Aspen’s elected officials are moving to temporarily ban residential redevelopment in the city, citing the detrimental effects it is having on the community.
The proposed worker-housing development for East Cooper Avenue is back to the drawing board after the Aspen Historic Preservation Commission voted 2-2 on the project Wednesday.
Court action attempting to derail a Cooper Avenue worker-housing project faces skepticism from one judge who recently suggested the lawsuit is on shaky legal ground.
Carolyn Sackariason / The Aspen Times
A changing of the guard occurred Tuesday in the chambers of Aspen City Council as its newest member John Doyle was sworn into office and his predecessor, Ann Mullins, stepped down after serving for eight years.
Incumbent Ward Hauenstein also was sworn in to serve a second four-year term. He and Doyle were the highest vote-getters in the March election, beating out six other candidates.
Doyle and Hauenstein offered some comments after being sworn in, both in agreement in that they are honored and humbled to be elected as public servants.
“I’m looking forward to working with you all over the next four years and I am really excited to be working with staff,” Doyle said.
Aspen City Council declined on Tuesday to move toward a change in the rules that would have allowed high density development on lots that are smaller than the current minimum of 6,000 square feet.
The proposed code amendment, which was brought forward by a land use consultant representing a real estate developer, had too much opposition by residents and potential problems for neighborhoods, council members said during their regular meeting.
Since public outreach began by BendonAdams on behalf of Tri Dal Real Estate, Ltd. earlier this year, dozens of letters to the editor have been published in local newspapers and opinions shared with city staff voicing opposition to the proposal.