Sopris Sun
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VOLUME 2, NUMBER 5 • MARCH 18, 2010
Strutting into spring Behind the footsteps at the second annual Green is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza By Trina Ortega The Sopris Sun
Y
ou won’t see them in the spotlight strutting the stage. Most likely, you won’t see them at all, but they are critical in making sure the show goes on. They are the choreographers, lighting technicians, makeup artists and others behind the curtain who will help turn the gymnasium at the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center into a New York-style venue for the second annual Green is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza, a benefit for the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities. The event begins with an opening dessert reception at 7 p.m. followed by the fashion show at 8 p.m. Green is the New Black showcases original clothing designs made from sustainable and/or recycled materials. This year’s theme is “The Rites of Spring.” Last year’s Green is the New Black fashion Show proved to be a magical event for audience members who were whooping and cheering throughout the night. For days after, the show was the talk of the town.
The power of the troupe The show’s director, Lynn Aliya, says the show is a wonderful mix of community members who come together and work hard to make magic happen. The show germinates like a seed and blooms at the turn of spring, she says. “It’s always a miracle when you see the flowers bloom in the springtime. But so much has gone into the blooming of the flower. The show is like that — the troupes are forces of nature,”said Aliya, who was the director of last year’s event as well. After directing last year’s show, Aliya’s love for theater was revived. She was so inspired she enrolled in an intensive course at the School at Steppenwolf in Chicago, where she learned more about creating ensembles and orchestrating spontaneous theatrical pieces. Her job as director includes selecting music and choreographing the models for stage. Weeks prior to this Saturday’s show, she will have worked with the team on rehearsals, impromptu fashion shows, and exercises to help them feel comfortable being on stage. It’s her task to take the awkward, scattered energy of all the models and turn it into a refined performance. That involves getting four or five models to walk and turn in step or getting 40-plus models to jump at the exact same time. “Last year was so magical. Magic is a form of entertainment but there’s a difference between magic and alchemy. I think of the artists and the models as the alchemy. We’re turning nothing into gold,” Aliya said. Yet she is quick to compliment the community members who are part of the show. “I was just blown away last year by how everyone came together. It’s amazing when you bring really unbelievably talented members of the community together and the power of ideas that just collide when you collaborate,” she added.
The magic of light Tori Riger will spring onto the runway modeling this dress made of aluminum pop tops from the “Trashed” collection designed by Karrah Aegerter. You can see Riger and other designs at “The Rites of Spring,” Green is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza on March 20. Original photos by Jane Bachrach, composite by Terri Ritchie
Heath Manning and Susan Peters are the wizards behind the green curtain when it comes to WIZARDS page 8
A Q&A with the candidates
Marijuana grower violates zoning
Boland talks jazz
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Carbondale Commentary More in common than indifference “Suppose you were an idiot and suppose you were a member of Congress… but I repeat myself.” – Mark Twain There is an email circulating the Web proposing a 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution: “Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States.” Sounds like a given to me, but apparently we need to spell it out for our pet bureaucrats. As the world becomes smaller as far as communication and accessibility, and we all get to know each other better, it seems we have more in common than indifference. The disastrous situation in Haiti prompted enormous generosity and support from people all over the planet; at a time when everyone is tightening their belts, people still managed to donate to those in crisis. So why then is there ongoing war and strife on our beautiful little planet? Is it really that we all can’t get along, or is it because a few who have too much can’t agree on what to do with the rest? If the U.S. spent a fifth of its military budget on renewable energy production ($100 billion = one-fifth of the Department of Defense budget for 2010) not only would countless jobs be created, but they would be in the innovative clean energy field By Jeannie Perry instead of cancer-causing dirty oil and gas. I understand that war was big business, but that’s an outdated view – like Roosevelt outdated. The younger generations don’t care about war machines any more than we care about video games. In fact, I’m not sure we even distinguish between the two most of the time. And there are far less bigots today than when most of Congress was playing with their favorite sticks. So it would seem that Congress actually is the problem. While Americans are busy at work, Congress rarely solves anything harder than the word search on the back of a cereal box. They actually create more issues concerning Americans by being there for the lobbyists to wine and dine. If lobbyists had to wait a week or more to get in to see a representative, maybe they’d go get a real job instead of pimping for corporations. Less is more, and cutbacks are the answer, but not in important areas like education or civic maintenance. It’s time to cut the real fat, at the top, the guys who don’t create anything but a waste of time and space. And I’m not the only one who thinks this way. The following is from another email I recently received: “Hey, why two senators per state? Why so many representatives? Not only can we save their direct salaries and endless benefits, but think of all the staff and offices we could close down. We could cut the earmarks in half. If there might be some administrative work to do, outsource it. There are some very bright people in India that could easily handle correspondence from constituents.After all, isn’t “less government the best government”? About half the elected officials believe our government is too big, and the government we do have doesn’t work. It troubles me that people who believe government can’t work want to run our government. At any rate, shouldn’t we open this up to the free market? What does John Salazar make a year? $150,000? I’ll do it for $125,000. (And I’ll support the single payer.) Truth be known, we could get someone in there for $20 grand. I say: let’s privatize Congress. What do they think they have there, some kind of union?” – Patrick Hunter Hear, hear! It’s time to Jenny Craig this government. We can start by making sure they’re playing stickball with the same stick we get to use when it’s our turn at bat. Send your representatives a note simply stating the proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution; if they’re in Washington for the right reason (TO REPRESENT US) then this amendment should pass no problem and they can get right back to their Chex games.
Ps & Qs
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.
A letter from Ed Cortez Dear Editor: My name is Ed Cortez and I am running for mayor of Carbondale. Carbondale and the Roaring Fork Valley are in the midst of economic crossroads unlike any we have ever witnessed. The actions and decisions we take now to assure our economic future will affect all aspects of town life for years to come. Overcoming these fiscal challenges will require a col2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 18, 2010
laborative effort from our citizens, the business community, town staff and board of trustees, as well as a mayor with the vision, experience and leadership to tackle these challenges and all issues we face as a community. In the 16 years I have lived in Carbondale, I’ve seen incredible growth and prosperity. Unfortunately, that prosperity has been seriously jeopardized by our nation’s economic hardships. I believe in the resiliency and the strength of our community.
Charlie and Andrea Chacos brought a little sunshine to the recent Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Courtesy photo This dynamic will get us back to prosperity. As mayor, I will focus on that dynamic to codify the divisions in our community that have paralyzed progress in the past. This will be the focus of my campaign. Through leadership, civic engagement and a commonsense approach to government, I see a new vision for Carbondale, a vision that will face the challenges of the future cooperatively and sensibly. The maturity and integrity I will bring to the office of mayor are based on a lifetime of experience that goes beyond the confines of Carbondale. I have always and will continue to champion those issues that set Carbondale apart from other communities. Affordable housing, renewable energy, smart growth, our nonprofit community, senior programs and transportation are vital issues I advocate and that I believe will set me apart from my opponent in this election. However, the key concern facing us today is assurance of an economic future. Our success and prosperity hinge on the ability to discuss and move forward with an economic development plan that meets the needs of all our citizens and assures the character of Carbondale. In these critical times, Carbondale needs a mayor who is approachable and who listens to the concerns of its citizens, who will not be swayed by special or self-serving interests, who is open minded and flexible, and who is willing to commit the time necessary to fulfill the requirements of this important position. I believe I am that person. Please vote on April 6 for Ed Cortez as mayor of Carbondale. Ed Cortez Carbondale
Sierra Club supports land swap Dear Editor: We attended last week’s meeting in Carbondale to hear new alternatives being advanced by Pitkin County and the Wexners regarding the Two Shoes/Sutey Ranch land exchange. We were pleased to learn that the Wexners have worked closely with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW), the Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) and others to craft a compromise that affords even greater benefits to the public and wildlife than the original proposal. The Wexners are now offering to: 1) donate a $1.1 million endowment to BLM for planning and man-
agement of the Sutey Ranch once BLM acquires it; 2) surrender already approved development rights and home sites back to Pitkin County along Highway 133 and the West Elk scenic by-way; and 3) place permanent conservation easements on additional areas of their ranch to protect a key bighorn sheep herd. DOW officials stated that the new Wexner plan is more beneficial to wildlife LETTERS page 14
Correction In our March 11 edition we stated that Carbondale Town Trustee Frosty Merriott was appointed to his current two-year term. Actually, he was elected. The Sopris Sun regrets the error.
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The Sopris Sun is an LLC organized under the 501c3 nonprofit structure of the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation. Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 618-9112 Editor: Terray Sylvester • 618-9112 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Anne Goldberg • 379-5050 anne@soprissun.com Reporters: Trina Ortega • Jeremy Heiman Photographer/Writer: Jane Bachrach Copy Editor: Lynn Burton Ad/Page Production: Terri Ritchie Paper Boy: Cameron Wiggin Sopris Sun, LLC Managing Board of Directors: Peggy DeVilbiss • Allyn Harvey Colin Laird • Elizabeth Phillips
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2010 Carbondale town election
Candidate Q&A By Sopris Sun Staff, photos by Terray Sylvester It’s official. The deadline has come and gone for write-in candidates to enter Carbondale’s 2010 town election. With that, Elizabeth Murphy and current trustees John Foulkrod and Frosty Merriott stand to be automatically appointed to fresh four-year terms on the board of town trustees. Meanwhile, Ed Cortez and Stacey Patch Bernot, both of whom are currently trustees, will vie for the mayor’s seat vacated by Mayor Michael Hassig, who is term limited. The Sopris Sun sent off a handful of questions to the mayoral candidates and the three trustee candidates. Here are the results:
Courtesy photo
Ed Cortez 1 16 years
2 Owner/President of Ed Cortez Builder/El Sol Solar
3 I bring a lifetime of experience and maturity that extends beyond Carbondale.
As a business owner and employer, I have the discipline and problemsolving skills that the office of mayor requires.
4 We must face and immediately
address our economy. We need to structure an economic development plan which identifies immediate short-term solutions that will stabilize our current economic spiral and then concentrate on long-term goals. The board of trustees must work with town staff to create a positive economic atmosphere for the business community by exploring creative methods that ensure fiscal security. 5 I believe in a growth plan that
incorporates a balance between residential and commercial development. In order to accomplish this goal, we need to have a strategy that keeps development within our town boundaries. By doing so, we can control the size and the impacts normally associated with development and thus prevent the possibility of sprawl.
6 The Hispanic community is a vi-
brant and vital piece of our town puzzle. We need to acknowledge the everyday contributions of the Hispanic community in business, as a
Stacey Patch Bernot
1 Fifth-generation Carbondale native – 32 years
I work for the state of Colorado Fifth Judicial District Probation Department as an administrative specialist. My occupation provides me with an especially unique opportunity to understand and appreciate effective government operations and finance. I handle payroll, benefits, budget projections ($3 million department budget), and assist with personnel matters for 34 state employees. 2
3 I bring to the position experience,
drive, vision, enthusiasm and decisiveness. I will provide an arena where different points of view can come together in a safe, respectful and healthy manner.
4 I will work with the other trustees
to establish goals and objectives for the year early on. I will then provide the leadership required to make steady progress on these objectives. My main priority will be to move the town from planning to implementation of economic development strategies to ensure the future revenue stream that will be required to maintain the investments we have made in our community. These strategies should include job creation and continued capital improvements, especially Highway 133. This process should include a review of both the Roadmap and Blue Ribbon recommendations. We need to consider the effects of and the challenges presented by the economic downturn.
Friday Night Forum with the Candidates:
An evening with the candidates: The Sopris Sun and KDNK News, with support from the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce and the town of Carbondale, will host a forum with the mayoral candidates from 6 to 7:30 p.m., tomorrow, March 19, at Carbondale Town Hall. The forum will air live on KDNK and on Channel 12. Come with questions in mind. The Sopris Sun and KDNK will be soliciting audience submissions. For more information, call The Sopris Sun, 618-9112, or call KDNK, 963-1039.
The Questions:
1 How long have you lived in Carbondale? 2 What is your occupation?
consideration by the town. What do you think is appropriate for Carbondale?
6 Recently the town council has been faced with a
3 In 25 words or less, what strengths would you
bring to the board/the mayor's seat?
4 If you are seated on the town council for the next
four years, what will your main priority be during the first year of your term, and how will you accomplish this?
5 Growth and density are often discussed due to the
variety of initiatives and decisions, touching on topics from revamped waste hauler ordinances to a local bus feeder route, to ordinances for the medical marijuana industry, energy-efficient building and more. What do you think hasn’t gotten enough attention and what would you do to address it?
7 Is affordable housing attainable in Carbondale? If
number of large land use applications under
not, what do you think can be done to help hardworking individuals who want to make Carbondale their home obtain housing?
John Foulkrod
Frosty Merriott
2 Contractor, property manager, developer
2 Certified public accountant, tax practice with some attestation work
1 Since 1976 – 34 years
3 I bring experience! I have served on the town board for 16 years, from 1982 until 1992, and from 2004 to today. I have also lived in this town longer than any board member and town staffer except Smiley. I have a historical perspective, which brings some insight as to why things are the way they are. 4 My initial goal will be to try and fix the land use process. The P&Z spends many hours in meetings doing the initial review of land use applications. The town trustees spend hours in meeting doing the same thing. It’s as if they never looked at the recommendations. I think the trustees must start with P&Z recommendations and evolve their discussions from that starting point. A simplified sketch plan review concept might serve to allow developers and town boards to move in a common direction before the developer spends massive amounts of dollars meeting the application demands and entrenching him and his team in some concept that may be alien to the members of the P&Z and trustees.
5 Carbondale has supported about a 4 percent growth figure over the last 20 years. At least that is my understanding. Land use applications do not dictate the growth rate of Carbondale. The economy is the major
Elizabeth Murphy
1 March of 1998
3 The perspective of a small business owner, one who represents numerous small business owners, and the experience of serving on the town environmental board, planning and zoning, and the Roadmap Group.
4 To finish up the land use applications we have started either by approval or denial. To ensure that the projects approved are in the best long term interest of Carbondale so that we maintain our almost indefinable “small town character” (the reason Carly, Shiloh and I moved here) by shaping the approved growth so that the town has control over traffic, noise, landscaping, lighting, parking, solar access and viewplanes. 5 It has been my experience that growth and density, if done right, don’t have to be mutually exclusive to quality of life and small town character. It is also the kind of people who move here that dictate whether the growth was good or bad. I would argue that RVR, which was a 550unit project, has been good for the town. I say this based on the people there; ones who have founded organizations like CARE, helped fund the expansion of Valley View Hospital, built the Church at Carbondale Gathering Center and, of course, those who serve this community with their individual passions and make it the place you want to live, raise your
1 I have lived in the Roaring Fork Valley for more than 10 years now, while Carbondale has been our home for just over five years. 2 I am the executive director of The Greensprouts Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on green school initiatives and provides support and resources for schools to go green.
3 Probably my greatest strength (and perhaps weakness) is that I have a strong sense of commitment, dedication and passion for everything I do.
4 Since I am the newest member of the board of trustees, my main priority will be to listen and learn, as well as provide a unique and fresh perspective on important issues that will ultimately affect Carbondale and its citizens.
In order to accomplish these goals, it’s important to understand a diverse group of people who live in Carbondale and engage a broader audience that have otherwise been relatively quiet. To be effective, we need to work proactively to meet the growing needs of our community.
5 Fortunately for us, there are, in
fact, many land use issues under consideration. Growth and development are a vital part of our sustainability. If we are committed to the planning and development process, then land use issues can truly be-
CANDIDATES page 7
THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 18, 2010 • 3
News Briefs
Cop Shop
The Weekly News Brief The Sopris Sun and the KDNK news department team up each week to discuss recent news from the Roaring Fork Valley. Catch the Brief on KDNK at 6:50 a.m. and at 5:35 p.m. on Thursdays, or find it online at KDNK.org.
Mosquito control approved Garfield County has again agreed to a contract with Colorado Mosquito Control, a Brighton-based company, to monitor and manage mosquitoes in the county.The county has relied on Colorado Mosquito Control since 2004, when West Nile Virus, which is carried by mosquitoes, was beginning to be a problem in the state. The company determines where mosquitoes may be a problem and reduces populations of the critters by using a biological agent that is only fatal to mosquito larvae. Rob Kozar, operations manager for the company, said the product looks a lot like Grape Nuts cereal and is spread on ponds and standing water where mosquito larvae live. Insecticide spray will only be used on rare occasions when and where adult mosquitoes are numerous. The company will receive $129,885 for its services. It expects to employ about nine people for the season, Kozar said. Steve Anthony, vegetation manager for Garfield County, said the mosquito control program will cover only the most populated 50 square miles of the county. Areas of concern around Carbondale include Colorado Rocky Mountain School and the Catherine bridge area, Anthony said.
Crystal Caucus endorses land swap Last week the Crystal River Caucus, a Pitkin County advisory board, voted 36-6 to
fine clothing • antiques • gifts
endorse the Sutey-Two Shoes compromise proposal offered by Leslie and Abigail Wexner on Feb. 16. According to Andy Weissner of Western Land Group, a land exchange specialist working for the Wexners, the caucus’ endorsement is the latest of a number of endorsements by Crystal Valley organizations, including the Redstone Community Association, the Crystal River Environmental Protection Association, and a Prince Creek homeowners group. Carbondale town trustees endorsed the latest terms of the proposed land swap with a 6-1 vote on March 2. “[The caucus] liked the merits of our compromise proposal and rejected a request from Pitkin County Commissioner George Newman to delay the matter for another new county proposal,” Weissner said. The proposed swap would transfer to the Wexners 1,268 acres of Bureau of Land Management terrain on the north flank of Mount Sopris. In exchange, the Wexners have offered up the 520-acre Sutey Ranch parcel near the popular Red Hill recreation area. In the Feb. 16 proposal, the latest in a series of counter offers, the Wexners offer to place a conservation easement on a portion of the Sopris parcel, retire some development rights on the land, and help pay for management of the Sutey Ranch if it passes into public hands.
G-NECI elects new officers The Garfield New Energy Communities
Initiative Advisory Board has elected Shelley Kaup, a Glenwood Springs City Council member, as the board’s new chair, and Greg Russi, a New Castle Town Council member, as vice chair. Judith Hayward, Parachute mayor protem, was re-elected to the position of board secretary. Kaup replaces Advisory Board Chair Michael Hassig, who is term-limited as mayor of Carbondale. Russi replaces Rifle Mayor Keith Lambert, who will continue to serve on the advisory board as a regular member. The nine-member Garfield NECI Advisory Board guides the work of the countywide clean energy initiative that is helping residents, businesses and local governments cut energy costs and increase renewable energy. The initiative was launched with a $1.6 million grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. The nine board members, along with nine alternates, represent the nine local governments that have joined together in the initiative. At the board’s regular monthly meeting on March 10 in Glenwood Springs, board members thanked Hassig for his leadership of the energy initiative during its first year. “Your counsel and leadership have been important. You’ve held a steady hand on the tiller,” said David Sturges, alternate board member from the city of Glenwood Springs.
Colorado Mountain College Foundation presents
WE RECYCLE EVERYTHING
A Sunday matinee March 21, 2–4 pm Featuring local pianist
623 East Hopkins Ave, Aspen 970.920.2376
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 18, 2010
TUESDAY March 9 At 12:05 p.m. an officer noticed a “suspicious male” standing in front of Bridges High School. Upon investigating, the officer discovered it was a student waiting to be picked up by his mother. TUESDAY March 9 At 5:45 p.m. 7-Eleven employees alleged that some kids had convinced an adult to attempt to buy them cigarettes. The kids left the scene before an officer arrived. WEDNESDAY March 10 At 10:40 a.m. a resident of Barber Drive reported that someone had spit on the driver’s side window of her car. She said she doesn’t get along with her neighbor, but she wasn’t sure he was the perpetrator. WEDNESDAY March 10 At 3:45 p.m. the owner of a Main Street coffee house alleged that a coffee vendor was harassing him. The coffee supplier told the police he was trying to collect a debt, and the police suggested some other ways he might do so. WEDNESDAY March 10 At 8:02 p.m. a woman alleged that someone in a red truck was spinning doughnuts near her house.
Tickets — $10 All proceeds benefit the Marble Charter School
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JEWELRY, GIFTS, RUGS, & MUCH MUCH MORE!
The following events are drawn from the incident reports of the Carbondale Police Department over the preceding few weeks.
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Town issues zoning violation for grow operation By Terray Sylvester The Sopris Sun Carbondale town staff is asserting that a local man has violated zoning ordinances by growing weed in a house he owns on Maroon Drive, a few blocks south of Main Street. The zoning violation is the first the town has issued for medical marijuana cultivation. It’s another step in the town’s ongoing effort to define where the nascent industry should go in Carbondale and how it should fit into town code. The violation, which was issued this week, comes not long after Carbondale trustees appointed 14 people to a new citizen’s advisory group intended to sort through the ins and outs of town regulations for the industry. The grow operation came to the town’s attention in early January, partly due to calls the town received from surrounding residents. The house is located in a low-density residential zone district, but after inspecting it, building and planning staff learned that it was being used almost solely to grow marijuana and was not set up as a residence, said Community Development Director Doug Dotson. Dotson stated that growing commercial crops is not permitted in residential zone districts, and that several electrical and mechanical retrofits to the house, including a ventilation system, were found to be out of compliance with town code as well. But Town Manager Tom Baker explained that the town cited the property owner largely
as a result of the scale of the operation. “Typically, something like this, you don’t think of it becoming a problem in a residential area until it gets done on a scale that pushes out the residential,” Baker said. “What you have is a use that is not residential, so we need to ensure the integrity of these residential zone districts.” The house is owned by Quinn Whitten, a partner in the LEAF chain of dispensaries, which includes Sopris LEAF above Mi Casita on Main Street as well as shops in Aspen and Crested Butte, according to the company’s Web site. Whitten said that he has not been living in the house and declined to state just how many plants he has been growing there. But he stressed that he is below his legal limit as a designated caregiver. Under the voter-approved Amendment 20, which legalized the industry in Colorado in 2000, medical marijuana cardholders can possess up to six plants or two ounces of ready-to-smoke grass. Caregivers, defined as “anyone with significant responsibility for managing the well-being of a patient,” can possess that amount with each of their patients. The town has ordered Whitten to dismantle his growing operation within two weeks. After that the town may impose a fine, Dotson said. The zoning violation and its implications will likely be discussed by Carbondale’s newly formed Medical Marijuana Facilities Advisory Group, whose members were appointed March 9 and are tasked with dis-
“They’ve taken these containers and have spread them throughout different parts of the house to the extent that you really couldn’t use it [as a residence], and it’s not being used for that purpose.” Doug Dotson Community Development Director cussing the implications of the medical marijuana industry, including where dispensaries and grow operations should be located, how many are appropriate for the town, licensing procedures and other topics. The group will eventually take its recommendations to the town trustees. Two LEAF workers were appointed to the group. “We look forward to working with the town,” Whitten said. “I think we have an opportunity to keep it simple and come up with a solution that works for everybody.” Dotson said that as of now, grow operations appear to be most suitable for the town’s agricultural zone districts, which allow general commercial cultivation. He noted that agricultural zones make up only a relatively small portion of the town. Since Colorado’s medical marijuana industry began to truly blossom in summer
of 2009, other Colorado towns have also been trying to figure out which zone districts are appropriate for cultivation. In early January local media reported that an Aspen man tried but failed to convince Aspen’s town council that his grow operation was appropriate for the city’s service/commercial/industrial district. On the Front Range, Boulder’s city council has directed grow operations toward its city’s industrial zone districts because those areas are suitable for greenhouses and nurseries, and marijuana is often cultivated inside, said Boulder Land Use Review Manager Charles Ferro. The city’s agricultural zone districts are intended for field crops, Ferro explained. Dotson pointed out that because each town’s zoning rules are unique, what makes sense in one town may not work in another. He pointed out that Carbondale town code doesn’t differentiate between field and indoor crops in the town’s agricultural zone districts. Boulder stands out as one of few Colorado cities that have implemented interim regulations in lieu of a moratorium while they draw up long-term rules for the industry. If Boulder’s work is any indication, Carbondale may eventually have to consider other implications of marijuana cultivation as well. Ferro said Boulder’s city council has been weighing security concerns, the effects of fertilizers poured down the drain, the energy demanded by the banks of highpower grow lights that are frequently used and the potential for mold to form on the plants, among other issues.
Land conservation and the 2010 town comp plan By Trina Ortega The Sopris Sun Density or sprawl? Before a town can begin to talk about creating a comprehensive plan, its leaders and citizens must tackle some basic questions. That includes how much to grow and where to grow. Although density is always a debated topic in the town’s land use discussions, Carbondale already has defined in its 2000 Comprehensive Plan a compact area in which to grow. As a result, the town’s growth will be centered within its 1,275acre town limits. “One of the great values of the existing [comp] plan is that it identifies a fairly compact area in which Carbondale can grow. You won’t see any kind of a sprawling suburban growth pattern. If somebody tries to come in and buy the surrounding land to develop it, the community has ample support to say, ‘No,’” said Town Manager Tom Baker. That means Carbondale has been able to avoid the sprawl that many other areas have suffered. Depending on how you feel when you drive east on Interstate 70 and see Denver and its expansive suburbs, that may be a good thing. There are no more dots to connect between the towns on the Front Range. “One of the biggest challenges that Carbondale and all communities face is the temptation to look to undeveloped areas for expansion because it is easier and less
Physical growth limits are among the key issues a town must consider before beginning a comprehensive plan process. Carbondale is surrounded by three large parcels of Bureau of Land Management Land as well as numerous ranch lands that are under conservation easements. That coupled with residents' desires to protect rural agricultural lands dictates that the town will become denser within its limits instead of sprawling beyond its boundaries. Photo by Trina Ortega expensive than redeveloping areas already in use. However, each acre that is lost to buildings is an acre of lost wildlife habit or a lost opportunity,” said Aspen Valley Land Trust Executive Director Martha Cochran.
Carbondale’s geography may prevent some of that sprawl from taking place. However, another important element that factors into the picture is what type of land surrounds the town.
An aerial snapshot of Carbondale shows that the town is surrounded by a mix of privately held lots, large areas of public land, and ranch and agricultural property. Among that ranch land are some large parcels held in conservation easements, voluntary legal agreements that preserve private property for scenic open space, agriculture, wildlife and recreation. The town’s northern boundary is defined by Highway 82, the Roaring Fork River, the Red Hill recreation area, which is owned by the Bureau of Land Management, and relatively large private lots. To the west sits Colorado Rocky Mountain School, private homes and the large Crystal River Ranch that is under a conservation easement. To the south and southwest lie the BLM land of the Thompson Creek area, some private holdings and the Cold Mountain Ranch along Highway 133, which has been placed under a conservation easement. The BLM land of The Crown defines Carbondale’s southeastern and eastern borders, along with agricultural property under conservation easements (Flying Dog, Tybar and John Nieslanik ranches), in addition to private land such as the Considine family ranch and the odd Te Ke Ki subdivision, which contains more than 300 small lots but is land-locked by the Considine property. At a time when Americans are becoming increasingly aware of their need to be COMP PLAN page 9
THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 18, 2010 • 5
Scuttlebutt Send your scuttlebutt to Scuttlebutt@SoprisSun.com.
The March students of the month were announced at the town trustees’ meeting on March 9. They are, from left: Ethan Wexler, third-grader at Ross Montessori; Keanen Bell, second-grade student at Ross Montessori; Eryn Peterson, fourth-grade student at Crystal River Elementary; Zoe Hanlon, fourth-grader at the Carbondale Community School; and Aiden Foote, second-grader at Crystal River Elementary. Courtesy photo
Raising a stink!
Galloping into the championships
Has anyone wondered why the dead skunk in the middle of County Road 100, hasn’t been removed? Smashed, and ground into the pavement by thousands of cars, the body and the odor still remain in the middle of the road after at least a week. After consulting with The Sopris Sun’s personal wildlife adviser, if the remains aren’t disposed of by March 20, the first day of spring, the skunk odor will remain at that spot on CR100, forever. Please help Carbondale continue to smell good. The more folks that raise a stink with the GarCo road crew to maintain an odor-free road the better the chance it will get done.
Congrats to Carbondale equestrienne, Kristen Jacobson, who is on her way to the Interscholastic Equestrian Association’s National Championships, scheduled for April 21-25 at the Georgia International Horse Park. Kristen attends Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs and is a member of the school’s English riding team. Kristen recently scored impressive victories at IEA regional competitions in the junior varsity beginner and novice team flat classes. Good luck, Kristen!
The Native Gathering – revisited Organizers of the Native Gathering that was held in Carbondale in December are busy raising money to send Clifford Duncan to attend the XII Native Gathering in Cayambe, Ecuador, from March 18 to 22. He’ll be traveling with local historian Charlotte Graham of Marble. Following the gathering held here in Carbondale in December, an invitation was extended to Duncan to attend the Cayambe event and he accepted. According to local organizer Rita Marsh, this is an opportunity for Clifford to share his heritage, history and connection to our valley with the indigenous leaders who are gathering in Cayambe. Duncan will be sharing a ceremonial dance with the folks in Cayambe and he has offered to share it with Carbondalians on March 24 after he returns. Marsh, who helped organize the December gathering, had this to say about the upcoming trip: “The community of people who came together to organize the XI Native Gathering here have responded beautifully. We have raised half the cost of the airfares to date just through an e-mail and word of mouth campaign.” For more information, contact Rita at 963-1874.
A spring in their step Happy birthday to Jeff Kelley and Julie Oldham, the last of the Pisces people on the first day of spring.
He put them over the top The KDNK Spring Membership drive finally ended last week on a very high note that plucked at the heartstrings of a number of locals. This year’s goal of $60,000, the highest ever, was reached when an anonymous donor purchased a gold record in Ron Robertson’s name for $3,900. That amount will be paid out over three years, but the initial $1,300 pushed KDNK past the goal of its membership drive. There couldn’t have been a more appropriate finish for the fundraiser than to have Ron put KDNK over the top. Ron loved music and was a musician himself. He will now live on forever in the KDNK studio and in the hearts of the KDNK community. Rock on, Ron!
Carol’s artwork Lynn Kirchner is putting together a list of all of Carol Rothrock’s artwork for her family. Over the years, Carol’s work was donated to fundraisers, commissioned, purchased or given as gifts. If you happen to know where any of Carol’s art is currently living, please contact Lynn with any details. You can call her at 963-5155 or email her at lynnK@rof.net.
~ By Jane Bachrach (If you see her out and about, send your butt scuttling her way.) 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 18, 2010
Clay Boland Jr. talks jazz piano at Colorado Mountain College By Lynn Burton Special to The Sopris Sun Here are a few things you might not know about Clay Boland Jr.: He was accepted into Harvard law school in the early 1950s but veered from that career path after a fraternity brother suggested he read any page of any law book at random. “I wasn’t going to spend a lifetime reading that dull stuff,” Boland declared during an interview this week. In the 1960s, the man who later produced “Barefoot in the Park” offered Boland the opportunity to write the music for a Broadway play about the poet Robert Burns. But the script focused on the more bawdy side of one of Boland’s favorite poets. “So I refused,” he said. In the early 1970s, Colorado Mountain College offered Boland a job that required the applicant to be prepared to teach English, music appreciation, theater, literature, film and philosophy. “I told them I’m a little weak in philosophy but I can brush up,” he said. He accepted the CMC teaching position and held that post for 22 years before retiring in 1995. Boland may or may not refer to Harvard law school and other career paths not taken, but you can be sure he’ll talk plenty about piano jazz, its history and related topics during his presentation “All Jazzed Up!” at the Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley campus on Sunday. “Jazz is the art of improvisation,” Boland said. “I’ll improvise this Sunday in what I’m saying and the music.” Boland was born in Philadelphia in 1931. His father was a dentist and also a pianist who published more than 200 songs. “From a young age I heard dad play jazz, Gershwin and others,” Boland said. “I started playing when I was 3.” Boland, who lives outside Carbondale up Prince Creek, attended the University of Pennsylvania where he enrolled in the
Candidates weigh in
Ed Cortez continued
workforce, and as consumers who add to the general coffers as much as anyone else. As a town, we need to be inclusive and invite Hispanic businesses to the table when discussing our economic development plans. We need to recognize their importance as partners in our plans for economic recovery.
7 I have and always will be an advocate for affordable housing for our critical workers. Our present system puts the burden of our affordable housing needs on developers. The results are usually deed-restricted units that are as expensive as some free-market units. We need to develop a realistic housing affordability plan with prospective developers that actually adds affordable homes to our inventory. We need to require developers to consider adding a Real Estate Transfer Assessment (RETA) to each sale of free-market units to establish a fund for buydowns or purchase of land. We need to look regionally for affordable housing partners in the private and public sectors. Finally, we must acknowledge that there is an affordable housing problem.
university’s dental college “briefly” before settling on English. His musical career started blossoming when he was chosen to compose the music to the university’s annual“Mask and Wig” musical. Like other university productions, such as at Harvard and Princeton, the cast was all male with half dressed as female. “Nobody thought anything of it,”Boland said.“I missed being cast as a woman by a half inch. I was a half inch taller than Frank McConklin. The taller guys were cast as men.” After graduating from college, he enrolled in summer school in order to qualify for Georgetown medical school, where he had also been accepted. But the University of Pennsylvania’s medical classrooms overlooked the school botanical gardens and an early assignment was to dissect a cat. Outside was so nice and inside smelled of preserved cat. “So I put my cat back into the vat of formaldehyde, got up and said‘Gentlemen, goodbye,’”Boland said. On that note, he was off for New York City where he spent the next 15 years as a pianist, arranger and composer. Among his credits, he wrote the music for several summer stock productions plus offBroadway children’s productions. He even bought a guitar, learned “four or five chords” and recorded a rock ’n’ roll LP under an assumed name for Archie’s comics. “I don't think I ever got a copy of the record ... but I did get paid,” he said. After four years teaching at a small college in Pennsylvania, Boland applied for and received his post at Colorado Mountain College in 1973. Through the years, he taught a total of 30 courses, including medical terminology.“I’d taken Greek and Latin in school,” he said. On the musical end, Boland also started a student jazz ensemble, and produced and performed in many shows and concerts. A high point was performing George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with a complete orchestra. This Sunday afternoon, March 21, Boland will play and
continued om page 3
Stacey Patch Bernot continued
5 In the 2000 Comprehensive Plan,
the community determined that growth should be contained within a tightly defined urban growth boundary. As the town maintains this boundary, there is significant pressure for infill growth within town limits. Recently we have struggled with various infill applications and we have learned a great deal in the process. Fortunately, there are still opportunities in town for growth that is high quality and responsive to town needs. We need to use these opportunities to ensure that residential density includes: A) housing that meets the demand of the middle class and essential service providers; B) plans to meet the pressure that added population places on town services; C) a mix of uses that does not hinder the town from accomplishing its other important goals in the area of commercial uses and revenue. 6 All the above-mentioned issues are important and worthy of further conversation. The town needs to work with RFTA to streamline our bus system. The potential bus feeder route should be studied for efficiency and feasibility. Reduction of the number of full-size buses traveling in town is a possibility. We will continue our positive relationship with RFTA and identify strategies to help make our public transportation responsive to community needs yet consistent with the greater system effectiveness.
John Foulkrod continued
factor, and people will move to Carbondale or not based upon their desire to leave somewhere to come here. People often come to Carbondale to move closer to family members who may have decided to try the area. As long as I have been here, people who want to live in this community find a way. Carbondale absorbs a certain amount of new people in a given year, and loses a certain amount. Access to jobs and affordability are key components. Land use applications are not part of the equation in the immediate future, but are anywhere from five to 20 years out. Carbondale has never tried to control growth, but rather planned for it, and has tried to allow it to happen in a positive manner. 6 Some issues have gotten too much attention, like mandatory solar systems. I feel solar systems should be part of the Green Building Code and weighted with points to provide sufficient incentive. Not mandated.
I have been a supporter of a bus feeder system as I watch eight buses move through Carbondale every hour. At 10 minutes per bus per hour, RFTA buses spend an hour and 20 minutes in Carbondale every hour. It seems logical and economical to have one bus driving around Carbondale delivering people to the park and ride. I think the board was wrong to raise the affordable housing quota 7
explain piano-based jazz music from “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Sweet Georgia Brown” to Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rogers and Hart, and others. When asked, Boland said he might even play some boogie woogie. “I played boogie woogie when I was young,” he said.
Clay Boland Jr. will talk piano jazz this Sunday. Courtesy photo
Next Steps:
Listen to Clay Boland Jr. live at 2 p.m. at Colorado Mountain College’s New Space Theatre at Spring Valley on Sunday, March 21. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit Marble Charter School. For more information, call 947-8177.
Frosty Merriott continued
family and call home. A lot will also depend on several factors, which include, but are not limited to, the new 10-year Carbondale Comprehensive Plan (under way), the new 20-year Garfield Comprehensive Plan (under way), and our ability to attract and build a more sustainable economy transitioning from what has been a development-related economy. Let me stress, this does not mean no development but means diversifying our economy to one that is sustainable going into the future. 6 Sustainability has got to be the key word. We need to be focused and geared to transitioning our economy to one that is sustainable going into the future both economically and environmentally. We have seen that an economy built on risky loans, speculation, derivatives and credit swap defaults is not real nor is it sustainable. There is something also dreadfully wrong with a system where fish caught in Colorado lakes, fed by clear running Rocky Mountain streams, carry warnings that they are unsafe to eat. That is not sustainable. The demonizing of conservation by a previous administration does not excuse us all from demand side management and stewardship for those who will come after.
I would advocate for a lobbying effort at the state and national level to find and attract businesses that would help Carbondale in its transition to economic and environmental sustainability.
Elizabeth Murphy continued
come a solution rather than an impediment. 6 I feel one critical area we should focus on is bringing a sense of innovation and creation to our business community. We need to provide a framework for developing and recruiting new and unique businesses that reflect our community needs and values. 7 Yes. Carbondale can and should
provide affordable housing wherever it is possible. However, it still remains a challenge in many communities throughout the country.
Q&A page 15
THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 18, 2010 • 7
e wizards behind the scenes continued om page 1
An emerald cast adds to Heath Manning’s reputation as the “man behind the curtain.” It’s not all smoke and mirrors, though. Manning’s Halcyon Productions will help set the mood with lighting and audio effects at the Green is the New Black Fashion Extravaganza. Robin Proctor Photography
light and sound. The pair has been in the industry for 15 years, and their company, Halcyon Productions, has been in charge of sound for CCAH’s summer concert series and the Carbondale Mountain Fair for about four years. Working lights and audio is very much a behind-thescenes job. For the fashion show, Manning said his crew will start setting up at about 9 p.m. Thursday. They’ll be in before the crowds arrive and leave after they’re gone. “It’s very normal for us to work extremely odd hours. We’re the people that nobody sees. We’re the first ones into the venue and we’re usually the last ones out,” Manning said. An audience may not know or appreciate all that goes into setting the audio and lights for a show and often the work of a lighting technician goes unnoticed unless, of course, something goes wrong. On the other hand, when everything falls into place a venue can transform. That’s what Manning loves about the business. He said he chose Halcyon for the name of his company because of the way that word hearkens to “an idealized moment in time.” “We always have the ability to change it up. One of the big things is that we’re taking a venue that nobody knows about, in this case it’s a gymnasium, and for one night we’re completely transforming it into this fashion show and really blowing people’s minds,” Manning said. Playing with lights is one way the room gets transformed, and Halcyon will bring high-end equipment to create the perfect mood. For instance, magentas will add warm color and complement skin tones, Manning explained. Blues will give the room an icy cold feel. Special lighting on fabrics will change the look of a room, as will “gobos,” a template with a shape, pattern or text inserted into the lighting fixtures to add design and imagery to the venue. Critical on the front end, however, is an assessment of the electrical capabilities of the building, according to Manning. For the CCAH fashion show, they need to inventory every
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electrical item, down to the makeup mirrors and hair dryers. Even a coffee maker can blow a breaker and bring the whole show down, he said. Another important aspect of his job is to understand what the event is about so lighting and audio can be used to enhance the “party.” He says those considerations, as well as all the other work that goes on behind stage, will make an event memorable. “It really does take a lot of people to put on a show. Many more people than most of the public realize,” he said. “So if you like these types of events you should really support them [financially].” A variety of tickets for the event are available: VIP preferred seating costs $50 (includes two drinks and cocktail service throughout the show); main floor tickets are $30; and spots in the standing-room-only section go for $20. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased in person at CCAH or by calling 9631680 or 704-4190. Lynn Aliya, director of the Green is the New Black fashion show. Photo by Jane Bachrach
Next Steps:
Green is the New Black also presents a Trunk Show from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 21 at Akashic Collection, 327 Main St., featuring designs from the show and more.
Elect STACEY PATCH BERNOT Mayor of Carbondale
“Stacey will be an excellent Mayor for Carbondale. She represents and respects families and individuals that have lived in Carbondale for many years. She has ties to the agricultural community and cares about the land and the people taking care of it. She represents the younger generation that is so important to any community. Stacey speaks with politeness and clarity. She will do a wonderful job representing Carbondale.” – Tom & Roz Turnbull
Paid for by the committee to elect Stacey Patch Bernot, Tammy Nieslanik Treasurer
C’dale comp plan continued om page 5 more self-sufficient, open agricultural land is critical to a community’s long-term viability, Cochran says. “Without undeveloped land, we no longer have the opportunity to take care of our food, fuel and other needs,” she stated. “Even the wealthiest nation in the world cannot buy clean air, abundant water or healthy food; it has to create and protect those most valuable of resources community by community.” Open lands can provide space for solar plants, wind farms, biofuel production, community gardens and grazing land, argued Cochran, whose organization is the oldest land trust in Colorado and has helped conserve more than 30,000 acres in the Roaring Fork and upper Colorado river watersheds. A downside to a town with a tight boundary, however, can be a higher cost for housing, a dilemma from which Carbondale already suffers. Towns like Aspen, which is also partly constrained by its geography, and Boulder, which is bounded by public
open space, struggle with the same problem. “Some people say the high price of housing has to do with the strict regulations of where they will allow growth. Boulder has encircled their town with green space, which is a very positive thing for the community but it does have consequences. Once you reach capacity you have to start talking about redevelopment,” Cochran said. That is also why Cochran, who served six years on the Carbondale Planning & Zoning Commission, served on the Glenwood Springs City Council and holds a master’s degree in public policy, says individual citizens should get involved in comprehensive planning. At the citizen level, it’s about how a person wants to live his or her life. “For everyone it’s about how you want to live your life. What do you want your day to be like? How do you want your kids to get to school? How do you want to go from home to work? These are the kinds of things you can actually plan for.”
Next steps: Last Friday found Carbondalian Tommy Mann serenading at a downtown street corner. Though his guitar case was open, he said that really wasn’t the point – he just wanted to strum in the sunshine. Photo by Julie Albrecht
The Carbondale Planning & Zoning Commission has begun drafting a new town comprehensive plan and will be developing a process to solicit public involvement. The P&Z meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at town hall. Meetings are open to the public.
Saving time for the things you love most Real banking hours for real life Lobby hours: Auto bank hours:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
119 Mill St., Aspen • 970-544-2500 1201 Hwy. 133, Carbondale • 970-963-8737 Lobby hours: Auto bank hours:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
1542 Railroad Ave., Rifle • 970-625-6330 Lobby hours:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
71 Sipprelle Drive Ste. 2, Parachute • 970-285-7848 205 E. Meadows Dr., Glenwood Springs • 970-384-4470 wellsfargo.com
© 2010 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (127508_15518)
THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 18, 2010 • 9
Community Calendar THURS.–SAT. March 18–20 GLASS MENAGERIE • The Thunder River Theatre Company presents Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” at 7:30 p.m. More info and tickets: thunderrivertheatre.com, 963-8200.
THURSDAY March 18 GREEN REBATE INFO • The Garfield New Energy Economy Initiative (GNECI) invites contractors, solar installers and others to a meeting on local and state financing programs for energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub, Glenwood Springs. Free. RSVP: 704-9200, events@CleanEnergyEconomy.net. GREEN DRINKS • The Sustainability Center of the Rockies hosts a networking get together for NGOs, academia, government and business on the third Thursday of the month. This month: 5 to 7 p.m. at Russets, 225 Main St. More info: greendrinks.org. THURSDAY NIGHT BAR • Attorneys offer 15-minute consultations on divorce, custody, tenant rights and other civil issues at 5 p.m. at the Garfield County Courthouse in Glenwood Springs. Bring all pertinent documentation. Small donation requested, not required. More info: 945-8858. DIVORCE CLASS • Alpine Legal Services offers a Do it Yourself Divorce Clinic at 5 p.m. at the Garfield County Courthouse in Glenwood Springs. All necessary paperwork and information for divorce provided. Donation requested. More info: 945-8858.
To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Saturday. Events take place in Carbondale unless noted.
TECH TIPS • The Pitkin County Library offers its monthly training on a 21st century topic from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the library in Aspen. This month: genealogy research, tips for navigating to genealogy databases. Refreshments. STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 N. Fourth St. presents the unique, 7-piece Euforquesta at 8 p.m. $15. More info: euforquesta.com.
FRI.–FRI. MARCH 19-26 SPRING BREAK CAMP • The Snowmass Village Recreation Center hosts gym games, sports, video games and more from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ages 6 and up. More info: 922-2240.
FRIDAY March 19 BUSINESS MIXER • The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association hosts a Business After Hours networking event from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bishop Plumbing & Heating at 5080 County Road 154 in Glenwood Springs. Food and drink, prizes. More info: 945-6589. MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “Crazy Heart” (R) at 7:30 p.m. March 1925; and“An Education”(PG-13) at 5:15 p.m. March 20. STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 N. Fourth St. presents The Redtones at 8:30 p.m. $10, a benefit for Lift-Up. More info: 963-3304, stevesguitars.net. EQUINOX PARTY • Eco-Goddess Edibles at 335 Main Street hosts a party with music by DJ Luke from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Theme:
NON - STOP FLIGHTS Denver Atlanta Chicago Los Angeles Salt Lake City San Francisco CONVENIENT Four miles from
Aspen and ten miles from Snowmass Village. COMPETITIVE Served by Delta,
Frontier and United Airlines.
ASPEN/PITKIN COUNTY AIRPORT
ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE
Thanks for flying local!
Year-round noise monitoring, wind power purchase and recycling deicing fluids.
visit us at aspenairport.com
Rock Bottom Ranch
Spring Break Camp ages 7-11, 9am-2pm
March 22-26, March 29-April 2 Become a detective in the wild! Search for wildlife clues like coyote tracks, elk trails and a beaver lodge. Spot nesting red-winged blackbirds or maybe a bald eagle flying overhead.
Each day will have a different focus so come for one day, two days, or all week- Register Now!
970.927.6760 s aspennature.org 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 18, 2010
Rubik’s Cube, come dressed in cube colors and trade clothes to become all one color. Prizes. No cover with a costume. More info: 963-7316.
free family story time at 3:30 p.m. at The Lift at 433 Main St. Dress like a magical creature for a chance at a prize. More info: 618-6785, betsysbarefootbooks.com.
ELECTION FORUM • The Sopris Sun and KDNK News host a forum with the candidates of the 2010 Carbondale town election from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at town hall. More info: 618-9112 or 963-1039. (See page 3.)
MON.–TUES. MARCH 22-23
LIVE MUSIC • Rivers Restaurant at 2525 S. Grand Ave. in Glenwood Springs presents the Frustrations playing classic and modern rock at 9 p.m.No cover.More info: (970) 928-8813.
SATURDAY March 20 AARP DRIVER SAFETY • An AARP driver safety course for those 50 and older is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Colorado Mountain College’s Blake Center at 1402 Blake Ave in Glenwood Springs. $12 for AARP members, $14 for everyone else. More info: 384-4784.
AARP DRIVER SAFETY • An AARP driver safety course for those 50 and older is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. both days at Colorado Mountain College’s Blake Center at 1402 Blake Ave. in Glenwood Springs. $12 for AARP members, $14 for everyone else. More info: 384-4787.
MONDAY March 22 SPRING BREAK CAMP • Rock Bottom Ranch in Basalt offers a chance for exploration, storytelling, games and more in two weeks of camp, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., weekdays beginning March 22. Ages 7 to 11. More info: 927-6760, aspennature.org.
TUESDAY March 23
ESSENTIAL OILS • Angelique Fowler teaches a class in essential oils from 1 to 3 p.m. at Green Wellness in Glenwood Springs. Free. More info: (970) 402-1481, wakeupreiki.com.
TRUSTEES MEET • The Carbondale Board of Trustees meets at 6:30 p.m. at town hall.
SUNDAY March 21
ROTARY PRESENTATION • The Carbondale Rotary Club hosts a presentation on Roundup River Ranch, Paul Newman’s holein-the-wall camp, at the club’s weekly meeting, 7 a.m. at 300 Meadowood Drive. More info: 379-1436.
BENEFIT CONCERT • Lyricist, off-Broadway producer and former CMC professor Clay Boland presents a concert and talks jazz at 2 p.m. at Colorado Mountain College’s New Space Theatre at Spring Valley. $10. Proceeds benefit Marble Charter School. More info: 947-8177. STORYTIME • Betsy McMichael presents
WEDNESDAY March 24
PIZZA TUNES • Nate Biro plays covers and originals from 7 to 10 p.m. at White House Pizza at 801 Main Court. No Cover. More info: whitehousepizza.com or 704-9400.
Further Out
March 26
March 30
FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS • Mountain Family Health Centers conducts free, public health screenings from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mountain Family Health Center in Glenwood Springs. More info: 618-3159 sharla@mountainfamily.org.
TAI CHI • Senior Matters presents the first in a 12-week series of Tai Chi and Qigong classes for seniors with instructor Martin Finkelstein. $5 per class. Beginner class starts at 9 a.m., intermediate starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Senior Center in the Third Street Center. More info: 963-2536.
EVENING SONG • Colorado Mountain College hosts award-winning soprano Ilana Davidosn, mezzo Krista River and awardwinning tenor Jason McStoots with pianist Debra Ayers at 7:30 p.m. at the Spring Valley Center. Adults $20; students $5. More info and tickets: 947-8367. STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 N. Fourth Street presents the Defiance String Band. More info: 963-3304, stevesguitars.net.
March 26 – 27 LIVE JAZZ • The Jazz Aspen Snowmass Winter Jazz Series concludes with Cuban pianist Chuchito Valdes and trio at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. both nights. $30 per show. Tickets: 9204996, jazzaspen.org. More info: jazzaspen.org.
March 27 STEVE’S GUITARS • Steve’s Guitars at 19 N. Fourth St. presents Gregory Alan Isakov. More info: 963-3304, gregoryalanisakov.
March 28 LIVE POETRY • The Aspen Poets’ Society hosts an open mic with guest poet Peter “Rabbit” Bisset and singer songwriter Jon Lyman from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Markham’s Bar in Aspen. More info: 379-2136.
March 31 ROTARY PRESENTATION • The Carbondale Rotary Club hosts Erin Rigney with a presentation on Roaring Fork Leadership at the club’s weekly meeting, 7 a.m. at 300 Meadowood Drive. More info: (970) 379-1436. FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS • Mountain Family Health Centers conducts free, public health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, heart disease risk and more from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Glenwood Springs. More info: 618-3159, sharla@mountainfamily.org. MOVIE • The Roaring Fork Conservancy presents“Tapped,”an unflinching look at the unregulated and unseen world of the bottled water industry at 7 p.m. at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen. More info: 9271290, roaringfork.org/tapped.
April 6 MOVIE • The Roaring Fork Conservancy presents“Tapped,”an unflinching look at the unregulated and unseen world of the bottled water industry at 7 p.m. at the Church at Carbondale. More info: 927-1290, roaringfork.org/tapped.
Elect STACEY PATCH BERNOT Mayor of Carbondale
Ongoing FARMERS’ MARKET • The Carbondale Farmers’ Market is now accepting vendor applications for this summer, June 16 through Oct. 6. Applications due May 1. Vendors filling unique niches are encouraged. More info: carbondalefarmersmarket.com. FILM ENTRIES DUE • The student-run Rocky Mountain Student Filmfest is accepting entries to its 11th annual event. Submissions due by April 6. Entry forms and more info: studentfilmfest.org, 384-5963. CHOIR PRACTICE • The Aspen/Glenwood Community Chorus practices at the United Methodist Church from 6 to 8 p.m., Mondays, at 824 Cooper Ave. in Glenwood Springs, and from 5 to 7 p.m., Sundays, at the Aspen Community Church at 200 E. Bleeker St. in Aspen. No audition required. More info: 925-3685. CASTLE TOURS • Guided tours of the historic Redstone Castle are ongoing throughout the winter at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.Tickets: Tiffany of Redstone and the Redstone General Store. More info: 9639656 or redstonecastle.us.
shops from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through June at The Third Street Center. More info: randyvan@comcast.net. INTAKE • Alpine Legal Service offers intake to eligible clients from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays at the Garfield County Courthouse in Glenwood Springs and Tuesdays and Wednesday at the Pitkin County Courthouse in Aspen. More info: 945-8858, 920-2828. SUICIDE SURVIVORS’ SUPPORT • A support group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs, 824 Cooper St. More info: 9451398, pamsz@sopris.net HEART YOGA • Diane Agnello offers gentle yoga for cardiac health and stress reduction Mondays, March 15-29. More info: 384-7159. SPORTS • The Carbondale Recreation Department offers a range of youth activities. Spring offerings to be announced soon. More info: 704-4190.
CLAY CLASSES • The Carbondale Clay Center at 135 Main St. is now registering for its next eight-week class session for potters of all levels, adults and children. More info: 9632529, carbondaleclay.org.
BRAIN BAR • The Brain Bar at Youthentity offers one-on-one computer training with a knowledgeable student technician. $20/hour. Bring your computer or use one of Youthentity’s MacBooks. More info: 963-4055.
SINGING CLASS • Senior Matters and Betsy Schenck offer a beginning singing class Thursdays from 2 to 4 pm. Free. For location and more info: 963-2536.
ACOUSTIC CARNAHAN’S • Songwriter T Ray Becker hosts an acoustic music night with new musicians every week from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at Carnahan’s Tavern (formerly the Black Nugget), 403 Main St. More info: 963-4496.
STORIES FROM THE HEART • Senior Matters offers Stories from the Heart work-
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Community Briefs CCS stages Big Event The Carbondale Community School (CCS) students, faculty and parents are in a “New York State of Mind” for the 12th annual Big Event original production at 7 p.m. March 2425 at the school, 1505 Satank Road. CCS Principal Tom Penzel said the Big Event is a project that involves the entire school community and integrates all aspects of the curriculum. “Students write, produce and perform with the support and direction from teachers, parents and visiting artists. It is an intense three-week process that incorporates drama, dance, art and music into the daily schedule with language arts, social studies and math,” Penzel said. Filled with song and dance, musical numbers include snapshots of Grand Central Station, a sculpture garden, Radio City Music Hall, the United Nations, and Times Square. There is also a serious look at homelessness and a glimpse of the Grammys and a fashion show, complete with runway. Tickets are $12/adult and $6/children (12 and under) and are on sale at the school and at the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center on Colorado Avenue. For more information about “New York State of Mind,” call 963-9647.
Senior Matters starts book club Senior Matters is starting a new book club in Carbondale. The first meeting is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 30 at the Senior Center at 520 Third St. Participants should bring a brown bag lunch. For details, call 963-2536.
TDC seeks filmmakers The Thompson Divide Coalition (TDC) needs a 3-minute film to show as a trailer at the 5Point Film Festival in Carbondale.TDC, which seeks to protect public land in the Thompson Creek area from gas drilling, has been chosen as the featured nonprofit at the festival. The film must be ready by April 19. TDC is looking for a local filmmaker or film crew to put together an overview of the what TDC has been doing, why it has been doing it, and what it needs to do to be successful. For more information, call Lisa Moreno at 355-4223 or Judy Fox Perry at 963-2464 or visit savethompsondivide.org.
Arbor Day poster contest In collaboration with the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities, the Carbondale Tree Board is seeking submissions from student artists in Carbondale for artwork to be featured on the poster for this year’s Arbor Day on April 24. The tree board is seeking submissions that feature trees, leaves, and roots or the planting of trees. Color artwork is preferred but all media will be accepted. Artwork should ideally be rectangular in shape so it can be easily sized for a 16-by-20-inch poster. Last year four young artists were selected. Approximately 40 posters will be displayed throughout Carbondale during April with the winning artists acknowledged on the poster. The successful artists also will be honored at a lunch at River Valley Ranch on April 24 and will receive an honorarium of $25 each. Submissions are due April 9 at the CCAH office. Selections will be made April 12. The winner(s) will be notified on April 13.All submissions will be returned to the artists.
For further information, contact Genevieve Villamizar, Carbondale Tree Board member, at 963-7055 or CCAH Executive Director Ro Mead at 963-1680.
GSHS presents ‘Bye Bye, Birdie’ About 50 students from Glenwood Springs High School are participating in a production of “Bye Bye, Birdie,” a musical comedy with music by Charles Strouse, based on the book by Michael Stewart. Director Kate McRaith describes the musical as a funny, energetic look at the departure of Conrad Birdie, an Elvis Presley-style rock ’n’ roll star who is drafted in 1958 and must bid adieu to his teeny-bopper fan base, friends and loved ones. The production is filled with well-known hits, McRaith said. “Bye Bye, Birdie” will play at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 19 and 20, at Glenwood Springs High School in Glenwood Springs. Tickets are $8 for students and $15 for adults and are available at the doors, which open at 6 p.m. For more information, call 384-5555.
Medical pot in the workplace The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association will host a free panel discussion about medical marijuana in the workplace as part of its “Eye on the Economy” series. The guest speakers are attorneys Daniel C. Wennogle of Balcomb & Green, P.C., and Don J. Kaufman. Kaufman specializes in workers’ comp cases representing injured workers, while Wennogle specializes in civil and commercial law, typically advising and representing businesses, employers and landowners. With medical marijuana use becoming increasingly prevalent, employers need to know what the law does and does not say regarding medical marijuana use by employees. The goal is to help employers and landlords learn where and how the issues surrounding medical marijuana use by employees might impact their practices and expose them to potential liability. The seminar will be from 8 to 10 a.m. March 18 at the Glenwood Springs Community Center, 100 Wulfsohn Road. It is open to the public and is free to chamber members and $10 for nonmembers. Register at glenwoodchamber.com/seminars or by calling the chamber at 945-6589. Email questions for the discussion to joni@glenwoodchamber.com in advance.
Rotary accepting grant applications The Carbondale Rotary is now accepting grant applications from organizations whose missions focus on the Roaring Fork Valley and Carbondale community. All applications will be reviewed, but projects that have a direct, immediate, and identifiable long-range benefit to the quality of life in the mid-valley area of Carbondale, El Jebel, and Basalt and coincide with Rotary International’s goals of literacy, health, hunger, water management, and youth services will receive greater consideration. Rotary funds will be used for the purchase of physical or tangible items for these projects. The application deadline is April 28, and the grants will be awarded June 2. Applications are available at Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave., by calling Andy White at 274-2157, and online at rotarycarbondale.org. The Carbondale Rotary meets at 7 a.m. every Wednesday at the Carbondale Fire House off Highway 133.
Lady Rams open soccer season with nail-biter By Dave Ritchie Special to The Sopris Sun The Roaring Fork girls’ soccer team launched its 2010 campaign March 14 with a valiant effort that fell just short with a 1-0 loss to Aspen. With only three senior starters and as many as seven freshmen on the field at times, the young Lady Rams battled evenly into the final minutes of the contest before conceding the game’s only goal. Each team’s goalie got plenty of action, with many scoring chances for both teams throughout the battle. RFHS benefited mid-way through the first half from two wide open misses by the Aspen strikers, but that was the last time the Skiers got loose behind the Ram defense, which tightened up and shut down each threat as the game wore on. The Lady Rams offense, led by Adriana Romero, had several of its own scoring opportunities, but just couldn’t apply the finishing touch on the ball. Several times the Aspen goalie was forced to venture far from her net to clear the ball from RFHS’ determined attack. With only 10 minutes left in the game, Aspen connected on a couple of passes near the top of the penalty area to open up a shot on the goal. Despite a div-
ing effort from senior goalkeeper Alli Zeigel, the ball just barely found the lower corner of the net. The goal seemed to give the Aspen squad a taste of blood in the water and for a few minutes it looked as if they might run away with the game, pounding several more chances toward the Carbondale goal with a sudden breeze at their back. With increasing desperation, Zeigel and the defense turned each new Aspen effort aside. After withstanding several minutes of the Aspen flurry, the Rams regained their composure and fought back for several chances of their own in the closing minutes. However, the clock was against them and time expired before they could find an equalizer. In the junior varsity match, the Aspen girls proved their depth and handled Roaring Fork with a 4-0 win, despite excellent play from freshmen Mia Wedemeyer and Madison Handy. The varsity Lady Rams went up against Vail Mountain on Tuesday, March 16, and won 1-0. The junior varsity squad lost 0-2. The next games are at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 20, at home against Coal Ridge, followed by a Tuesday, March 23, game versus Grand Valley away.
Carbondale
Lady Rams Megan Gianinetti and Shiloh Merriott run down an Aspen attacker. Photo by Dave Ritchie
Other upcoming prep sports: Track (coed) March 20 at Delta March 23 at Lake County
Girls Tennis March 23 at Glenwood Springs March 27 at Glenwood Springs
Boys Baseball March 27 doubleheader against Meeker at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at RFHS April 3 doubleheader against Gunnison at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at RFHS
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THE SOPRIS SUN • MARCH 18, 2010 • 13
Letters continued om page 2 than the Pitkin County plan, which would bring new human activity onto the north flanks of Mount Sopris and seriously harm wildlife. We wholeheartedly concur with DOW’s analysis, and hope that it will prompt Pitkin County to re-evaluate its position and endorse the new compromise proposal. The wildlife gains from this exchange are tremendous, and protecting the Sutey Ranch in public ownership will be a huge plus for our valley. While Pitkin County is correct in wanting to safeguard public land in our area, their acre-for-acre approach to this particular exchange is unwarranted. It is not just the number of acres exchanged that matters, but rather the value of those acres in terms of benefits to wildlife, recreation and biological diversity. The BLM acres surrendered in this exchange have relatively low biological value, little public access, and will be protected by a permanent conservation easement. Indeed, all acres in this entire exchange will forever remain in open space, and will be withdrawn from oil and gas development, and be off limits to any residential development. The above considerations led us to endorse the earlier exchange proposal, and are why we now endorse it even more enthusiastically. We thank Pitkin County for pressing hard for additional improvements in the exchange. However, this matter has been debated for a year, and we now respectfully request Pitkin County to join Garfield and Eagle counties, the town of Carbondale, and numerous conservation organizations in sup-
porting the revised exchange proposal. It is simply too important to our valley for this to be delayed further. Bob Millette, Conservation Chair Roaring Fork Sierra Club Group
Keep Two Shoes parcel public Dear Editor: The Sutey/Two Shoes trade has people eager to give up beautiful Sopris lands and healthy big horn sheep, elk and deer habitat for John Sutey’s wonderful irrigated bowl, at two public acres for one private. The call to give away the Sopris land has come with the thought that if it is privatized it will somehow be better for the wildlife. Though Pitkin County has thoughtfully put together a plan that equitably adds to the public domain a critical sheep habitat above Potato Bill Creek and a much needed access way for forest officials to manage the herd, the thought has been injected that the sheep are better off on private lands, managed by the owner. It is important to note that the herd would be vulnerable to lucrative hunts. See High Country News’ “Prodigal Dogs” to learn how large spreads are managed as private hunting grounds. Once the ownership is contiguous, a new owner will manage his land as he sees fit. The thought that the land being in private hands somehow protects the herd is manufactured and ludicrous. I know of no private landowner that doesn’t feel that his property
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can be altered at whim. Be it having enough pets to turn a yard into a dustbowl, to razing a meadow and forest for planting familiar landscapes. We do as we please on our personal property. There is very little opportunity for public enforcement on private lands. This is even truer on inaccessible land where the owner aggressively excludes the public and double gates and double locks it. Let’s support the people that have been paid and elected to negotiate on our and our wildlife’s behalf, and help PitCo to defend an equitable transfer of our public assets for a win-win deal. John Hoffmann Carbondale
A low tow? Dear Editor: On Saturday night, Feb. 2, my wife, Hannah, and two-year-old son stopped by City Market to grab some groceries. When she tried to back out, our car died and Hannah was unable to get it out of gear. She had no choice but to call a friend and get a ride home. Before leaving the parking lot, she walked around looking for any signs indicating that the car might be towed, but there were no signs. When Hannah got home, we called a friend who has lived in Carbondale 20 years, and he assured us that he’s parked his car at City Market overnight many times. The next morning I was surprised to find that the car had been towed. I talked to the
manager at City Market, and she informed me that the parking lot is a private enterprise, and that the manager is “notorious about towing cars these days.” I called him several times, but he didn’t return my calls until 9:30 p.m. In the meantime, I found our car. It had been towed to the impound lot in Basalt, and the charge was $256. I was concerned that it would require another tow to our mechanic at Carbondale Car Care, located across the street from City Market. This would bring the charge to around $400. When I finally talked to the manager, I told him that the charge seemed exorbitant, and that our family (like many others these days) couldn’t afford to pay that kind of fee on top of the repairs our car obviously needed. He asked what I thought he should do, and I said that he should reduce the fee. He said, “I’m not going to take money out of my pocket to give to you.” The next morning I went to City Market and took photos of the parking lot that clearly show the lack of signage. I went to the Carbondale police department and asked them if it was legal to tow a car when there are no signs posted. One of the officers said, “They can do whatever they want.” I don’t have a problem paying a reasonable fine. I am, however, concerned that other folks will suffer the same egregious penalty. The amount charged is simply unfair, especially given the lack of signs and the history of leniency. Jeff Jackson Carbondale
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A boy, his dog, and all those gardens
Q&A continued om page 7
There was a boy who often walked his dog through the older neighborhoods of town. Fido loved huge expanses of grass. At the sight of an unfenced yard, he just had to zig zag through it; and, oh, those smells! The boy loved looking at all the old gardens. As his dog would stop to sniff or lift a leg, the boy would “garden,” fixing this and that in his mind. He didn’t necessarily see each yard for real; he felt them through some sort of archetypal romanticism. Through heavy-lidded and dreamy eyes, the boy saw the ideal of things: perfection and grandeur – on a small scale, of course. It was, after all, just a small ol’ town. There were a few yappers by Geneviève Joëlle along the way that went nuts Villamizar at the sight of the boy and his dog. These high-strung things would race along, barking and showing their teeth. Sometimes they practically bounced off the fence. It was fun for the boy and Fido to watch. For this reason, they made sure to walk this way each day. Because the boy and his dog had this regular route, over time, the boy became quite bothered by a few ickys in some of the gardens he passed. He just wanted to fix them. One place sadly seemed abandoned: day or night, nary a soul or even a light. It was a deep, dark mystery. “Who even mows the lawn?” he asked Fido, for it was always trimmed. It was a lovely old home, a crumbling sagging brick bungalow with a huge deep porch. He imagined a little old lady, in a dress and apron, having planted the beds alongside it lifetimes ago.
7 The market has adjusted the values of real estate dra-
Getting Grounded
He loved that about these walks; he could imagine anything. He had stories for a lot of his favorite places. The little old lady had an ancient Terebithia of a tree, stretching up up up into the sky. In the spring, drooping ivory blossoms perfumed the very air in which the boy and dog would linger. After the magic aroma had passed and the blossoms faded, he noticed large dead branches hanging within the cradle of its canopy. Maybe if he knocked on her door, she’d let him help her tree?“I don’t think there’s anyone in there,”Fido sadly told him. There was a bunch of ickys at the post office, too. One super hot day, the boy saw a drip sprinkler still spraying the gravel instead of the flowers. He turned the nozzle on to the plants so his dog could lie on the cool wet rocks while the boy visited with the mail lady. Maybe he could volunteer community service here? After ducking around that same ol’ pokey branch by the door, he asked Miss Mail, “Who takes care of the grounds?” She explained it was a government contract and you had to “put in a bid”or something. It made him bonkers that the landscapers were so technically challenged, they added costs by doing it wrong. He vowed to come in the dark of night and at least prune that pokey branch before someone lost an eye. Did they have security cameras, he wondered? The boy and his dog lived in a townhouse alongside the highway. Fido didn’t have his own grassy yard in which to race around, bark or show his teeth. The boy didn’t have his own garden in which to make mistakes. So he dreamed through other people’s gardens. On his rounds with Fido, he didn’t really care that the hacks tending the post office cut the flower buds off the forsythias every year or that taxes were used to ensure that they never bloomed their clear golden yellow flowers again (inhale) and he also knew there wasn’t much he could do when it came to other folks’ yards. Except … except when Fido grumped a growler in their garden. That he could fix! Geneviève is on mental holiday. Her golden retriever, Zoë, has submitted his first short story in her absence.
Stacey Patch Bernot continued
matically in the last two years. Still, home prices are higher than many middle class families can afford. We need to work to ensure that new housing includes attainable housing. Prices for new housing are influenced by both the market and the product types we approve for development. Attainable housing means more than affordable housing as defined by code. With attainable housing, we are more likely to keep a diversity of citizens in town. We should strive to help our critical workers from traveling great distances to work here in Carbondale even if they don’t fall within the established Community Housing Guidelines.
John Foulkrod continued
from 15 percent to 20 percent on new development. The cost added to free market units is considerable. I would suggest allowing new development to give developed lots to qualified individuals or families and allow them to build their own home and take advantage of sweat equity. This would reduce the cost to the developer and the homeowner, and test the level of commitment of the affordable housing applicant.
Frosty Merriott continued
7 The town needs a dedicated fund for affordable housing to take advantage of opportunities for bonding or just buying down units for critical employees, such as police and public service employees, and for those that drive other parts of our economy such as nonprofit workers. The other part of this puzzle is to find a way to provide affordable rental housing for those for whom ownership is not a possibility, but renters also need to have quality living opportunities.
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Specializ ing in solar ho t water and radiant heat Patrick Johnson 970-618-1768 p 970-963-4867 f
687 Colorado Ave. Carbondale, CO 81623 solarflair@sopris.net