NEWS: Wednesday early release debate continues, A5
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VOL. 144 NO. 9 | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 | $1.00
No snow? No skiers Winter visitation falls amidst dry spell, economic uncertainty Bella Biondini Times Editor
When Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s lift lines are long, many of those skiers are weekend warriors from the Front Range who — like moths to a flame — obsessively watch the weather and follow the snow. But with a tourism base that’s influenced by the snow forecast, the prolonged dry spell at the start of the year meant fewer skiers made the trek to the mountain this winter. In the past, Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) has been a destination resort, the allure of the extreme terrain attracting winter vacationers from around the country. These skiers, less keen on watching the weather, tended to book Skiers A6
DRAGON DANCE: The Guiding Mountain Dragon & Lion Dance Association made appearances during two Western Colorado University basketball games on Feb. 22 to celebrate the Lunar New Year. For more, see A9. (Photo by Mariel Wiley)
Starview sketch plan not yet approved
INSIDE
TODAY NEWS: Avalanche claims life of CB resident, A8
COMMUNITY: GHS Blossom Club fosters friendship, B1
Developer proposes new setbacks and wildlife corridor space Dave Pinkerton Times Staff Writer
SPORTS: GHS girls basketball extends win streak, B4 OBITUARIES A3 OPINION A4 CLASSIFIEDS A15-A17 SPORTS B4 ONLINE GUNNISONTIMES.COM
The Gunnison County Planning Commission voted unanimously to close the public hearing for the Starview development proposed near Crested Butte South and then adjourned. The commission neither denied or approved the project. Starview developer Harrison Land Development can modify the proposal and reapply for another public hearing. The Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners first held a joint public hearing on the Starview subdivision application on Dec.
19 and the hearing was continued on Feb 6. The applicant did not, prior to the February meeting, submit any new information, response or changes to the proposed application. During the meeting, Gunnison County commissioners still raised concerns about the development’s compatibility with community character, the inclusion of commercial buildings, its affordability and permeability for wildlife. The current proposal plans for 129 residential lots — 84 single- family homes and 40 multifamily units. The proposal also includes 12 commercial units and an area of high- density housing, containing 44 units, 22 of which will be deed restricted. In the current proposal, the maximum size would be close to 2,500 square feet and the minimum 800 square feet. During the December public meeting, commissioners and over 70 members of the public considered the sketch plan for the development. Planning commission staff summarized pub-
lic and commissioner concerns, which largely focused on whether the development was compatible with community character issues such as fields for sports events, open space, and connectivity to Crested Butte South.
“I’m more interested in an application that is complete and thorough and full and responsive.” Jonathan Houck County commissioner The proposed major impact development would be located on a 96-acre parcel along the southeast corner of Hwy. 135
and Cement Creek Road, near Crested Butte South. The new subdivision would exist entirely between the East River and Hwy. 135. County Commissioner Laura Puckett-Daniels expressed her concern about the potential cost of the larger houses. “I can't see a way that a home that is 2,500 square feet with a two-car garage would be under $1 million,” she said. In the two-hour meeting, project representative Gary Hureski presented changes to the sketch plan. The sketch plan is part of a three-step approval process, which includes a sketch plan, a preliminary plan, and a final plan. Application fees are associated with each phase. Only major impact projects require this multi-step approval process. The Starview plan did not progress to the preliminary plan phase. Changes presented by the developer included modifying Starview A7
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