Letters to the editor

An open letter to the Eagle County Board of Commissioners: I cannot begin to express my disappointment in the results of (the recent) Tuesday meeting and your decision to approve Adam’s Rib’s amended plan. I can’t believe you allowed the density shift that you did without one single question/comment during deliberation regarding the density requested on Frost Creek. The previously approved application allowed a golf course, 60 homes and 30 accessory dwelling units to be built there, period. Mr. Kummer moved 20 previously approved units from Salt Creek, added 16 unapproved more units for good measure, and created five single free-standing guest cottages without so much as a comment from one of you about density. The applicant’s representatives never even took the time to make a proper layout of the new plan that would have given a much clearer idea of where all this is supposed to fit. Instead, they provided a faintly outlined overlay of how they squeezed those 126 dwelling units into the Frost Creek property, with only one comment from Commissioner Menconi, “How’d you do that?” The only answer provided was from fellow Commissioner Gallagher, gesturing with two hands as you would wad up a piece of paper, indicating they just scrunched it all in. That was it! There was no question about what percentage increase in density does this represent, or no question as to why the 16 new lots should replace what was previously touted as precious open space and wildlife habitat, or why five individual cabins should replace five attached accessory units. There was more deliberation that afternoon over a cow barn than this project, which will begin the backfill of development over an eight-mile stretch of the Brush Creek Valley to The Terrace.I’m also disappointed that our new commissioner-to-be, Peter Runyon, appeared for the politically charged discussion about the livestock pavilion, but left without hearing any discussion about Frost Creek, which could possibly be in front of him for a final decision. And to hear you, Commissioner Stone, during the fair board discussion, apologize for neglecting the agricultural community, while effectively covering it up with development, was self-serving to say the least.What’s done is done. I only hope that during the final phases of this development you will encourage your staff to assure every “T” is crossed and that the developer has in fact complied with the conditions of approval. Personally, I think they received very preferential treatment with an approval in spite of all of the last-minute private negotiations with staff, incomplete studies and responses, and promises that “we can work this out.” I’ll bet a lot of other developers would have appreciated that sort of leeway. I also feel the town of Eagle needs to be required to participate in resolving traffic impact issues, particularly at the school crossing intersection of Capitol and Brush Creek. Issues with the school board are still glaringly unresolved, and I ask you please give the remaining processes the scrutiny they deserve.P.S.: To the editor, how can it be that there was no coverage of this important decision, but twice since that recent Tuesday there have been articles about the politically charged fairgrounds building. But since it wasn’t important enough to have a reporter there, I guess it isn’t important enough to print. How times change in Eagle. Rosie ShearwoodBrush CreekTop non-profitThe Vail Valley Chamber & Tourism Bureau (VVCTB) is pleased to announce that the Eagle Valley Land Trust has been named the 2004 Non-Profit Organization of the Year. The announcement is part of the annual Success Connection Awards, honoring the best local business practices in six different categories.The Eagle Valley Land Trust was among 13 non-profits nominated for the award. The awards committee, comprised of representatives from VVCTB partner businesses, selected the Land Trust for its significant accomplishments and community impact in 2004. This year, the Land Trust successfully preserved the 4,830-acre Bair Ranch as open space in Eagle County. In less than nine months, the organization raised over $1.3 million for this effort. The initiative will sustain the land and connected ecosystems and save the local economy significantly in taxes and costs associated with development. Nominees for the Non-Profit of the Year award were evaluated on several criteria including service to their constituency, involvement with the local business community, community impact, quality of contribu-tion to the local community, fulfillment of mission, reputation of the organization and financial viability. Only 2004 accomplishments were taken into account. The Eagle Valley Land Trust was selected from a group of notable non-profits from around the valley. Award nominees included the Snowboard Outreach Society, Meet the Wilderness, Vail Symposium, Vail Valley Charitable Fund, Gore Range Natural Science School, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the Literacy Project, Vail Valley Foundation, Vail Valley Charitable Fund and the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival. The remainder of the Success Connection Awards – including Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Customer Service of the Year, and Emerging Business of the Year – will be announced at the Roaring ’20s Gala event on Friday, Jan. 28, with Bill Clarke from Denver’s Channel 7 as the emcee. A portion of the proceeds for the event will be donated to the Eagle Valley Land Trust.We hope you’ll join us for the announcement of the rest of the Success Connection Awards at the Roaring ’20s Gala and congratulations again to the Eagle Valley Land Trust.Frank JohnsonPresident, Vail Valley Chamber & Tourism BureauMy life at the shelterMy name is Hubert, I am a dog currently calling my home the Eagle County Animal Shelter. I would just like to tell you a little bit about my life. Animal Services picked me up with another dog, but my family never came to get me at the shelter. I thought I would be really unhappy living in a kennel, but it is so much better than trying to find my own food. But boy, I was lucky to end up at the Eagle County Animal Shelter. Every morning my kennel gets cleaned, if my bed is dirty it gets washed, I get a clean water bowl and a bowl of food. Then, along with the other dogs, I get to go to our dog park and chase a Frisbee, balls, play with my friends or just hang out with a Pen Pal participant or volunteer. After this, I usually need a nap, so I come inside and give one of my friends the opportunity to take a turn. Later in the day, after my nap, I get to do this all over again. My favorite time outside is watching my buddies Kelly, Boo-Boo and Yogi chasing each other around the dog park. Every Thursday morning my personal trainers, Mark and Jenna, along with volunteers and Pen Pal participants, come to spend the morning teaching us manners. Sometimes, we pretend we don’t know what “sit” means, but we are working on being better students. Of course it would be wonderful if someone would come to give me a permanent home of my own. So come see me and my friends. And help support us by donating treats, toys and blankets which we really appreciate having! Call 328-PETS to make a donation! Hopefully waiting, Hubert. Canine Translation courtesy of the Eagle Valley Humane Society.Char Quinn, DirectorAnn Loper, Board of DirectorsVail Colorado