An environmental assessment of a potentially $105 million project to widen one or both bores of the Twin Tunnels just east of Idaho Springs is now in the early stages, following the work of a “visioning task force” earlier this year.
Colorado Department of Transportation officials said if all goes smoothly crews could start work on the project as early as spring or summer 2013.
“Taxpayers want to see something done,” CDOT mountain corridor manager Jim Bemelen said. “We've been studying a long time.”
A team of experts convened in February to determine possible solutions for the Twin Tunnels recommended an estimated $55 million plan to widen the eastbound bore from two to three lanes.
But with extra money potentially available, some CDOT officials are hoping to double the project's cost and scope to widen both tunnels to three lanes.
“If we're out there anyway, we've got the tunneling expert out there, we've got a detour set up … (we) might want to consider adding the westbound bore,” Bemelen said of the suggestion made to the transportation commission that will ultimately decide on the scope of the project.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Swan Mountain Road Bike Path Complete
SAPPHIRE POINT — Under blue skies and sunshine Friday morning, some 40 people from various public agencies, private groups and bike clubs stood atop Swan Mountain, snacking on cookies and lemonade and gazing at a red ribbon and, beyond it, a very long-awaited bike path.
County commissioners and others close to the $4.6 million dollar process of constructing a bike path between Summit Cove and Farmer's Korner cut the ribbon in a short ceremony Friday morning and officially opened the last section of the path cyclists have waited nearly 10 years to see completed.
Officials called the project, which was finished $8 million short of initial projections and was funded with help from a number of private and public entities, a testament to Summit County's ability to collaborate.
“(This is) one more example of how well we all work together and how we all get along,” County Commissioner Thomas Davidson said at the ceremony. “It's not like this everywhere. It's a special place.”
Crews began working on the last leg of a bike path, which now completely circles Dillon Reservoir, in May. The path runs separate from the street for a short stretch near Sapphire Point and rejoins Swan Mountain Road as a roadside bike lane down to Farmer's Korner. Planning for a bike path that would go over Swan Mountain began in 2003, when initial estimates put the total cost close to $12 million. The county began tackling the project slowly, laying down the 1.7 mile Lowry section in 2007. In late 2009 they tried to take up the project again, but work was stalled by snow. The Sapphire section was finally completed in July of 2010, followed closely by the .8-mile stretch at Summit Cove completed the same year.
“It was a lot of hard work and people working creatively together to make all of the sections come together,” County Commissioner Karn Stiegelmeier said just before the ribbon was cut. “It takes not just a village. This project took an entire state.”
The path was constructed with contributions from the towns of Breckenridge and Frisco, subsidies from county government, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Parks and even Great Outdoors Colorado, the organization that distributes money from the Colorado Lottery — a representative of which called Summit County's “one of the best trail systems in Colorado.”
Though maybe one of the best in the state, Summit County's trail system is not finished, speakers at the ceremony promised.
County officials said they plan to put down a 1.5-mile path near the Conoco gas station at Copper Mountain, which will cross to the other side of the river to enhance biker safety up to Highway 91. CDOT is expected to make shoulder improvements to Hwy. 91 for the safety of cyclists this summer as well.
Officials also talked about working with Park County to construct a bike path over Hoosier Pass and with Leadville on a safe and complete path over Fremont Pass.
County commissioners and others close to the $4.6 million dollar process of constructing a bike path between Summit Cove and Farmer's Korner cut the ribbon in a short ceremony Friday morning and officially opened the last section of the path cyclists have waited nearly 10 years to see completed.
Officials called the project, which was finished $8 million short of initial projections and was funded with help from a number of private and public entities, a testament to Summit County's ability to collaborate.
“(This is) one more example of how well we all work together and how we all get along,” County Commissioner Thomas Davidson said at the ceremony. “It's not like this everywhere. It's a special place.”
Crews began working on the last leg of a bike path, which now completely circles Dillon Reservoir, in May. The path runs separate from the street for a short stretch near Sapphire Point and rejoins Swan Mountain Road as a roadside bike lane down to Farmer's Korner. Planning for a bike path that would go over Swan Mountain began in 2003, when initial estimates put the total cost close to $12 million. The county began tackling the project slowly, laying down the 1.7 mile Lowry section in 2007. In late 2009 they tried to take up the project again, but work was stalled by snow. The Sapphire section was finally completed in July of 2010, followed closely by the .8-mile stretch at Summit Cove completed the same year.
“It was a lot of hard work and people working creatively together to make all of the sections come together,” County Commissioner Karn Stiegelmeier said just before the ribbon was cut. “It takes not just a village. This project took an entire state.”
The path was constructed with contributions from the towns of Breckenridge and Frisco, subsidies from county government, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Parks and even Great Outdoors Colorado, the organization that distributes money from the Colorado Lottery — a representative of which called Summit County's “one of the best trail systems in Colorado.”
Though maybe one of the best in the state, Summit County's trail system is not finished, speakers at the ceremony promised.
County officials said they plan to put down a 1.5-mile path near the Conoco gas station at Copper Mountain, which will cross to the other side of the river to enhance biker safety up to Highway 91. CDOT is expected to make shoulder improvements to Hwy. 91 for the safety of cyclists this summer as well.
Officials also talked about working with Park County to construct a bike path over Hoosier Pass and with Leadville on a safe and complete path over Fremont Pass.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Silverthorne Flood Worries Subside
After a week of heavy rain and high water, inflows to the Dillon Reservoir are beginning to drop off to less alarming levels, Denver Water announced Thursday, allowing Silverthorne residents to breathe a sigh of relief.
“We've been fortunate not to experience any significant flooding problems in Silverthorne with the higher flows we've seen over the last week,” Silverthorne spokesman Ryan Hyland said in an email. “We are pleased to see the Dillon Reservoir inflows dropping and we're hopeful that we will soon see flows in the Blue coming down.”
Despite the decline in water levels, a National Weather Service flood advisory remains in effect on the Blue River in central Summit County through 1 p.m. today.
Denver Water officials reported water flowing into the reservoir dropped to just over 1,950 cubic feet of water per second (cfs) from the nearly 2,200 cubic feet per second dumping into the lake early this week.
The reservoir is now less than a foot from its capacity, and when it fills completely Denver Water will have to release as much water out of the reservoir as is flowing into it.
The utility company has kept outflows at just under 1,900 cfs — slightly more than the lower Blue River's 1,800 cfs capacity — this week in an attempt to avoid releasing heavier flows downstream when the reservoir fills.
With Thursday's waning inflows, it looks like they may have succeeded.
“If the inflow continues to decline, we should soon feel comfortable reducing the outflow to the Blue River,” Denver Water raw water supply manager Bob Steger said in an email Thursday.
But with scattered thunderstorms in the forecast through the weekend, the situation remains tentative for Silverthorne.
“Although Denver Water may soon be able to reduce the inflow into the Blue, the flows will still be fast and high for quite some time,” Hyland said.
Summit County is facing a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms today, according to the National Weather Service, and the same forecast continues throughout the weekend, with rain possible between noon and midnight Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures could approach 80 degrees both days.
Dillon Reservoir isn't the only Colorado reservoir filling up quickly this year. Carter Lake, a Bureau of Reclamation reservoir near Berthoud, is also completely full ahead of schedule, and Horsetooth Reservoir west of Fort Collins is expected to reach capacity in less than two weeks, according to information reported by the Loveland Reporter Herald.
The two lakes are filling with Western Slope snow melt, carried east by a system of pipes, tunnels and rivers to Larimer County.
The lakes haven't been this full in seven years, according to the Reporter Herald.
“We've been fortunate not to experience any significant flooding problems in Silverthorne with the higher flows we've seen over the last week,” Silverthorne spokesman Ryan Hyland said in an email. “We are pleased to see the Dillon Reservoir inflows dropping and we're hopeful that we will soon see flows in the Blue coming down.”
Despite the decline in water levels, a National Weather Service flood advisory remains in effect on the Blue River in central Summit County through 1 p.m. today.
Denver Water officials reported water flowing into the reservoir dropped to just over 1,950 cubic feet of water per second (cfs) from the nearly 2,200 cubic feet per second dumping into the lake early this week.
The reservoir is now less than a foot from its capacity, and when it fills completely Denver Water will have to release as much water out of the reservoir as is flowing into it.
The utility company has kept outflows at just under 1,900 cfs — slightly more than the lower Blue River's 1,800 cfs capacity — this week in an attempt to avoid releasing heavier flows downstream when the reservoir fills.
With Thursday's waning inflows, it looks like they may have succeeded.
“If the inflow continues to decline, we should soon feel comfortable reducing the outflow to the Blue River,” Denver Water raw water supply manager Bob Steger said in an email Thursday.
But with scattered thunderstorms in the forecast through the weekend, the situation remains tentative for Silverthorne.
“Although Denver Water may soon be able to reduce the inflow into the Blue, the flows will still be fast and high for quite some time,” Hyland said.
Summit County is facing a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms today, according to the National Weather Service, and the same forecast continues throughout the weekend, with rain possible between noon and midnight Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures could approach 80 degrees both days.
Dillon Reservoir isn't the only Colorado reservoir filling up quickly this year. Carter Lake, a Bureau of Reclamation reservoir near Berthoud, is also completely full ahead of schedule, and Horsetooth Reservoir west of Fort Collins is expected to reach capacity in less than two weeks, according to information reported by the Loveland Reporter Herald.
The two lakes are filling with Western Slope snow melt, carried east by a system of pipes, tunnels and rivers to Larimer County.
The lakes haven't been this full in seven years, according to the Reporter Herald.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Silverthorne Still Safe from Flooding
SILVERTHORNE — Overnight, water has flooded the banks of the Blue River in Silverthorne, swamping bike paths in some areas and creeping closer to the yards of houses along the water.
The Town of Silverthorne closed the river between 6th Street and the dam to recreational users except for kyaks Saturday as enough water to exceed the Blue River's 1,800 cubic feet per second (cfs) capacity was released from the Dillon Reservoir to avoid a more dire flooding situation in the next week or two.
There have not been any problems in town and it does not currently appear that Denver Water will be forced to raise downstream water levels any higher, according to Silverthorne chief of police Mark Hanschmidt,
“We're just keeping a watchful eye on the river, that's the most important thing,” he said. “The community awareness is pretty high, so I feel good about that.”
He said the town's primary concern now is keeping bridges clear and keeping people away from the swift water.
Water levels are expected to reach their highest point at night, when Straight and Willow creeks, tributaries of the Blue River, reach their peaks between 10 p.m. and midnight. Silverthorne is working with Denver Water to ensure the utility reduces the water released from the reservoir during those hours.
“They want to make sure they're doing the right thing and not flooding people out,” Hanschmidt said. “So they're going to back the outflow out of the reservoir a little bit to take into consideration the increased flows from Straight Creek and Willow Creek. Everybody's safety is No. 1.”
Denver Water made the decision Friday to begin releasing more water from the reservoir, in order to keep levels as low as possible while runoff and this week's rain water flow into the lake at an alarming 2,500 cfs. When the reservoir hits capacity, which could happen in the next week, the utility will have to release exactly as much water out of the reservoir and down into Silverthorne as is flowing into it.
Saturday, Denver Water allowed water levels flowing into the lower Blue River to hit 1,900 cfs, on par with 1995, when unlucky spring weather patterns resulted in a fast snow melt and similar flooding concerns to this year's. In 1995, the act now, stay dry later strategy worked. County and town officials are hoping the same will be true this year.
The Town of Silverthorne closed the river between 6th Street and the dam to recreational users except for kyaks Saturday as enough water to exceed the Blue River's 1,800 cubic feet per second (cfs) capacity was released from the Dillon Reservoir to avoid a more dire flooding situation in the next week or two.
There have not been any problems in town and it does not currently appear that Denver Water will be forced to raise downstream water levels any higher, according to Silverthorne chief of police Mark Hanschmidt,
“We're just keeping a watchful eye on the river, that's the most important thing,” he said. “The community awareness is pretty high, so I feel good about that.”
He said the town's primary concern now is keeping bridges clear and keeping people away from the swift water.
Water levels are expected to reach their highest point at night, when Straight and Willow creeks, tributaries of the Blue River, reach their peaks between 10 p.m. and midnight. Silverthorne is working with Denver Water to ensure the utility reduces the water released from the reservoir during those hours.
“They want to make sure they're doing the right thing and not flooding people out,” Hanschmidt said. “So they're going to back the outflow out of the reservoir a little bit to take into consideration the increased flows from Straight Creek and Willow Creek. Everybody's safety is No. 1.”
Denver Water made the decision Friday to begin releasing more water from the reservoir, in order to keep levels as low as possible while runoff and this week's rain water flow into the lake at an alarming 2,500 cfs. When the reservoir hits capacity, which could happen in the next week, the utility will have to release exactly as much water out of the reservoir and down into Silverthorne as is flowing into it.
Saturday, Denver Water allowed water levels flowing into the lower Blue River to hit 1,900 cfs, on par with 1995, when unlucky spring weather patterns resulted in a fast snow melt and similar flooding concerns to this year's. In 1995, the act now, stay dry later strategy worked. County and town officials are hoping the same will be true this year.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Possible Silverthorne Flooding
A rainy week in Summit County may bring on the flooding local officials have been waiting for and trying to avoid.
In the wake of a week of thunderstorms, Denver Water is preparing to release enough water from Dillon Reservoir downstream today to overflow the banks of the Blue River in Silverthorne.
“With all the rain we've been having it's causing some extra problems,” assistant county manager Thad Noll said. “It also causes snow to melt faster. That's the double whammy of rain.”
Denver Water has kept reservoir levels low all season, anticipating high runoff levels after record snowfall last winter, but heavy rain this week has increased inflows to the lake, raising water levels and leaving Denver Water and Silverthorne with a tough choice: release slightly more water than the Blue River can handle now and buy some time keeping the reservoir levels as low as possible, or keep controlling the outflow from the lake and be faced with a lot more water coming downstream when the reservoir finally fills.
The Blue River, downstream from the dam, can officially handle about 1,800 cubic feet of water per second (cfs). But current inflows to the reservoir are exceeding 2,400 cfs and once the reservoir fills completely, that is exactly how much water will have to be released downstream.
“Once the reservoir fills, then water in equals water out,” Noll said. “So sometimes raising (outflows) a little higher than 1,800 might be the better option.”
To keep reservoir levels as low as possible and put off the reality of so much water flooding the Blue River in the coming weeks, Denver Water expects to increase outflows to 1,900 cfs today.
“If (they) don't raise it, Silverthorne could have a problem later on,” Noll said.
Citizens and businesses in Silverthorne, particularly those along the Blue River should be prepared, officials stated in a Friday-night release, for high water over the next few weeks.
Denver Water has taken similar precautionary measures before, raising outflows as high as 1,902 cfs in 1995 when inflows peaked at more than 3,400 cfs.
In the wake of a week of thunderstorms, Denver Water is preparing to release enough water from Dillon Reservoir downstream today to overflow the banks of the Blue River in Silverthorne.
“With all the rain we've been having it's causing some extra problems,” assistant county manager Thad Noll said. “It also causes snow to melt faster. That's the double whammy of rain.”
Denver Water has kept reservoir levels low all season, anticipating high runoff levels after record snowfall last winter, but heavy rain this week has increased inflows to the lake, raising water levels and leaving Denver Water and Silverthorne with a tough choice: release slightly more water than the Blue River can handle now and buy some time keeping the reservoir levels as low as possible, or keep controlling the outflow from the lake and be faced with a lot more water coming downstream when the reservoir finally fills.
The Blue River, downstream from the dam, can officially handle about 1,800 cubic feet of water per second (cfs). But current inflows to the reservoir are exceeding 2,400 cfs and once the reservoir fills completely, that is exactly how much water will have to be released downstream.
“Once the reservoir fills, then water in equals water out,” Noll said. “So sometimes raising (outflows) a little higher than 1,800 might be the better option.”
To keep reservoir levels as low as possible and put off the reality of so much water flooding the Blue River in the coming weeks, Denver Water expects to increase outflows to 1,900 cfs today.
“If (they) don't raise it, Silverthorne could have a problem later on,” Noll said.
Citizens and businesses in Silverthorne, particularly those along the Blue River should be prepared, officials stated in a Friday-night release, for high water over the next few weeks.
Denver Water has taken similar precautionary measures before, raising outflows as high as 1,902 cfs in 1995 when inflows peaked at more than 3,400 cfs.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Second Phase of the Valley Brook Attainable Housing Moving Forward
The Town of Breckenridge is pressing forward with the second phase of the Valley Brook attainable housing neighborhood while increased its subsidy of four of the 20 homes making them Housing and Urban Development (HUD) low-income units.
“There is a lot of demand for HUD low income and (we got) very favorable pricing for the construction,” Breckenridge spokeswoman Kim DiLallo said. “It's going to be better for the town's finances in the long run.”
The town council also considered the importance of avoiding competition with Wellington homes on the market in a slightly higher price range when deciding to convert the units to HUD low income. The competition of government-subsidized housing with fair-market units is a common complaint from local real estate professionals.
“There is a lot of demand for HUD low income and (we got) very favorable pricing for the construction,” Breckenridge spokeswoman Kim DiLallo said. “It's going to be better for the town's finances in the long run.”
The town council also considered the importance of avoiding competition with Wellington homes on the market in a slightly higher price range when deciding to convert the units to HUD low income. The competition of government-subsidized housing with fair-market units is a common complaint from local real estate professionals.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Lowe's Home Improvement Store for Silverthorne?
After roughly 18 months of planning, permitting and coordination, ground has been broken in Silverthorne for a Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, though controversy still looms in the background with a citizens' lawsuit yet to play out.
After the original lawsuit — essentially a dispute over a zoning technicality — was dismissed April 19 by District Court Judge Karen Romeo, Lowe's officials closed on purchasing the old Vista Subaru building and its land along Buffalo Mountain Drive at the gateway to Wildernest for nearly $4 million. In May, company officials and contractors met with the Town of Silverthorne to coordinate road construction with building construction.
Since then, attorney Rob Waterman has refiled his case against the town, now with 23 plaintiffs instead of four. The goal, he said, is to establish standing — or, prove these residents' property values and quality of life are directly and negatively impacted by the big box's presence — and move onto the argument about Silverthorne's zoning classification for the store.
Town manager Kevin Batchelder said he and the town council are disappointed about the case being refiled.
After the original lawsuit — essentially a dispute over a zoning technicality — was dismissed April 19 by District Court Judge Karen Romeo, Lowe's officials closed on purchasing the old Vista Subaru building and its land along Buffalo Mountain Drive at the gateway to Wildernest for nearly $4 million. In May, company officials and contractors met with the Town of Silverthorne to coordinate road construction with building construction.
Since then, attorney Rob Waterman has refiled his case against the town, now with 23 plaintiffs instead of four. The goal, he said, is to establish standing — or, prove these residents' property values and quality of life are directly and negatively impacted by the big box's presence — and move onto the argument about Silverthorne's zoning classification for the store.
Town manager Kevin Batchelder said he and the town council are disappointed about the case being refiled.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Art and Wildflower Celebration
Art and Wildflower Celebration - July 7 - 10
Celebrating art, nature and outdoor recreation with something for everyone; featuring plein air painting and art show, guided wildflower hiking and biking, art workshops and demonstrations, and more.
Where: Arts District of Breckenridge & Edwin Carter Museum.
For more information please call: 970-453-3875
Celebrating art, nature and outdoor recreation with something for everyone; featuring plein air painting and art show, guided wildflower hiking and biking, art workshops and demonstrations, and more.
Where: Arts District of Breckenridge & Edwin Carter Museum.
For more information please call: 970-453-3875
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Must Love Dogs!
Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 6 - Must Love Dogs!
Children will learn about Steven Huneck and George Rodrigue who have made themselves famous with their dog-inspired paintings and prints. Children will create their own dog paintings and prints. A live dog model will be provided!
Where: Fuqua Livery Stable
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
Cost: $25, includes all materials
More information: 970-453-3364
Children will learn about Steven Huneck and George Rodrigue who have made themselves famous with their dog-inspired paintings and prints. Children will create their own dog paintings and prints. A live dog model will be provided!
Where: Fuqua Livery Stable
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
Cost: $25, includes all materials
More information: 970-453-3364
Monday, July 04, 2011
Arapahoe Basin Closes for the Season - Finally!
ARAPAHOE BASIN — About 4,000 skiers and snowboarders got in one last day on the slopes on Independence Day, the last day of the season at Colorado's Arapahoe Basin ski resort.
Resort spokeswoman Kimberly Trembearth says it's the latest the resort has closed since 1997, when it kept running till Aug. 10.
In 2003, the resort stayed open till July 2. It usually stays open until early June.
Arapahoe Basin is known for opening early and closing late because of its elevation, which captures snow sooner and holds onto it longer than many other resorts. The resort's high point is 13,050 feet above sea level.
Arapahoe Basin's website says it averages 350 inches of snow a year. The resort also uses snow-making equipment.
Resort spokeswoman Kimberly Trembearth says it's the latest the resort has closed since 1997, when it kept running till Aug. 10.
In 2003, the resort stayed open till July 2. It usually stays open until early June.
Arapahoe Basin is known for opening early and closing late because of its elevation, which captures snow sooner and holds onto it longer than many other resorts. The resort's high point is 13,050 feet above sea level.
Arapahoe Basin's website says it averages 350 inches of snow a year. The resort also uses snow-making equipment.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Joint Upper Blue Master Plan Update
An update to the Joint Upper Blue Master Plan, a intergovernmental agreement guiding all planning matters in the Upper Blue Basin, was approved Thursday after months of negotiation among local governments and planners.
The master plan, first adopted in 1997, provides broad guidance for planners from the county and towns of Breckenridge and Blue River as well as the Upper Blue Planning Commission on development issues with the goal of preserving the basin's natural resources and community character.
“This plan is proof that jurisdictions can work together toward a common goal in the best interest of all three communities,” Breckenridge Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron stated in a town release. “It will protect the interests of the citizens in the Upper Blue Basin for years to come, helping to guide the amount and type of development we will see in the basin in the future, as well as goals toward transportation and transit, open space and trails, water protection, affordable workforce housing and so on.”
The sweeping intergovernmental agreement was due for a revision, officials said, that would bring it up to date with current conditions, concerns and build-out estimates in the valley.
Like the original document, which froze the basin's development potential — measured in density units — the updated draft seeks ways to reduce the current potential build out of the basin in an effort to preserve community character and quality of life.
Final approval of the updated master plan was not easily won, as the parties involved struggled with how to resolve some issues, including ways of mitigating the impacts of affordable housing, one of the few exceptions to the document's freeze on the creation of new development space.
“It is an important plan for the area as it identifies what the community will look like in 10 or 20 years,” Joint Upper Blue update committee and former Upper Blue planning commissioner Robin Theobald stated in the release.
The Upper Blue Basin includes unincorporated Summit County from Farmer's Korner to the Hoosier Pass summit as well as parts of the towns of Breckenridge and Blue River. The master plan serves as a guiding document for planning and development in the basin, used by the Upper Blue Planning Commission, the Summit Board of County Commissioners and the planning commissions and governments of Blue River and Breckenridge as a reference for planning decisions.
The master plan, first adopted in 1997, provides broad guidance for planners from the county and towns of Breckenridge and Blue River as well as the Upper Blue Planning Commission on development issues with the goal of preserving the basin's natural resources and community character.
“This plan is proof that jurisdictions can work together toward a common goal in the best interest of all three communities,” Breckenridge Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron stated in a town release. “It will protect the interests of the citizens in the Upper Blue Basin for years to come, helping to guide the amount and type of development we will see in the basin in the future, as well as goals toward transportation and transit, open space and trails, water protection, affordable workforce housing and so on.”
The sweeping intergovernmental agreement was due for a revision, officials said, that would bring it up to date with current conditions, concerns and build-out estimates in the valley.
Like the original document, which froze the basin's development potential — measured in density units — the updated draft seeks ways to reduce the current potential build out of the basin in an effort to preserve community character and quality of life.
Final approval of the updated master plan was not easily won, as the parties involved struggled with how to resolve some issues, including ways of mitigating the impacts of affordable housing, one of the few exceptions to the document's freeze on the creation of new development space.
“It is an important plan for the area as it identifies what the community will look like in 10 or 20 years,” Joint Upper Blue update committee and former Upper Blue planning commissioner Robin Theobald stated in the release.
The Upper Blue Basin includes unincorporated Summit County from Farmer's Korner to the Hoosier Pass summit as well as parts of the towns of Breckenridge and Blue River. The master plan serves as a guiding document for planning and development in the basin, used by the Upper Blue Planning Commission, the Summit Board of County Commissioners and the planning commissions and governments of Blue River and Breckenridge as a reference for planning decisions.
Friday, July 01, 2011
A Full Slate for the Fourth in Summit County
Frisco
Today
3-10 p.m. — Extreme Ink Festival at Summit Blvd and Marina Road, rides and carnival games for all ages
Saturday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Extreme Ink Festival at Summit Blvd and Marina Road, rides and carnival games for all ages
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 3rd Annual Downtown Frisco Art Fair on July 4th Weekend, 304 Main Street
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Founders Day, Frisco Historic Park — This fun-filled day at the park will have activities for the young and old alike as well as refreshments and ice cream for sale with proceeds benefiting the Summit County Preschool.
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Donkey rides, face painting, sidewalk chalk art and gold panning at the historic park
11 a.m. to noon — Entertainment, The Legendary Ladies at the historic park
Noon to 1 p.m. — Entertainment, Summit Concert Band at the historic park
1–1:45 p.m. — Entertainment, The National Repertory Orchestra at the historic park
2–2:45 p.m. — Entertainment, The Legendary Ladies at the historic park
3 p.m. — Entertainment, Luv Brothers at the historic park
Sunday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Extreme Ink Festival at Summit Blvd and Marina Road, rides and carnival games for all ages
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 3rd Annual Downtown Frisco Art Fair on July 4th Weekend, 304 Main Street
Monday
8 a.m. — Pancake Breakfast — 3rd Avenue and Granite, benefits team Summit
9-11 a.m. — Kids Fishing Derby — Meadow Creek Park (Kids must bring poles)
10-11 a.m. — Summit Concert Band at the Frisco Historic Park
11 a.m. to noon — Timberline Toppers at Frisco Main Street
12:30 p.m. — Fourth of July Parade on Main Street from Madison to 6th Ave.
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Money Shot at the historic park gazebo
7-9 p.m. — Opie Gone Bad at the Frisco Bay Marina
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks over Frisco Bay Marina. Fireworks are choreographed to patriotic music and simulcast on Krystal 93 (93.9 or streaming on www.krystal93.com)
Dillon
Today
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Farmers Market On Buffalo Street
7-9 p.m. — Friday Night Concert at the Amphitheatre featuring the Nacho Men
Saturday
10-11:30 a.m. — Saturday Morning Adventures, Tales from the Past: A perspective on the Dillon Cemetery, meet at Marina Park by the concession stand at the amphitheatre
4-9:45 p.m. — Never Forget Our Soldiers: An Evening of Tribute featuring United States Air Force Academy Band & Randall McKinnon, at the amphitheatre
Sunday
7-9 p.m. — Doo Wop Denny's Rockin Oldies Show, island shirt night, at the ampitheatre
Monday
10 a.m. — National Repertory Orchestra, Dillon Amphitheatre. Start your Fourth with this fabulous NRO show. Come early as seats fill fast.
11 a.m. — BOCCE tournament registration, play starts at 12:30 p.m., at Dillon Town Park. Play as either a team or an individual.
Noon — Children's bike decorating and parade, town park. Decorations supplied with participation awards for everyone and top honors for the best of the best.
Noon — Apple pie eating contest, town park
Noon — Watermelon eating contest, town park
Noon — Children's crafts, town park, supplies provided.
Noon — Meet Zinnia the police horse and Sgt. Kipple, town park. Collect Zinnia's trading cards and learn about the important work of a police horse.
3 p.m. — Boat parade on Lake Dillon, Marina Park. Cheer on decorated boats as they compete for top honors in the annual boat parade. (Best seats near Crow's Nest.)
7 p.m. — USO Show: Reveille 3, Dillon Amphitheatre. Step back in time to an era of swing music and GI's! This original show is inspired by and pays tribute to the 1940s and WWII through the music made popular by the Andrews Sisters.
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks display, Marina Park. Enjoy spectacular fireworks over Frisco Bay, Lake Dillon (time approximate).
Breckenridge
Saturday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Arts District Grand Celebration at the Corner of S. Ridge Street and E. Washington Ave. Open studios, artist demonstrations, make and take art projects for children, music, dancing and more. This is a grand celebration for the arts.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 28th Breckenridge July Art Festival, at Main Street Station, free admission. Features more than 80 juried artists from around the country.
7:30 p.m. — NRO Concert “Music of Hollywood,” at the Riverwalk Center. Corigliano - Red Violin, Broughton – Themes from Silverado, Conti – “Gonna Fly” from Rocky, Williams – Jaws, Herman – Psycho, Badlet, arr. Rickets – Pirates of the Caribbean and Gershwin – An American in Paris.
Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 28th Breckenridge July Art Festival, at Main Street Station, free admission. Features more than 80 juried artists from around the country.
Monday
7 a.m. — Independence Day 10K Trail Run. This scenic 10k trail running race offers up some of the best views in the Breckenridge area, while finishing just in time to catch the Main Street parade and other festivities. Register at www.townofbreckenridge.com or call (970) 453-1734.
9 a.m. — Fourth of July Garden Party. Annual Breckenridge Heritage Alliance Garden Party at the Barney Ford House Museum. Watch the Breckenridge Fourth of July parade in style from the best view on Main Street. Cost $15/$40/$75 reservations required. Call 970.453.9767 for more information.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 28th Breckenridge July Art Festival, at Main Street Station, free admission. Features more than 80 juried artists from around the country.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence by George Washington (C.J. Mueller): Following the parade in the Blue River Plaza.
12:30-2:30 p.m. — Kids' Water Fight on Main Street. Kids can join the Red, White & Blue Fire Dept. in an old time water fight. Free.
12:30-3 p.m. — Viper ‘Show and Shine' - Vipers will be parked on Main Street allowing spectators to view the cars.
2 p.m. — Rusted Root at the Riverwalk Center.
8:30-9:30 p.m. — Fire dancing show by Cosmic Fire Dance, Main Street by the Welcome Center.
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks display, downtown Breck, it will be most visible from the Riverwalk Center lawn, the Blue River Plaza and Main Street National Repertory Orchestra patriotic concert will be simulcast in the Blue River Plaza at the same time.
Keystone
Today
10-10:40 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. — The Red Cape — Keystone Children Theatre, Quaking Aspen Amphitheatre.
7 p.m. — Comedy Night featuring Guy Seidel and Marcus, Warren Station at Keystone in Keystone's River Run Village.
Saturday
3:30 p.m. — River Run Rocks, River Run center. Free concert featuring Five 13 & The Six Million Dollar Band.
9 p.m. Fireworks following the River Run Rocks concerts.
Monday
8 a.m. — Kid's fishing derby, Lakeside Village. Registration at 8 a.m., fishing at 9 a.m. for kids 13 & under.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — KidsFest, River Run Village. Enjoy a petting zoo, train rides, caricatures, face painter, balloon artist, crafts, games, mascots Olivia and Oliver, spin art, kids' show, bounce houses and more.
9 p.m. — Fireworks
Copper Mountain
Today
5 p.m. — Jeremy Dion at Green Fariy
Saturday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — SPORTS Expo at the Pavilion lawn
9 a.m. — 10K race
10 a.m. — Kids' Primp My Ride Decorating at West Lake. Decorate your bike, skateboard or roller skates with recycled and reused decorating supplies.
11 a.m. — Kid Powered Parade led by the Copper Mountain Fire Department
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Copper's Conscious Carnival — Solar bubble tower, cosmic fire, poi spinning, juggling, giant mural, hula hoop workshops, face painting and kids' story telling.
Noon — Kids' Mini-Marathon (1/3 mile ages 3-10yrs)
Noon — Free Family Concert — The Salteens
1 p.m. — Big wheel rally, kids and adults
4-6 p.m. — Spin Cycle with DJ Laundry on West Lake
6-8 p.m. — Free concert on Burning Stones Plaza main stage, The Salteens
8-9 p.m. — Spin Cycle with DJ Laundry on West Lake
9 p.m. — Fireworks
Sunday
9 a.m. — 1/2 marathon race start
9:15 a.m. — Copper 5k Start
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Live music with Jeremy Dion at Incline Bar & Grill
Today
3-10 p.m. — Extreme Ink Festival at Summit Blvd and Marina Road, rides and carnival games for all ages
Saturday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Extreme Ink Festival at Summit Blvd and Marina Road, rides and carnival games for all ages
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 3rd Annual Downtown Frisco Art Fair on July 4th Weekend, 304 Main Street
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Founders Day, Frisco Historic Park — This fun-filled day at the park will have activities for the young and old alike as well as refreshments and ice cream for sale with proceeds benefiting the Summit County Preschool.
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Donkey rides, face painting, sidewalk chalk art and gold panning at the historic park
11 a.m. to noon — Entertainment, The Legendary Ladies at the historic park
Noon to 1 p.m. — Entertainment, Summit Concert Band at the historic park
1–1:45 p.m. — Entertainment, The National Repertory Orchestra at the historic park
2–2:45 p.m. — Entertainment, The Legendary Ladies at the historic park
3 p.m. — Entertainment, Luv Brothers at the historic park
Sunday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Extreme Ink Festival at Summit Blvd and Marina Road, rides and carnival games for all ages
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 3rd Annual Downtown Frisco Art Fair on July 4th Weekend, 304 Main Street
Monday
8 a.m. — Pancake Breakfast — 3rd Avenue and Granite, benefits team Summit
9-11 a.m. — Kids Fishing Derby — Meadow Creek Park (Kids must bring poles)
10-11 a.m. — Summit Concert Band at the Frisco Historic Park
11 a.m. to noon — Timberline Toppers at Frisco Main Street
12:30 p.m. — Fourth of July Parade on Main Street from Madison to 6th Ave.
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Money Shot at the historic park gazebo
7-9 p.m. — Opie Gone Bad at the Frisco Bay Marina
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks over Frisco Bay Marina. Fireworks are choreographed to patriotic music and simulcast on Krystal 93 (93.9 or streaming on www.krystal93.com)
Dillon
Today
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Farmers Market On Buffalo Street
7-9 p.m. — Friday Night Concert at the Amphitheatre featuring the Nacho Men
Saturday
10-11:30 a.m. — Saturday Morning Adventures, Tales from the Past: A perspective on the Dillon Cemetery, meet at Marina Park by the concession stand at the amphitheatre
4-9:45 p.m. — Never Forget Our Soldiers: An Evening of Tribute featuring United States Air Force Academy Band & Randall McKinnon, at the amphitheatre
Sunday
7-9 p.m. — Doo Wop Denny's Rockin Oldies Show, island shirt night, at the ampitheatre
Monday
10 a.m. — National Repertory Orchestra, Dillon Amphitheatre. Start your Fourth with this fabulous NRO show. Come early as seats fill fast.
11 a.m. — BOCCE tournament registration, play starts at 12:30 p.m., at Dillon Town Park. Play as either a team or an individual.
Noon — Children's bike decorating and parade, town park. Decorations supplied with participation awards for everyone and top honors for the best of the best.
Noon — Apple pie eating contest, town park
Noon — Watermelon eating contest, town park
Noon — Children's crafts, town park, supplies provided.
Noon — Meet Zinnia the police horse and Sgt. Kipple, town park. Collect Zinnia's trading cards and learn about the important work of a police horse.
3 p.m. — Boat parade on Lake Dillon, Marina Park. Cheer on decorated boats as they compete for top honors in the annual boat parade. (Best seats near Crow's Nest.)
7 p.m. — USO Show: Reveille 3, Dillon Amphitheatre. Step back in time to an era of swing music and GI's! This original show is inspired by and pays tribute to the 1940s and WWII through the music made popular by the Andrews Sisters.
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks display, Marina Park. Enjoy spectacular fireworks over Frisco Bay, Lake Dillon (time approximate).
Breckenridge
Saturday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Arts District Grand Celebration at the Corner of S. Ridge Street and E. Washington Ave. Open studios, artist demonstrations, make and take art projects for children, music, dancing and more. This is a grand celebration for the arts.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 28th Breckenridge July Art Festival, at Main Street Station, free admission. Features more than 80 juried artists from around the country.
7:30 p.m. — NRO Concert “Music of Hollywood,” at the Riverwalk Center. Corigliano - Red Violin, Broughton – Themes from Silverado, Conti – “Gonna Fly” from Rocky, Williams – Jaws, Herman – Psycho, Badlet, arr. Rickets – Pirates of the Caribbean and Gershwin – An American in Paris.
Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 28th Breckenridge July Art Festival, at Main Street Station, free admission. Features more than 80 juried artists from around the country.
Monday
7 a.m. — Independence Day 10K Trail Run. This scenic 10k trail running race offers up some of the best views in the Breckenridge area, while finishing just in time to catch the Main Street parade and other festivities. Register at www.townofbreckenridge.com or call (970) 453-1734.
9 a.m. — Fourth of July Garden Party. Annual Breckenridge Heritage Alliance Garden Party at the Barney Ford House Museum. Watch the Breckenridge Fourth of July parade in style from the best view on Main Street. Cost $15/$40/$75 reservations required. Call 970.453.9767 for more information.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 28th Breckenridge July Art Festival, at Main Street Station, free admission. Features more than 80 juried artists from around the country.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence by George Washington (C.J. Mueller): Following the parade in the Blue River Plaza.
12:30-2:30 p.m. — Kids' Water Fight on Main Street. Kids can join the Red, White & Blue Fire Dept. in an old time water fight. Free.
12:30-3 p.m. — Viper ‘Show and Shine' - Vipers will be parked on Main Street allowing spectators to view the cars.
2 p.m. — Rusted Root at the Riverwalk Center.
8:30-9:30 p.m. — Fire dancing show by Cosmic Fire Dance, Main Street by the Welcome Center.
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks display, downtown Breck, it will be most visible from the Riverwalk Center lawn, the Blue River Plaza and Main Street National Repertory Orchestra patriotic concert will be simulcast in the Blue River Plaza at the same time.
Keystone
Today
10-10:40 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. — The Red Cape — Keystone Children Theatre, Quaking Aspen Amphitheatre.
7 p.m. — Comedy Night featuring Guy Seidel and Marcus, Warren Station at Keystone in Keystone's River Run Village.
Saturday
3:30 p.m. — River Run Rocks, River Run center. Free concert featuring Five 13 & The Six Million Dollar Band.
9 p.m. Fireworks following the River Run Rocks concerts.
Monday
8 a.m. — Kid's fishing derby, Lakeside Village. Registration at 8 a.m., fishing at 9 a.m. for kids 13 & under.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — KidsFest, River Run Village. Enjoy a petting zoo, train rides, caricatures, face painter, balloon artist, crafts, games, mascots Olivia and Oliver, spin art, kids' show, bounce houses and more.
9 p.m. — Fireworks
Copper Mountain
Today
5 p.m. — Jeremy Dion at Green Fariy
Saturday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — SPORTS Expo at the Pavilion lawn
9 a.m. — 10K race
10 a.m. — Kids' Primp My Ride Decorating at West Lake. Decorate your bike, skateboard or roller skates with recycled and reused decorating supplies.
11 a.m. — Kid Powered Parade led by the Copper Mountain Fire Department
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Copper's Conscious Carnival — Solar bubble tower, cosmic fire, poi spinning, juggling, giant mural, hula hoop workshops, face painting and kids' story telling.
Noon — Kids' Mini-Marathon (1/3 mile ages 3-10yrs)
Noon — Free Family Concert — The Salteens
1 p.m. — Big wheel rally, kids and adults
4-6 p.m. — Spin Cycle with DJ Laundry on West Lake
6-8 p.m. — Free concert on Burning Stones Plaza main stage, The Salteens
8-9 p.m. — Spin Cycle with DJ Laundry on West Lake
9 p.m. — Fireworks
Sunday
9 a.m. — 1/2 marathon race start
9:15 a.m. — Copper 5k Start
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Live music with Jeremy Dion at Incline Bar & Grill
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Keystne and Breckenridge Ski Improvements
They're not installing new lifts, but Keystone Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort are asking for Forest Service approval for improvements to the skiing and biking experience and to the efficiencies of on-mountain infrastructure.
A letter was recently released asking for public comment on the proposals, which would likely be implemented late this summer. Comments are due June 24.
White River National Forest supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams wrote in the scoping letter that the proposed projects don't need an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, however, he's calling for public feedback prior to making a decision.
Keystone hopes to:
Relocate a vault toilet from the top of the tubing hill to the top of the Peru Express chairlift;
Remove two trees near the wastewater treatment facility to improve snowcat parking;
Enhance less than .5 acres of small vegetation regeneration areas on the front side of the mountain by transplanting some species to other areas of the mountain, mainly those affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle;
Remove about 20 trees from the egress routes of the north and south bowls to improve skier exit from the areas as well as grooming of the routes;
Realign three mountain bike trails — Paid in Full, Let it Ride and Eye of the Tiger — to improve the overall bike trail system and decrease soil runoff; and
Develop a Family Adventure Zone in the tree islands surrounding the trail Schoolmaster, involving timber removal and spot grading.
Breckenridge hopes to:
Install a water line on the Freeway trail on Peak 8 to improve snowmaking efficiency, involving 1,300 feet of ground disturbance;
Develop a ski school trail on Peak 7 between Swan City and Monte Cristo, approximately 14 feet wide with disturbance on about an acre;
Install about 2,500 feet of cable to support the race course on American;
Construct hiking trails, approximately 1,000 feet long, from the top of the Colorado SuperChair on Peak 8 and Independence SuperChair on Peak 7;
Realign a trail 50-foot long connection between the Pioneer bike trail and Southside bike trail; and
Install about 1,500 feet of cable from the bottom of Chair 6 to the existing weather station to improve the station's capabilities.
To learn more about the projects, call Dillon Ranger District snow ranger Shelly Grail Braudis at (970) 262-3484.
To submit comments, address them to Scott G. Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor c/o Shelly Grail Braudis, Dillon Ranger District, P.O. Box 620, Silverthorne, CO 80498; or email them to wrnf_scoping_comments@fs.fed.us. Include your name, address, telephone number, organization represented (if any) as well as the name of the project and specific facts supporting any concerns.
A letter was recently released asking for public comment on the proposals, which would likely be implemented late this summer. Comments are due June 24.
White River National Forest supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams wrote in the scoping letter that the proposed projects don't need an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, however, he's calling for public feedback prior to making a decision.
Keystone hopes to:
Relocate a vault toilet from the top of the tubing hill to the top of the Peru Express chairlift;
Remove two trees near the wastewater treatment facility to improve snowcat parking;
Enhance less than .5 acres of small vegetation regeneration areas on the front side of the mountain by transplanting some species to other areas of the mountain, mainly those affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle;
Remove about 20 trees from the egress routes of the north and south bowls to improve skier exit from the areas as well as grooming of the routes;
Realign three mountain bike trails — Paid in Full, Let it Ride and Eye of the Tiger — to improve the overall bike trail system and decrease soil runoff; and
Develop a Family Adventure Zone in the tree islands surrounding the trail Schoolmaster, involving timber removal and spot grading.
Breckenridge hopes to:
Install a water line on the Freeway trail on Peak 8 to improve snowmaking efficiency, involving 1,300 feet of ground disturbance;
Develop a ski school trail on Peak 7 between Swan City and Monte Cristo, approximately 14 feet wide with disturbance on about an acre;
Install about 2,500 feet of cable to support the race course on American;
Construct hiking trails, approximately 1,000 feet long, from the top of the Colorado SuperChair on Peak 8 and Independence SuperChair on Peak 7;
Realign a trail 50-foot long connection between the Pioneer bike trail and Southside bike trail; and
Install about 1,500 feet of cable from the bottom of Chair 6 to the existing weather station to improve the station's capabilities.
To learn more about the projects, call Dillon Ranger District snow ranger Shelly Grail Braudis at (970) 262-3484.
To submit comments, address them to Scott G. Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor c/o Shelly Grail Braudis, Dillon Ranger District, P.O. Box 620, Silverthorne, CO 80498; or email them to wrnf_scoping_comments@fs.fed.us. Include your name, address, telephone number, organization represented (if any) as well as the name of the project and specific facts supporting any concerns.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
4th of July Shortbread Sundaes
Is there a better place to spend the Fourth of July than in our mountain towns? I don't think so. Fireworks, music, parades, craft fairs, good food, smiling people and a sense of community that is a true representation of what's best about our country. Yup, we've got a lot to celebrate!
With so much to do on Independence Day, nobody wants to spend time in the kitchen creating an intricate dessert. It's a day to serve something that's easy to prepare and sure to please folks of all ages. These Fourth of July Shortbread Sundaes fill the bill. The cookies can be made way ahead of time and frozen until the day they'll be used. The berries and ice cream that they accompany require no cooking at all; Just combine and macerate the fruit, scoop the cold stuff, decorate with the shortbread and you've got a tasty, pretty and patriotic ending to a wonderful day.
Vera Dawson, a chef instructor with CMC's Culinary Institute, lives in Summit County, where she bakes almost every day. Her recipes have been tested in her home kitchen and, whenever necessary, altered until they work at our altitude. Contact her at veradawson1@gmail.com.
Fourth of July Shortbread Sundaes
Adjusted for altitudes between 8,000 and 10,000 feet
Makes 8-10 sundaes
----------------------------------------------
Ingredients
Cookies
(This recipe makes from 20-30 star-shaped cookies of varying sizes)
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into pieces
1/2 cup of butter (8 tablespoons, one stick), softened if making with mixer, cut into eight pieces
1 pint of strawberries
1 pint of raspberries
1 pint of blueberries
1 pint of blackberries
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 quart of vanilla ice cream
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Make the star cookies: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees with a rack in the center position. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or aluminum foil. Don't grease it, the cookies might spread. Place a second cookie sheet under the one on which you'll bake the cookies to provide insulation and prevent the bottom of the cookies from overbrowning. With a food processor: Put the sugar and the flour in the bowl of the processor and pulse briefly to combine. Add the vanilla, the pieces of cream cheese and the cut-up butter to the bowl and pulse until the dough starts to come together but stop just before it forms a ball. Turn the dough out of the processor and gently knead until it is smooth and coherent.
With a mixer: Beat the softened butter with the softened cream cheese until very smooth. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is creamy. Stir in the vanilla, and then gradually add the flour, stirring only until it is no longer visible after each addition. When the dough starts to come together, stop stirring and gently knead until it is smooth & coherent.
----------------------------------------------
Pat the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill until it is firm enough to roll out. (This takes about an hour in the refrigerator) Place the disc of dough between two sheets of plastic wrap and roll to a thickness of just under a fourth of an inch. Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap and, using star cookie cutters (I used three different sized cutters) dipped in flour before each cut, cut out the cookies and place them about an inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Re-roll the scraps of dough and cut out more cookies. If the dough gets so soft that it sticks to the cutter, chill it again before cutting out the second batch of cookies. Place the cut-out cookies, on the cookie sheet, in the freezer and freeze for about 7 minutes, until they are very firm. This helps prevent them from spreading while they are baking.
----------------------------------------------
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is set and the bottoms and sides of the cookies are just golden. This takes about 9-13 minutes in my oven, but times will vary. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately transfer them to a rack to cool. Store for two days in an airtight container at cool room temperature of freeze for longer storage.
----------------------------------------------
Prepare the berries: At least one hour and up to four hours before serving, gently wash and dry all the berries, hull & quarter the strawberries and combine them with the others in a large bowl. Add the sugar and carefully toss (don't bruise the berries) until coated. Cover and refrigerate until serving time, stirring occasionally.
----------------------------------------------
To serve, place a scoop or two of ice cream in each bowl, spoon the berries over and around them, making sure there are equal amounts of both blue and red berries. Top with a couple of the cookies and serve. You may have some berries left over.
With so much to do on Independence Day, nobody wants to spend time in the kitchen creating an intricate dessert. It's a day to serve something that's easy to prepare and sure to please folks of all ages. These Fourth of July Shortbread Sundaes fill the bill. The cookies can be made way ahead of time and frozen until the day they'll be used. The berries and ice cream that they accompany require no cooking at all; Just combine and macerate the fruit, scoop the cold stuff, decorate with the shortbread and you've got a tasty, pretty and patriotic ending to a wonderful day.
Vera Dawson, a chef instructor with CMC's Culinary Institute, lives in Summit County, where she bakes almost every day. Her recipes have been tested in her home kitchen and, whenever necessary, altered until they work at our altitude. Contact her at veradawson1@gmail.com.
Fourth of July Shortbread Sundaes
Adjusted for altitudes between 8,000 and 10,000 feet
Makes 8-10 sundaes
----------------------------------------------
Ingredients
Cookies
(This recipe makes from 20-30 star-shaped cookies of varying sizes)
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into pieces
1/2 cup of butter (8 tablespoons, one stick), softened if making with mixer, cut into eight pieces
1 pint of strawberries
1 pint of raspberries
1 pint of blueberries
1 pint of blackberries
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 quart of vanilla ice cream
----------------------------------------------
Make the star cookies: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees with a rack in the center position. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or aluminum foil. Don't grease it, the cookies might spread. Place a second cookie sheet under the one on which you'll bake the cookies to provide insulation and prevent the bottom of the cookies from overbrowning. With a food processor: Put the sugar and the flour in the bowl of the processor and pulse briefly to combine. Add the vanilla, the pieces of cream cheese and the cut-up butter to the bowl and pulse until the dough starts to come together but stop just before it forms a ball. Turn the dough out of the processor and gently knead until it is smooth and coherent.
With a mixer: Beat the softened butter with the softened cream cheese until very smooth. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is creamy. Stir in the vanilla, and then gradually add the flour, stirring only until it is no longer visible after each addition. When the dough starts to come together, stop stirring and gently knead until it is smooth & coherent.
----------------------------------------------
Pat the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill until it is firm enough to roll out. (This takes about an hour in the refrigerator) Place the disc of dough between two sheets of plastic wrap and roll to a thickness of just under a fourth of an inch. Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap and, using star cookie cutters (I used three different sized cutters) dipped in flour before each cut, cut out the cookies and place them about an inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Re-roll the scraps of dough and cut out more cookies. If the dough gets so soft that it sticks to the cutter, chill it again before cutting out the second batch of cookies. Place the cut-out cookies, on the cookie sheet, in the freezer and freeze for about 7 minutes, until they are very firm. This helps prevent them from spreading while they are baking.
----------------------------------------------
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is set and the bottoms and sides of the cookies are just golden. This takes about 9-13 minutes in my oven, but times will vary. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately transfer them to a rack to cool. Store for two days in an airtight container at cool room temperature of freeze for longer storage.
----------------------------------------------
Prepare the berries: At least one hour and up to four hours before serving, gently wash and dry all the berries, hull & quarter the strawberries and combine them with the others in a large bowl. Add the sugar and carefully toss (don't bruise the berries) until coated. Cover and refrigerate until serving time, stirring occasionally.
----------------------------------------------
To serve, place a scoop or two of ice cream in each bowl, spoon the berries over and around them, making sure there are equal amounts of both blue and red berries. Top with a couple of the cookies and serve. You may have some berries left over.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Pets in Summit County
As we roll into our summer season and the county begins to pack with visitors and seasonal residents alike, Summit County Animal Control reminds you of some very important pet owner responsibilities.
Dog licensing in Summit County is the law. All dogs over the age of 3 months are required to have a valid Summit County Pet Animal License after the dog has been owned, kept, maintained or harbored in the county for any consecutive 14-day period. Licenses may be obtained at the shelter in Frisco for all dogs residing in unincorporated county, Dillon, Silverthorne and Blue River. Dog owners need to bring a copy of their dog's current rabies vaccination record. The cost for a one-year license is $15 for a spayed or neutered dog and $50 for an intact dog.
There are many benefits that go along with licensing your pet aside from abiding by the law. First of all, you are more likely to have your pet returned to you by an animal control officer if your pet is wearing a valid license. If your dog is injured, the officer will be able to contact you. You also may avoid costly impound fees and fines if your dog is wearing a valid license. License fees support the animal control and shelter .
Even though it may seem like a good idea to take your pet along to run errands or accompany you on an outing, leaving a pet in an unattended vehicle can be deadly, and you may be ticketed. Animal control reserves the right to enter any unattended vehicle where an animal is in distress. The temperature outside may be comfortable, but inside, it can double or even triple within an hour. Even with windows cracked, your pet can be at risk of overheating and death. If you must leave your pet in a vehicle, remember to provide proper ventilation and water and park in the shade whenever possible. Check on your pet regularly to be sure they are not in distress from the heat. It is best to avoid the risk and leave your pet at home where he will be more comfortable.
In most areas of unincorporated county, the law is immediate control, unless otherwise posted. This means control of an animal by the physical presence of a responsible person, within 10 feet of the animal and such responsible person does exhibit voice control over the animal so as to prevent it from being a public nuisance or from being in violation of Summit County Animal Control resolutions.
The laws on bikeways, all wilderness areas, national forest campgrounds, including A-Basin are considered “physical control,” which means control of an animal by means of a tether or a leash no longer than six feet in length, attached to the animal and held by a responsible person; or, confinement within a locked vehicle or locked enclosure sufficient to prevent the animal from escaping or making contact with other persons or animals. Also be aware that dogs that harass wildlife may incur you a $300 fine as well as being dangerous to your pet.
When planning a hike with your dog, be sure to condition your best friend by working up to the distance and terrain you plan to tackle. Pay attention to your dog's feet when crossing scree and other rough terrain as their pads can get torn up causing the dog to become immobile. Remember to be courteous to other hikers and bikers on trails and keep your animals under control when approaching others. If your animal causes an accident or injury, you as an owner are responsible for all costs incurred.
Lastly be mindful of picking up after your pet. It's not only the right thing to do but is required by law.
For questions or concerns, contact the Summit County Animal Control and Shelter at (970) 668-3230, or log on to www.co.summit.co.us/animalcontrol to view our laws and resolutions.
Dog licensing in Summit County is the law. All dogs over the age of 3 months are required to have a valid Summit County Pet Animal License after the dog has been owned, kept, maintained or harbored in the county for any consecutive 14-day period. Licenses may be obtained at the shelter in Frisco for all dogs residing in unincorporated county, Dillon, Silverthorne and Blue River. Dog owners need to bring a copy of their dog's current rabies vaccination record. The cost for a one-year license is $15 for a spayed or neutered dog and $50 for an intact dog.
There are many benefits that go along with licensing your pet aside from abiding by the law. First of all, you are more likely to have your pet returned to you by an animal control officer if your pet is wearing a valid license. If your dog is injured, the officer will be able to contact you. You also may avoid costly impound fees and fines if your dog is wearing a valid license. License fees support the animal control and shelter .
Even though it may seem like a good idea to take your pet along to run errands or accompany you on an outing, leaving a pet in an unattended vehicle can be deadly, and you may be ticketed. Animal control reserves the right to enter any unattended vehicle where an animal is in distress. The temperature outside may be comfortable, but inside, it can double or even triple within an hour. Even with windows cracked, your pet can be at risk of overheating and death. If you must leave your pet in a vehicle, remember to provide proper ventilation and water and park in the shade whenever possible. Check on your pet regularly to be sure they are not in distress from the heat. It is best to avoid the risk and leave your pet at home where he will be more comfortable.
In most areas of unincorporated county, the law is immediate control, unless otherwise posted. This means control of an animal by the physical presence of a responsible person, within 10 feet of the animal and such responsible person does exhibit voice control over the animal so as to prevent it from being a public nuisance or from being in violation of Summit County Animal Control resolutions.
The laws on bikeways, all wilderness areas, national forest campgrounds, including A-Basin are considered “physical control,” which means control of an animal by means of a tether or a leash no longer than six feet in length, attached to the animal and held by a responsible person; or, confinement within a locked vehicle or locked enclosure sufficient to prevent the animal from escaping or making contact with other persons or animals. Also be aware that dogs that harass wildlife may incur you a $300 fine as well as being dangerous to your pet.
When planning a hike with your dog, be sure to condition your best friend by working up to the distance and terrain you plan to tackle. Pay attention to your dog's feet when crossing scree and other rough terrain as their pads can get torn up causing the dog to become immobile. Remember to be courteous to other hikers and bikers on trails and keep your animals under control when approaching others. If your animal causes an accident or injury, you as an owner are responsible for all costs incurred.
Lastly be mindful of picking up after your pet. It's not only the right thing to do but is required by law.
For questions or concerns, contact the Summit County Animal Control and Shelter at (970) 668-3230, or log on to www.co.summit.co.us/animalcontrol to view our laws and resolutions.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Photographers for Shelter Pets
Happy Earth Day.
Please visit this site:
Photographers for Shelter Pets
Photographers doing what they can to help make a difference - No More Homeless Pets.
Pass it along to friends and encourage them to visit.
Please visit this site:
Photographers for Shelter Pets
Photographers doing what they can to help make a difference - No More Homeless Pets.
Pass it along to friends and encourage them to visit.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Total Sales up
Total sales through March continue to run more than 20 percent ahead of the same period last year. While prices are still declining, the pace of that decline has slowed. The average sale price to date was $443,000. Buyers seem to realize that the bottom is near as well priced properties enter the market and sell more quickly than normal.
There are still about 1,850 properties for sale this week. The inventory isn't increasing as fast as it normally does at the end of ski season.
There are still about 1,850 properties for sale this week. The inventory isn't increasing as fast as it normally does at the end of ski season.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Cell Phone Service Might Improve
Recent news that AT&T will acquire T-Mobile USA within the next year could be good for local AT&T subscribers, as representatives of the cellphone company say the buy-out will improve 2G, 3G and eventually, 4G service throughout the state.
The service improvement process will be expedited, AT&T reps say, by the fact that T-Mobile operates on a similar system, allowing AT&T to begin using existing T-Mobile cell sites, including a tower at Beaver Run in Breckenridge.
“At the end of the day, this is really just going to be good for customers,” AT&T spokeswoman Sandy Goldberg said. “It's going to improve service, enhance long-term evolution (LTE) and (allow) more efficient use of the wireless spectrum.”
The acquisition, which is expected to be complete in a year's time, will bring LTE, essentially 4G, service to approximately 46 million more AT&T customers nation wide, growing the networks reach from 80 to 95 percent of the U.S. population.
It's good news for local AT&T cellphone users who consistently experience service gaps in various parts of the county, though nearly every major network has a noted local “dead zone.”
For AT&T the drive from Frisco to Farmer's Korner is patchy at best. The Summit Daily News has also heard complaints about the network's service in Frisco as well as on the mountain at Breckenridge and Keystone, particularly at peak times.
Ten Mile Canyon and Summit Cove seem to be dead zones for multiple service providers and Verizon customers say coverage is also bad between the Summit Medical Center and the County Commons.
Service through the Interstate 70 mountain corridor to Denver is also bad for AT&T customers, though it is unclear whether the T-Mobile acquisition will improve it.
The service improvement process will be expedited, AT&T reps say, by the fact that T-Mobile operates on a similar system, allowing AT&T to begin using existing T-Mobile cell sites, including a tower at Beaver Run in Breckenridge.
“At the end of the day, this is really just going to be good for customers,” AT&T spokeswoman Sandy Goldberg said. “It's going to improve service, enhance long-term evolution (LTE) and (allow) more efficient use of the wireless spectrum.”
The acquisition, which is expected to be complete in a year's time, will bring LTE, essentially 4G, service to approximately 46 million more AT&T customers nation wide, growing the networks reach from 80 to 95 percent of the U.S. population.
It's good news for local AT&T cellphone users who consistently experience service gaps in various parts of the county, though nearly every major network has a noted local “dead zone.”
For AT&T the drive from Frisco to Farmer's Korner is patchy at best. The Summit Daily News has also heard complaints about the network's service in Frisco as well as on the mountain at Breckenridge and Keystone, particularly at peak times.
Ten Mile Canyon and Summit Cove seem to be dead zones for multiple service providers and Verizon customers say coverage is also bad between the Summit Medical Center and the County Commons.
Service through the Interstate 70 mountain corridor to Denver is also bad for AT&T customers, though it is unclear whether the T-Mobile acquisition will improve it.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Arts Around the County
Sandy Greenhut has been fighting for not only the arts community, but also the towns and ski resorts of Summit County to work together rather than compete with each other. It's been done before; about two decades ago, ski areas promoted winter as “Ski the Summit” and even sold passes to all four resorts.
But since then, Greenhut has seen Summit County towns, ski areas and arts organizations tend to fragment with more of an individualistic mentality than a countywide focus. Greenhut started Arts for the Summit, a monthly meeting with 23 nonprofit art organizations that produces a calendar of daily art events called Arts Alert, which tries not to schedule activities on the same evenings.
Now, she's taking her cause even further with Fall for the Arts, a countywide weekend event Sept. 9-11, full of free music, history tours, art presentations, kids' workshops, theater and more.
For example, the Breckenridge Festival of Film will show a movie, the Summit Historical Society will captain pontoon boat tours, the Summit County Arts Exhibit Committee will lead a bike ride, Summit Public Radio will sponsor a hike up to its tower (complete with a live musician performing on top of the mountain), the Silverthorne Pavilion will host square dancing, the Silverthorne Recreation Center will hang art pieces, and the National Repertory Orchestra will bring in chamber music groups and simulcast opera.
Every town and ski resort will host at least one event, and restaurants and lodging companies will participate in special deals.
But since then, Greenhut has seen Summit County towns, ski areas and arts organizations tend to fragment with more of an individualistic mentality than a countywide focus. Greenhut started Arts for the Summit, a monthly meeting with 23 nonprofit art organizations that produces a calendar of daily art events called Arts Alert, which tries not to schedule activities on the same evenings.
Now, she's taking her cause even further with Fall for the Arts, a countywide weekend event Sept. 9-11, full of free music, history tours, art presentations, kids' workshops, theater and more.
For example, the Breckenridge Festival of Film will show a movie, the Summit Historical Society will captain pontoon boat tours, the Summit County Arts Exhibit Committee will lead a bike ride, Summit Public Radio will sponsor a hike up to its tower (complete with a live musician performing on top of the mountain), the Silverthorne Pavilion will host square dancing, the Silverthorne Recreation Center will hang art pieces, and the National Repertory Orchestra will bring in chamber music groups and simulcast opera.
Every town and ski resort will host at least one event, and restaurants and lodging companies will participate in special deals.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Nice little home!
Nice little 7,500 sq. ft. home in Breckenridge, bank owned, only $2.5 million. Make an offer! Michael shot this image just a few days ago.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Silverthorne North Pond Park Ice Rink is Open
The Town of Silverthorne North Pond Park Ice Rink officially opened on Thursday with more than double the ice surface of previous years as crews have cleared a larger area in preparation of the town hosting the Pabst Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament at the park in February.
North Pond Park is located directly across the street from the Silverthorne Elementary School at Hamilton Creek Road and Colorado Highway 9. Free amenities include a warming hut, restrooms, parking and access to true pond skating.
Non-skaters can view the rink while staying warm inside the heated warming hut or relax on the dock.
Skating is available from dawn to dusk and the warming hut is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The ice is maintained by the town's Public Works Department.
For more information, call the Silverthorne Recreation Center at (970) 262-7370, or visit www.silverthorne.org.
North Pond Park is located directly across the street from the Silverthorne Elementary School at Hamilton Creek Road and Colorado Highway 9. Free amenities include a warming hut, restrooms, parking and access to true pond skating.
Non-skaters can view the rink while staying warm inside the heated warming hut or relax on the dock.
Skating is available from dawn to dusk and the warming hut is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The ice is maintained by the town's Public Works Department.
For more information, call the Silverthorne Recreation Center at (970) 262-7370, or visit www.silverthorne.org.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Engine Number 9 Arrives in Breckenridge Today
Engine Number 9, built in the 1880', originally served the Denver to Breckenridge route over Boreas Pass delivering mail and people, arrived in Breckenridge today. The fully restored steam engine will reside at the Rotary Snow Park at the south end of Breckenridge. Pictured here is the engine still on the truck that hauled it in. It will be placed on the tracks in the next few days. Pretty exiciting to see an 1880's engine that once steamed through Breckenridge back in place.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
New lodging tax raises some ire
With a voter-approved 1 percent tax increase on accommodations going into effect Jan. 1, some Breckenridge lodging owners are concerned about the impression the tax hike will leave on pre-booked guests.
The ballot question, passed with over 70 percent of the vote, mandates that a 3.4 percent tax (up from 2.4 percent in 2010) be charged on rooms rented on or after Jan. 1, 2011, regardless of when the rooms were booked. Many rooms booked before the tax increase was approved were sold with the old tax rate, leaving a 1 percent difference that renters and lodging companies will either have to tack on to guests' bills or absorb themselves after Jan. 1.
One Breckenridge lodging owner said increasing taxes on his clients is unfair and will upset them, but absorbing the difference would be a significant hit for the business.
“To me, it's a matter of the integrity of the situation,” said Mitch Weiss of Pine Ridge Condo Rentals. “I think going back on the business agreement that was made just doesn't leave a good flavor in somebody's mouth.”
But others in the lodging community say they don't expect a strong reaction from customers.
“Most of the guests are just going to pay, not even blink and not even know there's a difference,” said Bruce Horri with Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center. “We're prepared if someone really does scrutinize it and really has a challenge, we're going to deal with it on a case-by-case basis. But that is not the majority of the business.” Horri also sits on the Breckenridge Marketing Advisory Committee, which manages the Breckenridge marketing budget, funded in part by the lodging tax.
The tax is expected to furnish Breckenridge with $740,000 annually, new dollars to fund marketing efforts to draw destination guests to Breckenridge.
With the new funds, Breckenridge will have approximately $3 million earmarked for marketing next year from a variety of sources. The additional dollars were intended to put Breckenridge's marketing spending on par with nearby competitors such as Vail and Aspen.
Making an exception to the tax increase for pre-booked rooms would not only violate the language of the law passed by voters, it would also cost Breckenridge as much as $200,000 in marketing funds next year, according to town manager Tim Gagen.
Approximately 40 percent of Breckenridge's reservations for the remainder of the season are already on the books, representatives of the lodging community said.
Weiss said for his company, absorbing the 1 percent difference for all pre-booked clients could cost thousands.
The lodging community supported the tax increase when it was proposed as a ballot item earlier this year, but members of the community say they didn't realize how the tax would work for pre-booked guests staying on or after Jan. 1.
“This is something that probably could have been handled better, before the measure was put on the ballot and voted into law,” said Toby Babich, owner of Breckenridge Resort Managers and a member of the Breckenridge Lodging Association. “But nobody really recognized the issue with prior reservations until after it had been voted in.”
The Breckenridge Town Council offered a compromise, suggesting property managers collect full payment on pre-booked rooms before the end of the year so they would not have to pay the increased tax rate. But Babich said few lodging companies will go that route because it will create accounting problems.
With the law approved by voters and ready to go into effect, there are few options available now to improve the tax increase implementation process for lodging companies, Babich said.
“It's just too late,” Babich said. “We're about three weeks behind when we should have been talking about this.”
Weiss said he has had customers unhappy about having to pay a higher rate than they were originally quoted, but has not lost any reservations as a result.
- From the Summit Daily News
The ballot question, passed with over 70 percent of the vote, mandates that a 3.4 percent tax (up from 2.4 percent in 2010) be charged on rooms rented on or after Jan. 1, 2011, regardless of when the rooms were booked. Many rooms booked before the tax increase was approved were sold with the old tax rate, leaving a 1 percent difference that renters and lodging companies will either have to tack on to guests' bills or absorb themselves after Jan. 1.
One Breckenridge lodging owner said increasing taxes on his clients is unfair and will upset them, but absorbing the difference would be a significant hit for the business.
“To me, it's a matter of the integrity of the situation,” said Mitch Weiss of Pine Ridge Condo Rentals. “I think going back on the business agreement that was made just doesn't leave a good flavor in somebody's mouth.”
But others in the lodging community say they don't expect a strong reaction from customers.
“Most of the guests are just going to pay, not even blink and not even know there's a difference,” said Bruce Horri with Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center. “We're prepared if someone really does scrutinize it and really has a challenge, we're going to deal with it on a case-by-case basis. But that is not the majority of the business.” Horri also sits on the Breckenridge Marketing Advisory Committee, which manages the Breckenridge marketing budget, funded in part by the lodging tax.
The tax is expected to furnish Breckenridge with $740,000 annually, new dollars to fund marketing efforts to draw destination guests to Breckenridge.
With the new funds, Breckenridge will have approximately $3 million earmarked for marketing next year from a variety of sources. The additional dollars were intended to put Breckenridge's marketing spending on par with nearby competitors such as Vail and Aspen.
Making an exception to the tax increase for pre-booked rooms would not only violate the language of the law passed by voters, it would also cost Breckenridge as much as $200,000 in marketing funds next year, according to town manager Tim Gagen.
Approximately 40 percent of Breckenridge's reservations for the remainder of the season are already on the books, representatives of the lodging community said.
Weiss said for his company, absorbing the 1 percent difference for all pre-booked clients could cost thousands.
The lodging community supported the tax increase when it was proposed as a ballot item earlier this year, but members of the community say they didn't realize how the tax would work for pre-booked guests staying on or after Jan. 1.
“This is something that probably could have been handled better, before the measure was put on the ballot and voted into law,” said Toby Babich, owner of Breckenridge Resort Managers and a member of the Breckenridge Lodging Association. “But nobody really recognized the issue with prior reservations until after it had been voted in.”
The Breckenridge Town Council offered a compromise, suggesting property managers collect full payment on pre-booked rooms before the end of the year so they would not have to pay the increased tax rate. But Babich said few lodging companies will go that route because it will create accounting problems.
With the law approved by voters and ready to go into effect, there are few options available now to improve the tax increase implementation process for lodging companies, Babich said.
“It's just too late,” Babich said. “We're about three weeks behind when we should have been talking about this.”
Weiss said he has had customers unhappy about having to pay a higher rate than they were originally quoted, but has not lost any reservations as a result.
- From the Summit Daily News
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
It is snowing - a whole lot!
Blizzard conditions tonight. 12 inches of snow today, 30 mph winds. It is winter!
Excellent early winter conditions.
Time to come ski and take a look at a second (or third, or fourth) home in Breckenridge or anywhere in Summit County.
Excellent early winter conditions.
Time to come ski and take a look at a second (or third, or fourth) home in Breckenridge or anywhere in Summit County.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Real Estate Update
Winter is in full swing - we've had 44 inches of snow since Oct. 1. Breckenridge, Keystone, A-Basin and Copper Mountain are all open for the ski season.
Strong Pace of Sales in 3rd Quarter. Why? An exceptional selection of properties that are “on sale”, along with ridiculou...sly low interest rates.
Its been many years ago that we have seen the cost of money and real estate to be “on sale” at the same time! As a result, the 4th quarter has started out with a “bang” - already sales are up over the whole 3rd quarter a whopping 58% and we have two more months to go!So, if you are still “toying” with the idea of a Summit County Rocky Mtn. getaway or retirement home, there has been no better time than now and the next few months.
So, book your flights, tune your skiis, have little fun and then set aside a bit of time to find your mountain get-away with me. nancy@realestate-breckenridge.net, www.realestate-breckenridge.net & NLY direct, 970-485-0293.
Strong Pace of Sales in 3rd Quarter. Why? An exceptional selection of properties that are “on sale”, along with ridiculou...sly low interest rates.
Its been many years ago that we have seen the cost of money and real estate to be “on sale” at the same time! As a result, the 4th quarter has started out with a “bang” - already sales are up over the whole 3rd quarter a whopping 58% and we have two more months to go!So, if you are still “toying” with the idea of a Summit County Rocky Mtn. getaway or retirement home, there has been no better time than now and the next few months.
So, book your flights, tune your skiis, have little fun and then set aside a bit of time to find your mountain get-away with me. nancy@realestate-breckenridge.net, www.realestate-breckenridge.net & NLY direct, 970-485-0293.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Silverthorne approves mill levy
Silverthorne Town Councilors again approved a mill levy to cover municipal services at a new development north of town.
It's the fourth time the mill levy has been approved, Silverthorne director of finance and administrative services Donna Braun said. Mill levies must be re-approved each year.
An initial review of the South Maryland Creek Ranch development of 83 residences over 361 acres showed the need for minimal police and administration services amounting to approximately $6,359.
A General Improvement District was formed in 2006 with the approval of the property owner to enable the certification of a mill levy. The Silverthorne Town Councilors act as the district's board of directors.
The district's board of directors annually certify a mill levy of 30 mills and allot a temporary credit of 30 mills to create a net zero levy until the property is developed, Braun said.
The goal is to set a precedent for the residents of the future development, Braun explained. The levy and its temporary credit should continue until the economy picks up and the land can be developed, she added.
It's the fourth time the mill levy has been approved, Silverthorne director of finance and administrative services Donna Braun said. Mill levies must be re-approved each year.
An initial review of the South Maryland Creek Ranch development of 83 residences over 361 acres showed the need for minimal police and administration services amounting to approximately $6,359.
A General Improvement District was formed in 2006 with the approval of the property owner to enable the certification of a mill levy. The Silverthorne Town Councilors act as the district's board of directors.
The district's board of directors annually certify a mill levy of 30 mills and allot a temporary credit of 30 mills to create a net zero levy until the property is developed, Braun said.
The goal is to set a precedent for the residents of the future development, Braun explained. The levy and its temporary credit should continue until the economy picks up and the land can be developed, she added.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Early winter update
Trick & Treat – after a glorious fall, Old Man Winter was feeling the Halloween spirit this past week, by tricking us into thinking it was January with our 1st early season storm with 26 inches on the mountain!
Strong Pace of Sales in 3rd Quarter. Why? An exceptional selection of properties that are “on sale”, along with ridiculously low interest rates. Its been many years ago that we have seen the cost of money and real estate to be “on sale” at the same time!
As a result, the 4th quarter has started out with a “bang” - already sales are up over the whole 3rd quarter a whopping 58% and we have two more months to go!
So, if you are still “toying” with the idea of a Summit County Rocky Mtn. getaway or retirement home, there has been no better time than now and the next few months. So, book your flights, tune your skiis, have little fun and then set aside a bit of time to find your mountain get-away with me. nancy@realestate-breckenridge.net, www.realestate-breckenridge.net & NLY direct, 970-485-0293.
Mortgage Rates
U.S. averages as of September 30, 2010:
30 yr. fixed: 4.32%
15 yr. fixed: 3.75%
1 yr. adj: 3.48%
Upcoming Events and Dates of Interest
11/05/10 Keystone Ski Area Opens
11/07/10 Daylight Savings Ends – Set your clocks back one hour!
11/12/10 Breckenridge Ski Area Opens
11/25/10 Thanksgiving
12/04/10 Lighting of Breckenridge
12/31/10 Yamn – New Years Eve Celebration at the Riverwalk Center
01/09/11 Ullr Fest – 7 day event begins
01/13/11 Ullr Fest Parade
01/25/11 Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships
What's New in New Housing Design
Below are the products that are currently grabbing the most attention of the home building and remodeling industries:
Appliance Drawers. Small warming drawers, modest-sized dishwasher drawers for small loads, refrigerator drawers and microwave drawers.
Counter-depth refrigerators. Some are only 24 inches deep.
Motion-detecting faucets. Like you'd find in the restrooms of businesses.
LED lighting. These are used under cabinets and in ceiling fixtures as a longer-lasting, more efficient alternative to compact fluorescent lamps and incandescent bulbs.
Electric heated floors. A nice touch in bathrooms,
Showers with multiple heads and body sprays. Bathtubs are out.
Also, according to Pantone, has deemed turquoise “color of the year for apparel and home for 2010. Turquoise has made its way mark on the fashion side and is slowly moving into home accent furnishings.
Strong Pace of Sales in 3rd Quarter. Why? An exceptional selection of properties that are “on sale”, along with ridiculously low interest rates. Its been many years ago that we have seen the cost of money and real estate to be “on sale” at the same time!
As a result, the 4th quarter has started out with a “bang” - already sales are up over the whole 3rd quarter a whopping 58% and we have two more months to go!
So, if you are still “toying” with the idea of a Summit County Rocky Mtn. getaway or retirement home, there has been no better time than now and the next few months. So, book your flights, tune your skiis, have little fun and then set aside a bit of time to find your mountain get-away with me. nancy@realestate-breckenridge.net, www.realestate-breckenridge.net & NLY direct, 970-485-0293.
Mortgage Rates
U.S. averages as of September 30, 2010:
30 yr. fixed: 4.32%
15 yr. fixed: 3.75%
1 yr. adj: 3.48%
Upcoming Events and Dates of Interest
11/05/10 Keystone Ski Area Opens
11/07/10 Daylight Savings Ends – Set your clocks back one hour!
11/12/10 Breckenridge Ski Area Opens
11/25/10 Thanksgiving
12/04/10 Lighting of Breckenridge
12/31/10 Yamn – New Years Eve Celebration at the Riverwalk Center
01/09/11 Ullr Fest – 7 day event begins
01/13/11 Ullr Fest Parade
01/25/11 Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships
What's New in New Housing Design
Below are the products that are currently grabbing the most attention of the home building and remodeling industries:
Appliance Drawers. Small warming drawers, modest-sized dishwasher drawers for small loads, refrigerator drawers and microwave drawers.
Counter-depth refrigerators. Some are only 24 inches deep.
Motion-detecting faucets. Like you'd find in the restrooms of businesses.
LED lighting. These are used under cabinets and in ceiling fixtures as a longer-lasting, more efficient alternative to compact fluorescent lamps and incandescent bulbs.
Electric heated floors. A nice touch in bathrooms,
Showers with multiple heads and body sprays. Bathtubs are out.
Also, according to Pantone, has deemed turquoise “color of the year for apparel and home for 2010. Turquoise has made its way mark on the fashion side and is slowly moving into home accent furnishings.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Yes, winter is here
The Colorado Department of Transportation has closed Independence Pass for the season. The pass was temporarily closed on Monday due to the snowfall, adverse conditions and the winter storm forecasts.
This closure includes the area from just east of Aspen to west of Twin Lakes, approximately 18 miles. A re-opening of the pass following the storm was determined not to be feasible and safe, so will remain closed.
The pass's regularly scheduled seasonal closure is Nov. 7 each year. The 12,095-foot pass is closed for the winter every year for the safety of the traveling public. It is often closed temporarily before the goal date-last year, the pass closed for the season on October 29, for similar early storms. Each spring, CDOT plans the opening of Independence Pass for Memorial Day weekend in May, weather permitting.
This closure includes the area from just east of Aspen to west of Twin Lakes, approximately 18 miles. A re-opening of the pass following the storm was determined not to be feasible and safe, so will remain closed.
The pass's regularly scheduled seasonal closure is Nov. 7 each year. The 12,095-foot pass is closed for the winter every year for the safety of the traveling public. It is often closed temporarily before the goal date-last year, the pass closed for the season on October 29, for similar early storms. Each spring, CDOT plans the opening of Independence Pass for Memorial Day weekend in May, weather permitting.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Loveland wins the opening race
LOVELAND — Sunday's opening day at Loveland Ski Area had locals and folks from the Front Range feeling a little puff of powder under their planks.
Between a little help from Mother Nature — five inches of fresh snow — and some hard snowmaking work from Loveland employees, Chair 1 opened at 9 a.m. to an excited crowd. Winterhounds out for the first day saluted Loveland's opening day triumph — beating Arapahoe Basin by a day this year.
Loveland won the race from 1999 to 2005 until the Basin unseated the champion in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, the resorts tied for an opening day, but last season, Loveland regained the title.
Between a little help from Mother Nature — five inches of fresh snow — and some hard snowmaking work from Loveland employees, Chair 1 opened at 9 a.m. to an excited crowd. Winterhounds out for the first day saluted Loveland's opening day triumph — beating Arapahoe Basin by a day this year.
Loveland won the race from 1999 to 2005 until the Basin unseated the champion in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, the resorts tied for an opening day, but last season, Loveland regained the title.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Highway 9 widening project almost complete
The Highway 9 widening project is expected to wrap up this week, a few weeks later than previously expected.
Crews will replace a section of curb on the road and put some additional striping on the bike path at Coyne Valley before the job is concluded.
“The project is essentially finished with a few minor punch list items left to do,” said Bob Smith, project engineer with the Colorado Department of Transportation.
In June 2009 crews began construction to widen a one-and-a-half-mile segment of Highway 9 between Frisco and Breckenridge to four lanes. Though the project was originally scheduled to be completed in November, later estimates suggested the work might be done by late September.
Smith said utility delays in moving phone lines to construct a sound wall at Fairview Boulevard slowed the project down.
“We appreciate the public's bearing with us while we were doing this, we know there were some delays,” Smith said.
The speed limit along the wider sections of highway was set at 45 miles per hour. Smith said there are no plans to increase it. What is up with that? We make it a 4-lane divided highway and decrease the speed limit?
The recpath was also moved back from the highway and a bridge was put in over the Blue River north of Valley Brook as part of the $9.25 million stimulus-funded project.
Plans are under way to continue widening the highway between Tiger Road and the Agape Outpost Chapel, but the project will not move forward until additional funding becomes available.
“It's all designed, the right of way is purchased, right now there's just no funding for it,” Smith said.
Crews will replace a section of curb on the road and put some additional striping on the bike path at Coyne Valley before the job is concluded.
“The project is essentially finished with a few minor punch list items left to do,” said Bob Smith, project engineer with the Colorado Department of Transportation.
In June 2009 crews began construction to widen a one-and-a-half-mile segment of Highway 9 between Frisco and Breckenridge to four lanes. Though the project was originally scheduled to be completed in November, later estimates suggested the work might be done by late September.
Smith said utility delays in moving phone lines to construct a sound wall at Fairview Boulevard slowed the project down.
“We appreciate the public's bearing with us while we were doing this, we know there were some delays,” Smith said.
The speed limit along the wider sections of highway was set at 45 miles per hour. Smith said there are no plans to increase it. What is up with that? We make it a 4-lane divided highway and decrease the speed limit?
The recpath was also moved back from the highway and a bridge was put in over the Blue River north of Valley Brook as part of the $9.25 million stimulus-funded project.
Plans are under way to continue widening the highway between Tiger Road and the Agape Outpost Chapel, but the project will not move forward until additional funding becomes available.
“It's all designed, the right of way is purchased, right now there's just no funding for it,” Smith said.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Breckenridge hosts craft distillers festival
Colorado distillers will gather in Breckenridge on Oct. 15-16 for a showcase of handcrafted spirits complemented by restaurant specials and a downtown pub crawl.
The Craft Distillers' Still on the Hill Festival is a new Breckenridge Restaurant Association event, born of Colorado's rapidly growing artisan spirits industry, a news release said.
In the release, Jordan Via, master distiller at the Breckenridge Distillery, said he's not aware of anywhere else in Colorado where a small distiller's festival or similar event takes place.
The Grand Tasting, slated for 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 16, features several of Colorado's most talented craft distillers at an informal, walk-around event hosted by Beaver Run Resort.
From today through Oct. 16, restaurants throughout town are to offer dining specials at $18.59, an homage to Breckenridge's founding year.
The Downtown Poker Run and Pub Crawl, set for Oct. 15, lets players sample Breckenridge's best drinks and pick up cards at each location. The best hand wins craft spirits at the Grand Tasting.
Lodging specials starting at $96 per night will be offered throughout October as part of the Craft Spirits Festival and fall leaf-viewing season.
For lodging information or reservations visit www.gobreck.com or call 877-593-5260.
The Craft Distillers' Still on the Hill Festival is a new Breckenridge Restaurant Association event, born of Colorado's rapidly growing artisan spirits industry, a news release said.
In the release, Jordan Via, master distiller at the Breckenridge Distillery, said he's not aware of anywhere else in Colorado where a small distiller's festival or similar event takes place.
The Grand Tasting, slated for 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 16, features several of Colorado's most talented craft distillers at an informal, walk-around event hosted by Beaver Run Resort.
From today through Oct. 16, restaurants throughout town are to offer dining specials at $18.59, an homage to Breckenridge's founding year.
The Downtown Poker Run and Pub Crawl, set for Oct. 15, lets players sample Breckenridge's best drinks and pick up cards at each location. The best hand wins craft spirits at the Grand Tasting.
Lodging specials starting at $96 per night will be offered throughout October as part of the Craft Spirits Festival and fall leaf-viewing season.
For lodging information or reservations visit www.gobreck.com or call 877-593-5260.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Blessing of the Pets
On Sunday, the lawn outside Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church was crowded with locals and their pets. They gathered for the renewal of the church's annual pet blessing, which occurs the day before St. Francis of Assisi's day of commemoration.
Locals were carrying cat crates, toting dogs on leashes, carefully handling plastic jars containing fish, and even bearing the ashes of a former pet.
Tina Oberheide balanced a canary cage. She had hoped it might sing along with the hymns, which were part of a brief service prior to pastors Darlene Muschett and Joe Holub performing the blessings.
“Pets are an important part of people's lives, particularly in Summit County” Oberheide said. “This is a way to make them special for a day.”
The pet blessing was last done by the church several years ago before taking a multi-year hiatus, Holub explained. They hold it prior to the commemoration day for St. Francis of Assisi because the saint was known for his appreciation of nature.
“His brotherhood was all of God's creation,” Muschette said. “His love of nature was so deep.”
The service included hymns and readings from Genesis and Psalm 104, which praise all of creation, particularly its animals.
Good news is so nice to read.
Locals were carrying cat crates, toting dogs on leashes, carefully handling plastic jars containing fish, and even bearing the ashes of a former pet.
Tina Oberheide balanced a canary cage. She had hoped it might sing along with the hymns, which were part of a brief service prior to pastors Darlene Muschett and Joe Holub performing the blessings.
“Pets are an important part of people's lives, particularly in Summit County” Oberheide said. “This is a way to make them special for a day.”
The pet blessing was last done by the church several years ago before taking a multi-year hiatus, Holub explained. They hold it prior to the commemoration day for St. Francis of Assisi because the saint was known for his appreciation of nature.
“His brotherhood was all of God's creation,” Muschette said. “His love of nature was so deep.”
The service included hymns and readings from Genesis and Psalm 104, which praise all of creation, particularly its animals.
Good news is so nice to read.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Aspen Leaves
Enjoy.
Nancy
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Lawsuit over Lowe's
A lawsuit claiming the Town of Silverthorne incorrectly categorized a Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse plan for the town was filed Thursday. The suit was filed by attorney Rob Waterman on behalf of two Silverthorne residents and two individuals who claim they'll be negatively affected by the development.
Named plaintiffs in the case are Deborah Fort and Pamela Bent of Silverthorne and Timothy Reidy and Margaret Schweri of Mesa Cortina, an area of unincorporated Summit County located above the Lowe's site.
The suit centers on a planning technicality, claiming the town incorrectly categorized Lowe's as a hardware store, according to the documents Waterman filed Thursday. Labeled as a hardware store, Lowe's is considered a “use by right” entity and is guaranteed the right to conduct business in Silverthorne. Other designations for a C-1 Light Commercial Zone District, such as “lumberyard” or “building materials,” would put Lowe's in a “conditional use” category that does not guarantee the right to do business and gives town officials more negotiating power, Waterman said. His argument is based on town ordinance, section 4-4-17, which outlines designations for C-1 and C-2 zones.
The new Lowe's is slated to begin construction next spring and open its doors in early 2012, but the approval process has not gone uncontested. Some local residents have voiced disapproval of the project based on claims that traffic will increase, the town will lose aesthetic charm and the local economy will be affected by the big-box running out smaller competition. On Sept. 22, the Silverthorne Town Council approved the final details of the site plan, allowing Lowe's to proceed with construction.
Named plaintiffs in the case are Deborah Fort and Pamela Bent of Silverthorne and Timothy Reidy and Margaret Schweri of Mesa Cortina, an area of unincorporated Summit County located above the Lowe's site.
The suit centers on a planning technicality, claiming the town incorrectly categorized Lowe's as a hardware store, according to the documents Waterman filed Thursday. Labeled as a hardware store, Lowe's is considered a “use by right” entity and is guaranteed the right to conduct business in Silverthorne. Other designations for a C-1 Light Commercial Zone District, such as “lumberyard” or “building materials,” would put Lowe's in a “conditional use” category that does not guarantee the right to do business and gives town officials more negotiating power, Waterman said. His argument is based on town ordinance, section 4-4-17, which outlines designations for C-1 and C-2 zones.
The new Lowe's is slated to begin construction next spring and open its doors in early 2012, but the approval process has not gone uncontested. Some local residents have voiced disapproval of the project based on claims that traffic will increase, the town will lose aesthetic charm and the local economy will be affected by the big-box running out smaller competition. On Sept. 22, the Silverthorne Town Council approved the final details of the site plan, allowing Lowe's to proceed with construction.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Snow on the Mountain
Yes, we had snow last night. Only above 12,000 feet, so not on my deck.
But Breckenridge will open for the ski season in just 49 days.
Amazing how quickly summer flew by.
But Breckenridge will open for the ski season in just 49 days.
Amazing how quickly summer flew by.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Summit County Parade of Homes winners announced
Fazendin Brothers and One Ski Hill Place, A RockResort, swept their respective categories in the 16th annual 2010 Parade of Homes, sponsored by the Summit County Builders Association.
In its category, Fazendin Brothers took every individual award and won “Best Overall” for Home #6 at 620 Two Cabins Drive in Silverthorne. Likewise, in the multi-family category, Vail Resorts took every individual award and won “Best Overall” for Home #8, One Ski Hill Place at the base of the ski resort on Ski Hill Road in Breckenridge.
Thebeau Construction took six individual awards and won “Best Overall” in its category for Home #11 at 508 Mountain View, Blue River.
Other multiple award winners in that category include Apex Mountain Homes for Home #2 at 1105 Bald Eagle in Silverthorne, and Carlson Builders Inc./Matthew Stais Architects for Home #17 at 510 Wellington Road in Breckenridge.
Dana Covert Contracting & Bostad International won “Best Overall” in their category for Home #4 at 31 Red Buffalo Trail in Silverthorne. Another entry winning multiple individual awards was Double Diamond Property & Construction Services for Home #22 at 172 Sunshine Ridge Lane, Breckenridge.
In its category, J&E Development won “Best Overall” for Home #12 at 170 Regal Circle in Blue River. Multiple awards also went to Home #14 built by Level One Building Company at 36 Lakecrest Drive in Blue River.
In its category, Fazendin Brothers took every individual award and won “Best Overall” for Home #6 at 620 Two Cabins Drive in Silverthorne. Likewise, in the multi-family category, Vail Resorts took every individual award and won “Best Overall” for Home #8, One Ski Hill Place at the base of the ski resort on Ski Hill Road in Breckenridge.
Thebeau Construction took six individual awards and won “Best Overall” in its category for Home #11 at 508 Mountain View, Blue River.
Other multiple award winners in that category include Apex Mountain Homes for Home #2 at 1105 Bald Eagle in Silverthorne, and Carlson Builders Inc./Matthew Stais Architects for Home #17 at 510 Wellington Road in Breckenridge.
Dana Covert Contracting & Bostad International won “Best Overall” in their category for Home #4 at 31 Red Buffalo Trail in Silverthorne. Another entry winning multiple individual awards was Double Diamond Property & Construction Services for Home #22 at 172 Sunshine Ridge Lane, Breckenridge.
In its category, J&E Development won “Best Overall” for Home #12 at 170 Regal Circle in Blue River. Multiple awards also went to Home #14 built by Level One Building Company at 36 Lakecrest Drive in Blue River.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Summit County is a recycling champ
Since Summit County opened its Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in 2006, diversions from the landfill have nearly quadrupled, with several thousand tons of recyclables and organic material being resurrected from the waste stream every year to live on as useful new products.
In 2009, the Summit Resource Allocation Park (SCRAP), formerly known as the dump, shipped 3,492 tons of paper, cardboard, metals, glass, plastic and electronics back into the market. Combine that with several-thousand additional tons of food scraps, wood waste, biosolids and yard waste that's turned into fertile soil at SCRAP's High Country Composting Facility, and Summit County achieves a waste-diversion rate of about 22 percent.
In 2009, the Summit Resource Allocation Park (SCRAP), formerly known as the dump, shipped 3,492 tons of paper, cardboard, metals, glass, plastic and electronics back into the market. Combine that with several-thousand additional tons of food scraps, wood waste, biosolids and yard waste that's turned into fertile soil at SCRAP's High Country Composting Facility, and Summit County achieves a waste-diversion rate of about 22 percent.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Autumn has arrived in Breckenridge
Time to visit Breckenridge. We've got some great buys in real estate.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Bike Lanes Coming to Breckenridge Main Street
Soon cyclists will be able to travel Main Street in their own lanes — painted between parked cars and motor-vehicle traffic lanes.
Town council gave staff the nod to add the lanes at a recent work session, though not all were in agreement.
Councilman Peter Joyce said he was concerned with safety issues for inexperienced cyclists. He and Mark Burke both dissented from the opinion of the other five council members.
“I don't think it will be safe for kids,” Burke said in a phone interview Thursday. “When I drive down Main, it's tough enough with pedestrians ... My first concern is our citizens' safety, and that's the only reason I'm against it.”
Councilwoman Jennifer McAtamney said she keeps her young children on side streets or in Blue River Plaza when they're biking, as there are a variety of places for people of differing skill levels to ride.
“Experienced cyclists can ride on that road without much problem,” she said of Main Street. “It will be interesting to see whether narrowing those lanes visually helps slow traffic down.”
The striping of Main Street, as well as other striping and wayfinding improvements downtown, will cost $20,000. The town has $5,000 in grant money and $5,000 that was budgeted; the remaining $10,000 could come from Open Space funds.
Other improvements are to occur as shared lane markings along French Street, Wellington Road and a small segment of Lincoln Avenue.
The town was honored last year as a silver-level bicycle friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. Its paved pathway system, singletrack trail network and other efforts were recognized. Town officials intend to improve wayfinding and safety with the new striping and some signs.
Town council gave staff the nod to add the lanes at a recent work session, though not all were in agreement.
Councilman Peter Joyce said he was concerned with safety issues for inexperienced cyclists. He and Mark Burke both dissented from the opinion of the other five council members.
“I don't think it will be safe for kids,” Burke said in a phone interview Thursday. “When I drive down Main, it's tough enough with pedestrians ... My first concern is our citizens' safety, and that's the only reason I'm against it.”
Councilwoman Jennifer McAtamney said she keeps her young children on side streets or in Blue River Plaza when they're biking, as there are a variety of places for people of differing skill levels to ride.
“Experienced cyclists can ride on that road without much problem,” she said of Main Street. “It will be interesting to see whether narrowing those lanes visually helps slow traffic down.”
The striping of Main Street, as well as other striping and wayfinding improvements downtown, will cost $20,000. The town has $5,000 in grant money and $5,000 that was budgeted; the remaining $10,000 could come from Open Space funds.
Other improvements are to occur as shared lane markings along French Street, Wellington Road and a small segment of Lincoln Avenue.
The town was honored last year as a silver-level bicycle friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. Its paved pathway system, singletrack trail network and other efforts were recognized. Town officials intend to improve wayfinding and safety with the new striping and some signs.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
The Annual Melt-Down of the Snow Has Started
Colorado's snowpack began melting quickly this spring because of warm, dry temperatures in early April, according to the USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), which tracks snowpack and reservoir levels throughout the state.
Weather turned wetter and cooler throughout the mountains in late April, halting, and in some cases even reversing, the melt trend. Statistics from the latest NRCS surveys show snowpack is below average in all of the state's major river basins. Snowpack in the Blue River Basin in Summit County is 70 percent of average and 65 percent of last year's snowpack. At one NRCS survey site in the lower Snake River, snowpack is at only 7 percent of average.
“We did have some fairly warm temperatures earlier in April when melting was going on across the state for two weeks pretty steadily,” said NRCS snow survey supervisor Mike Gillespie. “We saw a lot of lower-elevation sites melting out at that time.”
Colorado's statewide snowpack decreased to the lowest reading of the season on May 1 at only 78 percent of average.
“For the most part, any gains we saw during the last week of April were far surpassed by the melt we saw earlier in the month,” said Allen Green, state conservationist with the NRCS.
Across northern Colorado, where the lowest snowpack readings have been recorded all season, snowpack declines were minimal in April. Basins showing the greatest declines during April included the Gunnison, Arkansas, Rio Grande and the combined San Juan, Animas, Dolores and San Miguel basins.
Monthly precipitation data collected at automated NRCS sites across higher elevations showed an above-average total for April across the Gunnison, Colorado, South Platte, Yampa, White and North Platte basins. For most of the region, April's above-average precipitation breaks a five-month-long dry period where the NRCS recorded below-average moisture. Statewide precipitation during April was 117 percent of average and was the first month of above-average precipitation recorded for the state since December 2009.
Late-season improvements in the snowpack will have positive impacts on this summer's runoff and water supplies, according to Green. However, forecasts of seasonal runoff volumes will remain below average, and in many locations across northern Colorado, this year's summer water supplies continue to be forecast at well below average volumes.
Inflow into Dillon Reservoir is expected to be 73 percent of average during the April-July period. Inflows into Green Mountain Reservoir and Williams Fork Reservoir are projected to be 75 percent of average and 78 percent of average, respectively.
“Reservoir stores are now in good shape, but they'll probably drop quite a bit as we go into the fall. They will be put to use in late summer to make up for these deficits in natural flows,” Gillespie said. “Without having much of a cushion, it increases the need for a good year next year.”
Weather turned wetter and cooler throughout the mountains in late April, halting, and in some cases even reversing, the melt trend. Statistics from the latest NRCS surveys show snowpack is below average in all of the state's major river basins. Snowpack in the Blue River Basin in Summit County is 70 percent of average and 65 percent of last year's snowpack. At one NRCS survey site in the lower Snake River, snowpack is at only 7 percent of average.
“We did have some fairly warm temperatures earlier in April when melting was going on across the state for two weeks pretty steadily,” said NRCS snow survey supervisor Mike Gillespie. “We saw a lot of lower-elevation sites melting out at that time.”
Colorado's statewide snowpack decreased to the lowest reading of the season on May 1 at only 78 percent of average.
“For the most part, any gains we saw during the last week of April were far surpassed by the melt we saw earlier in the month,” said Allen Green, state conservationist with the NRCS.
Across northern Colorado, where the lowest snowpack readings have been recorded all season, snowpack declines were minimal in April. Basins showing the greatest declines during April included the Gunnison, Arkansas, Rio Grande and the combined San Juan, Animas, Dolores and San Miguel basins.
Monthly precipitation data collected at automated NRCS sites across higher elevations showed an above-average total for April across the Gunnison, Colorado, South Platte, Yampa, White and North Platte basins. For most of the region, April's above-average precipitation breaks a five-month-long dry period where the NRCS recorded below-average moisture. Statewide precipitation during April was 117 percent of average and was the first month of above-average precipitation recorded for the state since December 2009.
Late-season improvements in the snowpack will have positive impacts on this summer's runoff and water supplies, according to Green. However, forecasts of seasonal runoff volumes will remain below average, and in many locations across northern Colorado, this year's summer water supplies continue to be forecast at well below average volumes.
Inflow into Dillon Reservoir is expected to be 73 percent of average during the April-July period. Inflows into Green Mountain Reservoir and Williams Fork Reservoir are projected to be 75 percent of average and 78 percent of average, respectively.
“Reservoir stores are now in good shape, but they'll probably drop quite a bit as we go into the fall. They will be put to use in late summer to make up for these deficits in natural flows,” Gillespie said. “Without having much of a cushion, it increases the need for a good year next year.”
Friday, April 23, 2010
Breckenridge Gondola to Operate this Summer
The BreckConnect Gondola is to run daily July 1 to Sept. 6 this year.
The gondola hours this summer are to be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
The gondola hours this summer are to be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Arapahoe Basin to Sell Exhibition Lift Chairs
On May 1, chairs from the Arapahoe Basin Exhibition Lift will go on sale, as the ski area prepares to replace it with a detatchable quad.
The Exhibition triple chairlift has been turning since 1978, and it moves more people around the ski area than any other lift each ski seaon. Of the lift's 118 chairs, 110 will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis for $450 apiece. Local nonprofits will use the remaining chairs for fundraising purposes.
“The Exhibition lift is a great lift with few maintenance issues, but now is the time to replace it,” A-Basin chief operations officer Alan Henceroth said. “The new lift will have increased capacity, shorter ride time and easier loading. It will provide rapid, easy access to the upper mountain, Montezuma Bowl, and Black Mountain Lodge.”
The new lift, dubbed Black Mountain Express, will have a capacity of 2,000 people per hour, a length of 2,877 feet and a vertical rise of 719 feet. Ride time from the base area to mid-mountain will be just shorter than three minutes — half the time of a ride up Exhibition. Construction is scheduled to beging around mid-June and will not impact the current season's closing date, tentatively scheduled for June 6.
The eight donated Exhibition chairs will go to the Summit Foundation, High Country Conservation Center, Team Summit, Summit County Community Care Clinic, Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the Family and Intercultural Resource Center, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District and the Keystone Science School.
Sale of the chairs will begin online at 8 a.m., Saturday, May 1, at www.arapahoebasin.com. The chairs will be available for pick-up on June 11 and 12 at A-Basin.
A pick-up truck or similar vehicle is recommended to transport the chairs. Arapahoe Basin will not take reservations in advance for the purchase of the chairs. All sales are final, and chairs should be used at the purchasers' own risk.
The Exhibition triple chairlift has been turning since 1978, and it moves more people around the ski area than any other lift each ski seaon. Of the lift's 118 chairs, 110 will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis for $450 apiece. Local nonprofits will use the remaining chairs for fundraising purposes.
“The Exhibition lift is a great lift with few maintenance issues, but now is the time to replace it,” A-Basin chief operations officer Alan Henceroth said. “The new lift will have increased capacity, shorter ride time and easier loading. It will provide rapid, easy access to the upper mountain, Montezuma Bowl, and Black Mountain Lodge.”
The new lift, dubbed Black Mountain Express, will have a capacity of 2,000 people per hour, a length of 2,877 feet and a vertical rise of 719 feet. Ride time from the base area to mid-mountain will be just shorter than three minutes — half the time of a ride up Exhibition. Construction is scheduled to beging around mid-June and will not impact the current season's closing date, tentatively scheduled for June 6.
The eight donated Exhibition chairs will go to the Summit Foundation, High Country Conservation Center, Team Summit, Summit County Community Care Clinic, Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the Family and Intercultural Resource Center, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District and the Keystone Science School.
Sale of the chairs will begin online at 8 a.m., Saturday, May 1, at www.arapahoebasin.com. The chairs will be available for pick-up on June 11 and 12 at A-Basin.
A pick-up truck or similar vehicle is recommended to transport the chairs. Arapahoe Basin will not take reservations in advance for the purchase of the chairs. All sales are final, and chairs should be used at the purchasers' own risk.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Copper Mt. Announces Major Upgrades
Copper Mountain announced plans recently to ramp up snowmaking for the 2010-2011 season as part of $6 million in capital improvements to the resort.
With the planned snowmaking increases, Copper anticipates better early-season coverage for race camps, training, and recreational skiers and riders. The planned 25 percent increase in snowmaking capacity will be spread throughout the mountain, with new systems planned for the Timberline area, adding significant intermediate terrain.
The resort also plans to expand its free Corn lot, increasing free parking at Copper by 40 percent. And additional parking in Union Creek will add easier access to Copper's beginner area, including Ski and Ride School programs and The Schoolhouse.
The improvements won't end in 2011, according to Copper Mountain President and General Manager Gary Rodgers.
“The focus on infrastructure enhancements sets the stage for future on mountain improvements,” Rodgers said.
The announcement was the first of its kind from Copper Mountain's new owner, Powdr Corp, which purchased the resort last December from Intrawest.
With the planned snowmaking increases, Copper anticipates better early-season coverage for race camps, training, and recreational skiers and riders. The planned 25 percent increase in snowmaking capacity will be spread throughout the mountain, with new systems planned for the Timberline area, adding significant intermediate terrain.
The resort also plans to expand its free Corn lot, increasing free parking at Copper by 40 percent. And additional parking in Union Creek will add easier access to Copper's beginner area, including Ski and Ride School programs and The Schoolhouse.
The improvements won't end in 2011, according to Copper Mountain President and General Manager Gary Rodgers.
“The focus on infrastructure enhancements sets the stage for future on mountain improvements,” Rodgers said.
The announcement was the first of its kind from Copper Mountain's new owner, Powdr Corp, which purchased the resort last December from Intrawest.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Breckenridge Gold Run Nordic Center
Breckenridge town officials plan to continue subsidizing the Gold Run Nordic Center operations after two failed attempts at securing a private operator.
As cuts were made across town budget last year to cope with the economic recession, the town's subsidy of Nordic center operations dropped from $170,000 to $80,000.
Hours, grooming and trail access were reduced, and nordic center revenue went from covering 50 percent of its operating costs to covering 68 percent of them.
With no suitable offers made by private entities to run the town, the center is expected to continue with this business model.
“That doesn't mean we won't continue to explore other opportunities,” town manager Tim Gagen said at Tuesday's town council work session.
Town recreation director Lynn Zwaagstra said there were about 8,200 visits to the nordic center this season — with 3,400 from season passes and 4,800 from day-use passes.
Gagen said both the Breckenridge and Frisco Nordic centers, which involve private operation, drew more visits. He added that it “doesn't pencil” for a private operator to operate Gold Run.
Councilman Mark Burke, who owns the adjacent Clubhouse Restaurant, said of the existing Gold Run Nordic Center staff: “They've done a phenomenal job. I vote to keep it as it's going.”
Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron said he, too, is “comfortable” with the subsidy but would like to give the staff further flexibility as far as what terrain is available and how it's groomed.
“I'd like to give the nordic people a little bit more autonomy,” he said. “The experience I think has improved dramatically, but I think we can improve the ski experience.”
Bergeron also suggested at the work session that offering transit to Gold Run could increase user traffic.
The Gold Run Nordic Center is open daily during the season, which ended April 4. It offers skiing and snowshoeing.
The center includes 22 kilometers of groomed classic and skate ski trails and more than 10 kilometers of snowshoe trails, according to www.townofbreckenridge.com.
As cuts were made across town budget last year to cope with the economic recession, the town's subsidy of Nordic center operations dropped from $170,000 to $80,000.
Hours, grooming and trail access were reduced, and nordic center revenue went from covering 50 percent of its operating costs to covering 68 percent of them.
With no suitable offers made by private entities to run the town, the center is expected to continue with this business model.
“That doesn't mean we won't continue to explore other opportunities,” town manager Tim Gagen said at Tuesday's town council work session.
Town recreation director Lynn Zwaagstra said there were about 8,200 visits to the nordic center this season — with 3,400 from season passes and 4,800 from day-use passes.
Gagen said both the Breckenridge and Frisco Nordic centers, which involve private operation, drew more visits. He added that it “doesn't pencil” for a private operator to operate Gold Run.
Councilman Mark Burke, who owns the adjacent Clubhouse Restaurant, said of the existing Gold Run Nordic Center staff: “They've done a phenomenal job. I vote to keep it as it's going.”
Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron said he, too, is “comfortable” with the subsidy but would like to give the staff further flexibility as far as what terrain is available and how it's groomed.
“I'd like to give the nordic people a little bit more autonomy,” he said. “The experience I think has improved dramatically, but I think we can improve the ski experience.”
Bergeron also suggested at the work session that offering transit to Gold Run could increase user traffic.
The Gold Run Nordic Center is open daily during the season, which ended April 4. It offers skiing and snowshoeing.
The center includes 22 kilometers of groomed classic and skate ski trails and more than 10 kilometers of snowshoe trails, according to www.townofbreckenridge.com.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Dead and Infested Lodgepole Pine Trees Must be Removed by July 15
Breckenridge property owners are required by town ordinance to remove dead and infested lodgepole pine trees by July 15.
The town council Tuesday approved an update to the mountain pine-beetle ordinance that allows for deadline extension if the program's director determines the weather or “other unanticipated conditions or circumstances” make the deadline unresonable.
Property owners are responsible to pay for the inspection, mitigation and removal services involved with removing the trees. A class D permit is required to remove trees, unless a town-approved contractor is used.
For more information, call the town's community development department at (970) 453-3160, or visit www.townofbreckenridge.com and click on “Projects and Issues” then “2010 Forest Health Program.” A list of approved contractors is available on the website.
The town council Tuesday approved an update to the mountain pine-beetle ordinance that allows for deadline extension if the program's director determines the weather or “other unanticipated conditions or circumstances” make the deadline unresonable.
Property owners are responsible to pay for the inspection, mitigation and removal services involved with removing the trees. A class D permit is required to remove trees, unless a town-approved contractor is used.
For more information, call the town's community development department at (970) 453-3160, or visit www.townofbreckenridge.com and click on “Projects and Issues” then “2010 Forest Health Program.” A list of approved contractors is available on the website.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Does Your IPhone Work on Weekends in Breckenridge?
I know a number of people with IPhones. And I must say they are way "cool." However, a real problem surfaced this winter in Breckenridge. Do to the influx of visitors shooting video, snapping photos and emailing them to their friends every weekend, the system became so overloaded you could not make or receive a phone call. My Blackberry did not have that problem. So . . .
AT&T is working with the Town of Breckenridge to get a new, permanent tower set up to better accommodate mobile phone customers.
“We have a high sense of urgency in Breckenridge, and we're moving through as quickly as possible,” AT&T spokeswoman Brooke Burgess said.
Meanwhile a temporary tower on wheels has been installed in town to supplement existing service. Town spokeswoman Kim DiLallo said people from public works and community development met with AT&T representatives recently to work on potential tower locations.
“There are a lot of technical issues that go into deciding where is a good location for a tower, and AT&T is working on figuring out the best locations, and then will need to negotiate with property owners,” DiLallo said in an e-mail.
AT&T is working with the Town of Breckenridge to get a new, permanent tower set up to better accommodate mobile phone customers.
“We have a high sense of urgency in Breckenridge, and we're moving through as quickly as possible,” AT&T spokeswoman Brooke Burgess said.
Meanwhile a temporary tower on wheels has been installed in town to supplement existing service. Town spokeswoman Kim DiLallo said people from public works and community development met with AT&T representatives recently to work on potential tower locations.
“There are a lot of technical issues that go into deciding where is a good location for a tower, and AT&T is working on figuring out the best locations, and then will need to negotiate with property owners,” DiLallo said in an e-mail.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Frisco's Affordable-Housing Neighborhood
Peak One parcel developer Ten Mile Partners jumped over its last big hurdle in the application process for Frisco's new affordable-housing neighborhood.
The planning commission OK'd the development and preliminary plat applications — now the developer must get council approval regarding dedicating public areas to the town. Public park areas, roads and trail connections will be maintained by Frisco's public works department.
“This is going to be a great project,” said lead developer David O'Neil. “We feel really strongly about that.”
Ten Mile Partners — consisting of Breckenridge Wellington Neighborhood developer O'Neil and Wolff/Lyon architects of Boulder, Breckenridge architect Matt Stais and Frisco builder Dan McCrerey — won the bid for development design last year.
The new deed-restricted neighborhood is set to be built south of Main Street starting this spring on the 12.68-acre Peak One parcel, and the plan will include 70 units in a mix of duplexes and single-family homes. Originally, the developer had planned for 72 units, but due to outside input two residences were cut from the design.
The pending units will range from small cabins (around 800 square feet) to single-family homes up to about 2,000 square feet. The homes are being made available to people making between 80 percent and 160 percent of the area median income, or income ranging between $68,000-$136,000 for a family of four. Ten Mile Partners anticipates that construction to build-out will take at least five years.
The planning commission OK'd the development and preliminary plat applications — now the developer must get council approval regarding dedicating public areas to the town. Public park areas, roads and trail connections will be maintained by Frisco's public works department.
“This is going to be a great project,” said lead developer David O'Neil. “We feel really strongly about that.”
Ten Mile Partners — consisting of Breckenridge Wellington Neighborhood developer O'Neil and Wolff/Lyon architects of Boulder, Breckenridge architect Matt Stais and Frisco builder Dan McCrerey — won the bid for development design last year.
The new deed-restricted neighborhood is set to be built south of Main Street starting this spring on the 12.68-acre Peak One parcel, and the plan will include 70 units in a mix of duplexes and single-family homes. Originally, the developer had planned for 72 units, but due to outside input two residences were cut from the design.
The pending units will range from small cabins (around 800 square feet) to single-family homes up to about 2,000 square feet. The homes are being made available to people making between 80 percent and 160 percent of the area median income, or income ranging between $68,000-$136,000 for a family of four. Ten Mile Partners anticipates that construction to build-out will take at least five years.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Frisco gets Wastwater Treatment Plant Upgrade
Frisco's wastewater treatment plant will get a $1.25 million upgrade this spring, including a new ultraviolet disinfection system. According to Butch Green, manager of the Frisco Sanitation District, the new system will use ultraviolet lights to remove 100 percent of the fecal coliform bacteria in the wastewater. Currently, the bacteria is removed with filters, which Green said are primarily designed to remove phosphorous. Increasingly, Green said, new regulations have ratcheted down the amount of the bacteria the plant is allowed to discharge into Dillon Reservoir.
“The machinery we've had for the past 20 years has just reached its limit,” Green said. Previously, the plant was allowed to discharge up to 12,000 parts per million of fecal coliform bacteria monthly, and that's been scaled down to a range of 143-258 ppm. With the new ultraviolet disinfection system, it'll no longer be an issue since the lights will zap all of the bacteria, Green said.
The UV system will cost the sanitation district about $600,000, but an Energy Mineral Impact Assistance Grant from the state of Colorado will take care of nearly $400,000 of that. The remaining cost will be covered by the district's reserve funds.
In addition to the new UV system, the district is using another chunk of reserve funding to replace two “equalization basins” at the facility. Green said these are the concrete dishes visible from Summit Boulevard that house large ponds of water for filtration.
“We didn't realize when we built them that junk flying around in the air collects on them,” Green said. “We even have skateboarders up there sometimes.”
The new basins won't be exposed to sunlight as the present ones are, eliminating another problem Green said they've had with algae growth. The basin replacement will cost another $650,000, bringing the total of the upgrades to $1.25 million.
“The machinery we've had for the past 20 years has just reached its limit,” Green said. Previously, the plant was allowed to discharge up to 12,000 parts per million of fecal coliform bacteria monthly, and that's been scaled down to a range of 143-258 ppm. With the new ultraviolet disinfection system, it'll no longer be an issue since the lights will zap all of the bacteria, Green said.
The UV system will cost the sanitation district about $600,000, but an Energy Mineral Impact Assistance Grant from the state of Colorado will take care of nearly $400,000 of that. The remaining cost will be covered by the district's reserve funds.
In addition to the new UV system, the district is using another chunk of reserve funding to replace two “equalization basins” at the facility. Green said these are the concrete dishes visible from Summit Boulevard that house large ponds of water for filtration.
“We didn't realize when we built them that junk flying around in the air collects on them,” Green said. “We even have skateboarders up there sometimes.”
The new basins won't be exposed to sunlight as the present ones are, eliminating another problem Green said they've had with algae growth. The basin replacement will cost another $650,000, bringing the total of the upgrades to $1.25 million.
Monday, April 05, 2010
New Listing on the Breckenridge Golf Course
Click this link for a virtual tour and full information
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Beautiful 5 Bedroom Home in Breckenridge with Great Views
This 5 bedroom, 3 bath home located high above Breckenridge offers some great views of the ski area and Ten Mile Range. Great open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, entertainment room with pool table. The perfect mountain getaway for a large family or investment home with a great rental history.
Take a look at the property by clicking the link below:
336 North Fuller Placer Road
Take a look at the property by clicking the link below:
336 North Fuller Placer Road
Friday, April 02, 2010
Village at Breckenridge Major Renovation
An $18 million renovation of the Village at Breckenridge is set to begin April 5.
The five buildings at the base of Peak 9 are to be improved with new roofs, decks, windows, doors, siding and railings, according to a press release from Tony Wait, general manager with the Village homeowner's association.
Snowmelt systems and improved lighting are also to be among changes occurring by Dec. 15, when the project is expected to be completed.
“The project is funded by a special assessment of owners that ranges from $29,000 to $151,000 for residential units and up to $657,000 for the largest commercial unit,” Village association president Jeff Murrell said in the press release.
The Breckenridge Medical Clinic in the area is to close at the end of the current ski season and reopen for the 2010-11 ski season, according to the press release.
Access to the nearby chairlift and other Peak 9 amenities is to remain available with signage while the project is under way.
The Village HOA represents owners of 235 residential and 28 commercial units. Ground breaking on the project is scheduled for Monday at 4 p.m. at 535 South Park Avenue in the circle entry.
The five buildings at the base of Peak 9 are to be improved with new roofs, decks, windows, doors, siding and railings, according to a press release from Tony Wait, general manager with the Village homeowner's association.
Snowmelt systems and improved lighting are also to be among changes occurring by Dec. 15, when the project is expected to be completed.
“The project is funded by a special assessment of owners that ranges from $29,000 to $151,000 for residential units and up to $657,000 for the largest commercial unit,” Village association president Jeff Murrell said in the press release.
The Breckenridge Medical Clinic in the area is to close at the end of the current ski season and reopen for the 2010-11 ski season, according to the press release.
Access to the nearby chairlift and other Peak 9 amenities is to remain available with signage while the project is under way.
The Village HOA represents owners of 235 residential and 28 commercial units. Ground breaking on the project is scheduled for Monday at 4 p.m. at 535 South Park Avenue in the circle entry.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Summit County Says Goodbye to Jay Bauer
Roughly 400 people from Summit County and beyond filled the Silverthorne Pavilion on Saturday to reflect on the life of Jay Bauer, a beloved Breckenridge attorney who died earlier this month.
“He always had something funny to say. It would make you laugh. It would also make you think,” former Frisco Mayor Bernie Zurbriggen said.
Rick Bly, a longtime friend and Breckenridge resident, served as master of ceremonies. He said Bauer — who died March 2 at age 65 — contacted him a few weeks earlier and suggested the memorial service begin and end with music and “maybe you should tell a joke.”
Bauer moved to Summit County in 1973, and established his law practice soon after that.
When it was discovered that he had cancer, doctors gave Bauer four months to live. He survived more than two years. During much of that time he was working in his law office or going on trips — often with his wife Joni, who lived with him in Dillon.
“He always had something funny to say. It would make you laugh. It would also make you think,” former Frisco Mayor Bernie Zurbriggen said.
Rick Bly, a longtime friend and Breckenridge resident, served as master of ceremonies. He said Bauer — who died March 2 at age 65 — contacted him a few weeks earlier and suggested the memorial service begin and end with music and “maybe you should tell a joke.”
Bauer moved to Summit County in 1973, and established his law practice soon after that.
When it was discovered that he had cancer, doctors gave Bauer four months to live. He survived more than two years. During much of that time he was working in his law office or going on trips — often with his wife Joni, who lived with him in Dillon.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Better Access to Breckenridge Town Council Work Sessions
Public access to Town of Breckenridge work sessions could be enhanced as town council recently gave the nod to recording the informal discussions where council members hash out ideas, review financial data and make suggestions to staff.
“I'm just really pleased,” Councilman Dave Rossi said. “It's a big win for the community — because a lot of people just want to know that we're accountable. They want to know how decisions get made.”
The town's official meetings that occur in the evening are always recorded on digital audio, and the public can come in and listen to the recordings or purchase copies on compact disc for $15, according to town clerk MJ Loufek.
While the full council on Tuesday was in favor of recording the work sessions, town spokeswoman Kim DiLallo said Friday that “nothing has been finalized.”
The matter is expected to be back before council in the coming weeks. The work sessions usually begin at 3 p.m. on the day of the official meeting, but attendance is often slim.
“I'm just really pleased,” Councilman Dave Rossi said. “It's a big win for the community — because a lot of people just want to know that we're accountable. They want to know how decisions get made.”
The town's official meetings that occur in the evening are always recorded on digital audio, and the public can come in and listen to the recordings or purchase copies on compact disc for $15, according to town clerk MJ Loufek.
While the full council on Tuesday was in favor of recording the work sessions, town spokeswoman Kim DiLallo said Friday that “nothing has been finalized.”
The matter is expected to be back before council in the coming weeks. The work sessions usually begin at 3 p.m. on the day of the official meeting, but attendance is often slim.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Frisco Main Street Re-Design
By approving the “Step Up Main Street” master plan this week, the Town of Frisco is one step closer to upgrading its main drag despite numerous financial unknowns.
Construction on Main Street however may be slow going — based on a poor economy, the town tentatively plans to break ground in 2012 instead of 2011.
According to town planner Jocelyn Mills, the project's next step will be converting the master plan into construction documents and determining actual costs. This was initially set for 2010, but it's now being pushed back to next year.
“Due to public comment, we will look at zoning codes to encourage redevelopment on private property to go hand in hand with the Main Street redesign,” Mills said. “Staff will be working on that this year.”
Master plan designer Mary Hart presented a pedestrian-friendly main drag to council and staff Tuesday, complete with tree lanes next to side walks, pocket parks, a pedestrian corridor by Third Avenue and public art. An upgraded option for a welcome sign to welcome visitors from Highway 9 to Main Street was also created.
Hart's redesign includes historic simple forms, a mountain-rustic look and natural materials. She suggests keeping sidewalks 8-feet-wide, and then creating a tree/amenity lane to the right of it to make the street-scape more interesting. The tree/amenity lane could even be used to accommodate tables and seating areas for Main Street eateries.
Both Hart and Mills also stressed the importance of getting visitors to walk the whole length of Main Street, which is currently a problem in town.
“We want to make Frisco memorable for visitors,” Mills said Tuesday.
The Council stressed to Hart and Mills the importance of creating additional parking spaces as the project moves forward. As the plan is purely conceptual at this point, this will be taken into consideration as it's turned into actual construction plans. Potential materials for the redesign project will also be analyzed by the town for cost and durability.
“The council and the town are sensitive to parking, and needs of retail and business on Main Street,” Hart said. “That's something that will continue to be important as the process moves forward.”
Hart added that public input was important to her design from start to finish.
“We tried to balance all the different needs of Main Street to accommodate maintenance, retail, traffic and pedestrians,” Hart said.
Construction on Main Street however may be slow going — based on a poor economy, the town tentatively plans to break ground in 2012 instead of 2011.
According to town planner Jocelyn Mills, the project's next step will be converting the master plan into construction documents and determining actual costs. This was initially set for 2010, but it's now being pushed back to next year.
“Due to public comment, we will look at zoning codes to encourage redevelopment on private property to go hand in hand with the Main Street redesign,” Mills said. “Staff will be working on that this year.”
Master plan designer Mary Hart presented a pedestrian-friendly main drag to council and staff Tuesday, complete with tree lanes next to side walks, pocket parks, a pedestrian corridor by Third Avenue and public art. An upgraded option for a welcome sign to welcome visitors from Highway 9 to Main Street was also created.
Hart's redesign includes historic simple forms, a mountain-rustic look and natural materials. She suggests keeping sidewalks 8-feet-wide, and then creating a tree/amenity lane to the right of it to make the street-scape more interesting. The tree/amenity lane could even be used to accommodate tables and seating areas for Main Street eateries.
Both Hart and Mills also stressed the importance of getting visitors to walk the whole length of Main Street, which is currently a problem in town.
“We want to make Frisco memorable for visitors,” Mills said Tuesday.
The Council stressed to Hart and Mills the importance of creating additional parking spaces as the project moves forward. As the plan is purely conceptual at this point, this will be taken into consideration as it's turned into actual construction plans. Potential materials for the redesign project will also be analyzed by the town for cost and durability.
“The council and the town are sensitive to parking, and needs of retail and business on Main Street,” Hart said. “That's something that will continue to be important as the process moves forward.”
Hart added that public input was important to her design from start to finish.
“We tried to balance all the different needs of Main Street to accommodate maintenance, retail, traffic and pedestrians,” Hart said.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Alpine Coaster for Breckenridge
The Breckenridge Planning Commission is on board with a proposed alpine coaster at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
The commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve the project; the plan will go before the Breckenridge Town Council March 23.
“Overall, it was fairly well received as an asset to the town,” Planning Commission chair Rodney Allen said. “We felt it fit into the character of the ski area as another recreational amenity.”
An alpine coaster is similar to an alpine slide, but the sleds run on rails set in a raised track, rather than in a trough. Breckenridge already has an alpine slide. According to Allen, the coaster's potential visual impacts received close scrutiny by the commission.
“There is going to be substantially less visual impact than the current alpine slide, which is out in the open,” Allen said.
The coaster will be located between two ski runs in a healthy stand of trees, comprised of a variety of species. The ski area committed to revegetating the area, should the trees die at some point in the future.
The commissioners also received assurance that the project would be in compliance with the town's outdoor lighting standards.
“There will be lights, but it won't be lit up like a football field,” Allen said.
The ski area could begin construction as early as this summer.
The commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve the project; the plan will go before the Breckenridge Town Council March 23.
“Overall, it was fairly well received as an asset to the town,” Planning Commission chair Rodney Allen said. “We felt it fit into the character of the ski area as another recreational amenity.”
An alpine coaster is similar to an alpine slide, but the sleds run on rails set in a raised track, rather than in a trough. Breckenridge already has an alpine slide. According to Allen, the coaster's potential visual impacts received close scrutiny by the commission.
“There is going to be substantially less visual impact than the current alpine slide, which is out in the open,” Allen said.
The coaster will be located between two ski runs in a healthy stand of trees, comprised of a variety of species. The ski area committed to revegetating the area, should the trees die at some point in the future.
The commissioners also received assurance that the project would be in compliance with the town's outdoor lighting standards.
“There will be lights, but it won't be lit up like a football field,” Allen said.
The ski area could begin construction as early as this summer.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Vail Resorts to Move More Employees to Denver
Vail Resorts is moving about 100 accounting and purchasing positions from the mountains to the Front Range at the end of the ski season.
The company, which owns Keystone and Breckenridge ski areas, notified the employees on Feb. 16 that their positions will be moved to the corporate headquarters in Broomfield, just outside of Boulder. Employees who agree to the move will begin working at their new location on June 2, at the same rate of pay. Those who decide to stay in Summit County will complete their last day of work on June 1.
Vail Resorts spokeswoman Kelly Ladyga said stationing the positions in Broomfield rather than at Keystone, “just made more sense from a business standpoint.”
“After really considering it very carefully, we saw it critical to move those accounting and purchasing functions to be with the rest of accounting down here,” Ladyga said.
The affected employees are mostly entry-level and junior-level accountants and purchasers who serve companywide functions. Most supervisory positions in those departments are already located at the company's Front Range offices.
According to Ladyga, the move will allow for greater oversight, efficiency and collaboration. She also said the company is more easily able to fill accounting vacancies with qualified candidates in the Front Range than in Summit County.
Many of the affected employees toured the Broomfield offices earlier this week. Vail Resorts will provide a relocation benefit to help with moving expenses.
The company, which owns Keystone and Breckenridge ski areas, notified the employees on Feb. 16 that their positions will be moved to the corporate headquarters in Broomfield, just outside of Boulder. Employees who agree to the move will begin working at their new location on June 2, at the same rate of pay. Those who decide to stay in Summit County will complete their last day of work on June 1.
Vail Resorts spokeswoman Kelly Ladyga said stationing the positions in Broomfield rather than at Keystone, “just made more sense from a business standpoint.”
“After really considering it very carefully, we saw it critical to move those accounting and purchasing functions to be with the rest of accounting down here,” Ladyga said.
The affected employees are mostly entry-level and junior-level accountants and purchasers who serve companywide functions. Most supervisory positions in those departments are already located at the company's Front Range offices.
According to Ladyga, the move will allow for greater oversight, efficiency and collaboration. She also said the company is more easily able to fill accounting vacancies with qualified candidates in the Front Range than in Summit County.
Many of the affected employees toured the Broomfield offices earlier this week. Vail Resorts will provide a relocation benefit to help with moving expenses.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Lowe's Home Improvement Store for Silverthorne?
Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse was preliminarily approved by Silverthorne Town Council recently. The proposed store and attached garden center would be located on the corner of Wildernest Road and Buffalo Mountain Drive and and would total 138,000 square feet.
It will sit on 11.2 acres at the site of a former auto dealership.
Lowe's must address engineering issues (a retaining wall needs to be built to stabalize a steep incline behind the building that's prone to slides), architectural issues (like a light-colored roof, and a large, boxy building with no visual breaks), traffic issues (entrance sizes and vehicle congestion), visual problems (outdoor displays and landscaping), wetland and water questions, and other code issues.
Lowe's representative Ted Anderson said the corporation would address all design concerns made by town staff and council, and work with the town to make the plan acceptable.
Anderson said he hopes for the new Lowe's to be open within a year.
It will sit on 11.2 acres at the site of a former auto dealership.
Lowe's must address engineering issues (a retaining wall needs to be built to stabalize a steep incline behind the building that's prone to slides), architectural issues (like a light-colored roof, and a large, boxy building with no visual breaks), traffic issues (entrance sizes and vehicle congestion), visual problems (outdoor displays and landscaping), wetland and water questions, and other code issues.
Lowe's representative Ted Anderson said the corporation would address all design concerns made by town staff and council, and work with the town to make the plan acceptable.
Anderson said he hopes for the new Lowe's to be open within a year.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Breckenridge Ski Area Opens November 12
With all the recent snow Colorado has received things are looking good for the ski season.
Breckenridge will open on November 12.
Loveland ski area won the annual contest for the first ski area to open (a few weeks ago) and A-Basin wasn't far behind - opening just 3 days later.
Breckenridge will open on November 12.
Loveland ski area won the annual contest for the first ski area to open (a few weeks ago) and A-Basin wasn't far behind - opening just 3 days later.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
New Affordable Housing Project in Breckenridge
The Summit Combined Housing Authority and Mercy Housing Colorado have announced unit pricing for Valley Brook Neighborhood — a new affordable housing development in Breckenridge. The long-anticipated Valley Brook development is located at 1100 Airport Road, between Upper Blue Elementary School and the Breckenridge Police Department.
The town is supporting the project with both a donation of the land on Airport Road and a cash contribution to help cover the costs of construction.
The town will be making a final decision on the project in September or October and if approved for a fall start, the first phase of the 42 townhomes are expected to be available for closing in May 2010, with the final phase being completed in early 2011.
The neighborhood will eventually include a playground and common recreational area. Recent improvements to the nearby recreation path, which include the addition of a new bridge over the river, will make the neighborhood easily accessible to the network of paths.
The town is supporting the project with both a donation of the land on Airport Road and a cash contribution to help cover the costs of construction.
The town will be making a final decision on the project in September or October and if approved for a fall start, the first phase of the 42 townhomes are expected to be available for closing in May 2010, with the final phase being completed in early 2011.
The neighborhood will eventually include a playground and common recreational area. Recent improvements to the nearby recreation path, which include the addition of a new bridge over the river, will make the neighborhood easily accessible to the network of paths.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Interstate 70 Discussion Continues
The Rocky Mountain Rail Authority held a meeting late last week to discuss its final version of a report that details the cost of building and operating rail lines along the I-70 corridor, as well as a Front Range line, paralleling I-25.
The report includes schematic drawings of the system, including stops at Keystone and Frisco. The study focuses on proven technologies that could be ready for operation by 2020.
According to the draft version of the report, the east-west line from DIA to the Eagle County airport would cost about $15 billion. The north-south Fort Collins to Pueblo line would cost another $5 billion.
As always, the biggest question mark is finding the money, but the rail authority board makes the case that the rail lines would enhance Colorado's overall transportation network at a time of rising oil prices and growing congestion. About 80 percent of the funding would have to come from federal sources, with the rest generated from a combination of state, local and private funds. In particular, the rail authority is looking to the federal government for infrastructure grants, citing the importance of the I-70 corridor as an “economic engine” for Colorado.
The report includes schematic drawings of the system, including stops at Keystone and Frisco. The study focuses on proven technologies that could be ready for operation by 2020.
According to the draft version of the report, the east-west line from DIA to the Eagle County airport would cost about $15 billion. The north-south Fort Collins to Pueblo line would cost another $5 billion.
As always, the biggest question mark is finding the money, but the rail authority board makes the case that the rail lines would enhance Colorado's overall transportation network at a time of rising oil prices and growing congestion. About 80 percent of the funding would have to come from federal sources, with the rest generated from a combination of state, local and private funds. In particular, the rail authority is looking to the federal government for infrastructure grants, citing the importance of the I-70 corridor as an “economic engine” for Colorado.
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