substantial amount of money for this town including almost $500,000 annually to the public schools and over $100,000 to the fire district.Also permanent and construction jobs with the same dollars spent over and over again at everyone’s local businesses from these paychecks. It is time!

Ryan Grobler Carbondale

Two groups of people Dear Editor: Since moving to the area over 10 years ago, I’ve observed that Carbondale is made up of two groups of people.

One group actively participates in all that Carbondale has to offer, turning out for First Fridays, Mountain Fair and other events, volunteering for CCAH, KDNK, The Sopris Sun and other non-profits, getting involved in local elections (either as candidates or campaigners), starting businesses in town, and contributing to all that makes Carbondale one of the greatest small towns in America.

The other group of people view Carbondale as the place they happen to live. They would choose Basalt or Aspen if they could

afford it, or reside in Glenwood Springs if it was closer to their place of employment.

Normally these two groups coexist peacefully. But once every few years, there’s an issue that divides them, and they trade verbal and written jabs while debating the various facts and assertions over their point of contention.

Right now that issue is the Village at Crystal River (VCR). The first group opposes the VCR because they know that it will harm the town while providing little or no additional jobs or revenue. The second group supports VCR because they believe the overly optimistic projections about shopping, jobs and tax revenue.

Soon, Carbondale voters will receive a ballot in their mailbox. It’s my hope that most of them will recognize the many flaws and errors in the Say Yes group’s propaganda, while appreciating the logic and facts put forth by the Locals for Smarter Growth.

I urge each of you to vote no on the VCR. The only good thing that it will provide is a shiny new City Market, and there are smarter ways to get one of those for our town.

We don’t need to pay a PIF tax on our groceries, increase the number of vacant commercial properties, or build another generic suburban shopping plaza to get a better supermarket.

Craig Silberman Carbondale

Concerning contractor preference

The economic balance Dear Editor: Virtually all planning discussions on the “Marketplace” and “The Village at Crystal River” (VCR) have emphasized that major new development at that site complement other Carbondale businesses, especially on Main Street, in a non-competitive way. This letter is a reminder that the improvements on Highway 133 should serve to unite Carbondale rather than to divide it.

The highway improvements are proposed to be partly funded by a 1 percent PIF on all sales at the VCR, including food at a new City Market. The City Markets in El Jebel and Glenwood Springs have no PIF (so, it would cost more in Carbondale). Denver sales tax excludes most food items (avoiding an assessment that hits those who can least afford it). For the sake of argument, let’s suppose that some version of a PIF is acceptable to Carbondale voters and that we move forward with improvements to Highway 133.

One proposed improvement for Highway 133 is a roundabout at Nieslanik Avenue (by the CO-OP). This roundabout would efficiently direct traffic into the VCR. There is no provision for a similar roundabout at Highway 133 and Main.

I believe that if the public is to be taxed for improvements on Highway 133, then these improvements should include a roundabout at Main Street and other improvements on Highway 133, possibly as far south as Sopris Avenue. This would promote the much talked about economic balance between the VCR and downtown Carbondale.

The two roundabouts would equally announce key commercial zones to motorists. I think that voters should not approve a proposal for the VCR until some important changes are included. Let’s get the developer back to the table and have a sensible plan for improvements on Highway 133.

Bill Spence Carbondale

Dear Editor: The issue of local contractors getting preference as it relates to any project has come up every time a private development project comes before a board to be approved.

The opponents to those projects claim that low ballers will move in and wreck the place.

Not true when it comes to government work — witness RFTA’s enthusiasm after getting over 100 contractors to show interest in BRT. RFTA is all excited about a low price — never No to VCR mind where the cash ends up going.

Dear Editor: Garfield County and Glenwood Springs The proposed Village at Crystal River is have on ordinance giving local contractors not a good fit for Carbondale. The pro VCR preference if within 10 percent of the low bid. folks argue that it will provide a huge inThe Willits roundabout, recently com- crease in Carbondale’s sales tax revenues. But pleted by Gould Construction, and the restart I have to ask how that will happen. on the Whole Foods building is almost 100 There is no way that Lowes, Target, Stapercent local work force. ples, or other large or medium size retailers The important thing to remember about like that will locate in Carbondale. We have good local contractors is that we are here for too small a population, and are already satthe same reason as everyone else is. Our firm urated with retail in the region. Getting a is focused on providing meaningful work, the slightly larger grocery store, a fast-food best benefits we can afford, an opportunity restaurant and another gas station is not for professional growth, and to be a part of going to stop people from shopping at Target the community’s fabric. or Whole Foods.

We are not in bed with the development What it will do is stop people from supcommunity. We support the VCR project not porting our current gas stations and locally because we want the work but because we owned restaurants like Dos Gringos, Pepthink it is the right thing at the right time for pinos, and Fat Belly Burgers. the area.

We have an amazing town that attracts I believe I speak for others in the con- people because we do not have this type of struction industry when I say we want to be Front Range suburban mall development. respected for what we bring and appreciated We have a vibrant Main Street that we for what we do, not lumped in or labeled as should be investing in. A recent study by the a negative influence by those with a lack of Sonoran Institute says local governments familiarity guiding their voices.Vote carefully have the potential to get more bang for their on the VCR issue; a lot of families and futures tax-return buck down on Main Street than from all walks depend on a successful project. at large-format suburban malls. We have a Rick Stevens LETTERS page 16 Basalt THE SOPRIS SUN • JaNUaRy 5, 2012 • 15

Letters continued om page 15 chance to make the right decision for Carbondale by voting NO on the Village at Crystal River.

Laurie Guevara-Stone Carbondale

Questions about VCR Dear Editor: With all the information that has been made available on the pending Village at Crystal River vote in Carbondale in January, I find myself left with a lot of unanswered questions.

Basalt already has a mega grocery store yet the bulk of last summer’s news articles about Basalt were about the decline of sales tax revenues there. Since Basalt is in such sad shape (sale tax wise) despite the fact it already has a “mega” grocery store, I’m having a hard time believing that a mega grocery store in Carbondale will be the sales tax “savior” of our town.

And how have Carbondale’s sales tax figures managed to remain somewhat stable during the economic downturn, compared to Basalt? I don’t know who our biggest sales tax contributors are in Carbondale, but I imagine our “regular” sized City Market is one of them. How will a new, bigger grocery store at a new location create an “economic miracle” in Carbondale and become a business generator? Are we all going to eat more? Do we really believe that residents of Aspen, Basalt and

Glenwood Springs are going to flock to our new and improved City Market for their groceries?

And what about all the vacant retail outlets and homes in Carbondale? The old Circle Super location has been vacant for some time and it’s easy to visualize the eyesore that the current City Market location will make if it’s abandoned.

I realize the 1 percent PIF (public improvement fee) will not in and of itself create a major financial hardship, but will it really be retired in 12 to 16 years as claimed? Or will it become a new revenue source like so many toll road and toll bridges that pop up around the country?

Should public infrastructure projects be funded this way or are we safer with the typical fixed term municipal bond with a clearly defined retirement date?

I hope the upcoming public forums and debates will clear up at least some of these questions.

Greg Fitzpatrick Carbondale

Two things Dear Editor: After 2 1/2 years in process, the Carbondale Board of Trustees have asked us, the voters of Carbondale, to decide on the application of the Village at Crystal River. This is a controversial issue with “facts” being flung from both sides. For me, this comes

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down to two things. First, do I want to tax myself an extra 1 percent on all the purchases I will make at the VCR for the rest of my life in order to have this development?

Second, do I think this is the best development for Carbondale?

I shop at the City Market in Carbondale.

I have for 33 years, and plan on shopping there, hopefully, for another 33 years.

I can envision a development on that property that does more to meet the future needs of Carbondale. I can envision a development that is more akin to what Carbondale is. Carbondale has been recognized as one of the best places to live in the USA, not for having the “best” grocery store, but for what we are now. If I can envision a better project, being a citizen, I know a developer can also.

The choice is up to us. I choose to keep the costs for groceries etc. down. I chose to have a better development. I am asking for a better vision.

I am voting NO to the VCR. Russell Criswell Carbondale

VCR debate not new Dear Editor: The debate over the development at VCR is not new to the Roaring Fork Valley.

Forty years ago, when the Aspen Business Center was getting started, Safeway made an offer to acquire land and build a 30,000

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square foot market. They reasoned a regional market between Aspen and Snowmass would serve the valley well. The zoning for the ABC allowed for such a market.

But the planning office and many Aspen citizens were very upset, reasoning such a market would hurt the character of Aspen, making it like any town USA, hurt local businesses and increase traffic. Letters in the paper were abundant.

We of course knew that if we caved, Safeway would just find another location.

They were set on building a regional store in the Roaring Fork Valley.

So, we challenged the city of Aspen and Pitkin County — pass an ordinance not allowing a regional market anywhere and we would tear up the contract with Safeway.

After all the politicians of both the city of Aspen and Pitkin County both advocated for neighborhood sized stores.

To my surprise, they both adopted such neighborhood ordinances that would not allow a large regional market anywhere. We tore up our contract with Safeway and that was the end of Safeway.

Today, the ABC has a small (6,000 square foot) market — Roxy’s that serves the ABC and the North 40 extremely well.

It has brought balance to our area and does not negatively impact Aspen or Snowmass.

I think the community was right.

John McBride Aspen

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