Vail Daily letter: Really? A Target?

Although there hasn't been much agreement over the past three years on Eagle River Station, I think both parties agree on one thing: the land parcel is one of the best in the Eagle Valley. Most of us against this project are not against development. However, we feel that Eagle could and does deserve better than a project which can be found in any town across the country. If it really is the best parcel for development in the valley, we should be able to demand something that will not only provide the sales tax revenue needed but will also be a regional attraction.

One of the best ideas I have heard is an outdoor land which would house a unique architectural greenhouse, a fishing and educational lodge, and other outdoor learning facilities. The greenhouse could be both public and private. The public portion could generate revenue for the town by charging tax on the goods of the plots they utilize. The private portion could generate the same type of revenue by selling the produce to the local restaurants and grocery stores. The fishing and educational lodge could be used to attract tourists and regional students for education purposes on gardening, fishing and other outdoor activities which represent this area.

So much time and energy has been spent on fighting this project, which is as undeserving as possible for the parcel in the valley. No time has been spent on ideas which are both sustainable and that will push Eagle into being one of the complete treasures of Colorado.

We can and do deserve better. No to ERS!