Colorado Ski Resorts are Spending More on Projects this Year

Colorado ski resorts are pumping more money into chairlift improvements this year after taking a breather last season.


Four new chairlifts are being built this season compared to only two last season, according to Colorado Ski Country USA, a state trade association, and Vail Resorts, which doesn't belong to the association.

Colorado Ski Country USA said Tuesday its 22 member resorts are spending $50 million on capital improvements for the 2011-12 season. That includes everything from high-profile projects such as chairlifts and terrain enhancement to essential but less sexy steps such as grooming machines.

In addition, Vail Resorts' four ski areas are spending tens of millions of dollars on improvements, easily boosting the state ski industry's investment over $75 million. Vail Resorts operates Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone.

VR said it is making up to $90 million in on-mountain and lodging improvements company-wide, but that includes ski resorts outside of Colorado. No figure was available for the improvements just in Colorado.

The Aspen Skiing Co. is one of the resorts investing in a new chairlift. The new Tiehack Express at Buttermilk will be a high-speed, four-passenger chair. It replaces the Eagle Hill and Upper Tiehack lifts and reduces the ride time from 18 to 7 minutes. The Tiehack side of Buttermilk will also add gladed terrain.

Other new chairlifts in Colorado's ski country include:

The Rose Bowl high-speed quad chairlift at Beaver Creek. It will serve all terrain levels from novice to extreme.

Copper Mountain is replacing the High Point Lift in West Village. The Union Creek high-speed quad chairlift will have a new alignment designed to improve skier circulation out of West Village.

 Loveland will replace a Chair 4 with a fixed-grip triple-seat chair.

Several resorts are also building new restaurants or remodeling existin g eateries.

At Aspen Highlands, the Skico is gutting and remodeling the interior of the Merry-Go-Round Restaurant. The Skico also started construction on a new Elk Camp Restaurant which will open in the 2012-13 season. The new restaurant, which will replace Cafe Suzanne, will seat 300.

Vail is opening a 13,000-square-foot restaurant that will offer table service.

Other notable projects include Copper Mountain's development of a training center in a partnership with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. “To support and develop the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper, the resort is implementing a new automated snowmaking system, as well as safety, communications and timing equipment necessary to develop a unique training venue,” Colorado Ski Country USA said in a press release.

The training center will operate from Nov. 1 through Dec. 10 each winter to bolster the U.S. teams' ability to train for speed events before their competitive season begins.

Ski resort spending dropped before the 2010-11 season as operators dealt with the effects of the recession and the lingering economic hangover. Ski areas across the country invested heavily in high-speed chairlifts over a 20-year period starting in 1990. Now, many of those first-generation, high-speed chairlifts are nearing the point where they need to be replaced, according to an industry official. That will likely absorb capital improvement funds for the next several years.

Gathering at the Great Divide Art Festival

The tradition continues over Labor Day weekend and will feature over 100 artists with a wide range of media. Be sure to take a stroll through this event.


Where: Wellington Lot in Breckenridge

When: September 3- 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: FREE

More information: Mountainartfestivals.com

Beautiful $3 Million Dollar Home in Silverthorne

Beautiful home in exclusive Ruby Rance subdivision in Silverthorne.  Contact me for more details - 970-485-0293 or email at Nancy Yearout

USA Pro Cycling Championship End Stage Five in Breckenridge

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Comes to Breckenridge.

Breckenridge will host the stage five finish of the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge, a demanding seven-day road biking race that has attracted many of the top cyclists in the world. The race will roll through Breckenridge this Saturday , August 27.

RE/MAX Properties of the Summit in Breckenridge will be hosting a party at their office from around Noon to 5 p.m. The finish is expected to roll through Breckenridge between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Come join us for a celebration of the return of Pro Cycling to Colorado and Breckenridge.

Breckenridge RE/MAX Properties of the Summit.

220 South Main Street

More information: USA Pro Cycling

Or give me a call - 970-485-0292 or an email - nyearout@colorado.net.

I hope to see you there!

Please Visit the Photographers for Shelter Pets Website

Please visit this site.  It is a wonderful resource for finding beautiful, loving animals that are available for adoption all across the country.

Photographers for Shelter Pets

Another View of the Downtown Breckenridge Town Home

Another view of this beautiful downtown Breckenridge town home.  Contact me
for the details:  970-485-0293 or email:  Nancy Yearout

Downtown Breckenridge Town Home

A beautiful town home in downtown Breckenridge.  Just across Main Street from the Quicksilver lift.  2 bedroom, 2 bath in perfect condition.  Contact Nancy Yearout at 970-485-0293 for the details.  Or visit:  Nancy Yearout

Breckenridge Distillery Wins Gold

Some of the best bourbon in the world is being distilled right up the road. The Breckenridge Distillery was awarded a prestigious gold medal in the 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) category for its Breckenridge Bourbon.


Founded in 1969 and held in The United Kingdom, the IWSC is considered to be the oldest and most prestigious competition of its kind. The awards given by the competition are of the highest honours in the industry. Judging includes a blind tasting consisting of panels selected from over 300 fully experienced and qualified industry judges followed by a detailed chemical analysis.

In the category of Bourbon, aged less than 10 years, only three gold medals were awarded this year, and Breckenridge Bourbon was ranked No. 2 in the world.

According to the judges, the bourbon has: “Gorgeous youthful swipe of fresh flavours of corn, spice and oak. Baked apple and ginger meld with sweet corn and clean oak. Surprisingly complex for its age with all the nose had coming out in full flavors and the fruit and vanilla really taking control. Lively, spicy, fruit filled finish.”

Producing small batch craft spirits at 9,600 feet above sea level, Breckenridge Distillery is the world's highest distillery, according to the owners, and creates award-winning spirits under renowned master distiller, Jordan Via.

Visit www.breckenridgedistillery.com to learn more.

Another View of my Mountain Side Listing

What a great location.  This small stream runs all summer long.  You should hear the lovely sound it makes from the deck of this 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit at Mountain Side Condos.  Priced to sell NOW.

Contact me for more details: 

nyearout@colorado.net

More News on the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

The Colorado Department of Transportation has issued restrictions for campers and others who want to watch the upcoming USA Pro Cycling Challenge.


State officials said Monday parking and camping will be allowed along Colorado highways as long as it's no more than 24 hours before the race and spectators stay off the road and clear their trash.

Race officials are estimating the race may draw more than one million spectators over the course of seven days beginning Aug. 22.

The race will cover more than 500 miles of Colorado terrain, including Aspen, Avon, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Denver, Gunnison, Salida and Steamboat Springs.

For more information go to: http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/

The Care and Feeding of Trees in Summit County

Trees, they are often quite stately standing next to our homes and offices. They shade our homes and our picnics. But they usually don't grab our attention like the lawn does every Saturday morning because unlike the lawn, they don't clamor for weekly maintenance.


It's easy to take them for granted and think they pretty much take care of themselves. Think again.

Even though our tree species are limited at this altitude, trees are often one of the biggest costs when we first landscape our homes. And unlike most home improvements, they don't decrease in value—they actually increase in value over time if kept healthy. As property owners, we need to know that trees can require different care from year to year.

What's different about tree care this year?

We had an extreme dry winter on the front range and extreme wet, cold up here followed by a record wet spring and each one of these conditions had its own impact on trees. Because of the dry winter, there are a lot of dead branches. The wet spring—particularly the rains in May—brought fast growth and more growth than we usually see.

We need to prune out the dead wood from the winter and also, get excessive new growth out before it snows again. Heavy snowfall can be very damaging to trees and the way to avoid it is with proper pruning, this year in particular.

Insects

In 2011 we have two tree problems that aren't major ones and two that are more serious. This is a banner year for aphids and we know it from their tell-tale honeydew—that drippy residue. Aphids are really more of a nuisance than a serious threat to the trees' health.

The other non-serious problem this year is oak blister. Property owners need to be aware of it more so they know it's something they don't need to worry about because the symptoms are unsightly. This disease is only on the leaves of oak trees. It causes leaves to fall off the tree and 10-20 percent of the leaves will turn brown. All of this makes people worry about their oaks, but it looks more serious than it is.

What are the serious tree problems?

European elm scale

This problem relates to elm trees and we have many of them along the Front Range. This scale affects only the twigs and branches of the tree. The scales suck out the sap and that causes the branches to die. Scales are treatable and this is one problem you should monitor and treat, as needed, for the health of the tree.

Mountain pine beetle

This is the same problem we've faced in the mountains for several years that has destroyed so much of the pine forest. It first hit Denver last fall. Most arborists are worried about the threat to Scotch pine and ponderosa pine, in particular. This problem can only be treated as a preventive measure. Once the tree is attacked, it's too late.

Arborists and others who have been watching pine beetle think the beetle will start attacking trees along the Front Range in August/September. If you have trees at risk that you want to protect, it's best to schedule treatment before the outbreak.

Courtesy Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado and Neils Lunceford, a landscaping company based in Silverthorne that is a member. You may contact them at (970) 468-0340.

17th Annual Summit County Parade of Homes

Smart planning, concern for sustainable building practices and the economy have all factored into Smart Space Planning in the 2011 Parade of Homes. You should find something for everyone. Square footage for this year's entrants ranges from under 1,200 square feet in the multifamily residences, to just over 10,000 square feet in some of the true luxury residences. The common trend is livability. The homes all feature common gathering spaces for friends and family with central gourmet kitchens complimented by private quiet spaces. With an average of four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, these all-suite rooms feature sensuous bathrooms, fireplaces, sitting areas and great outdoor living spaces.


Most of the homes feature multiple decks, terraces, patios and covered porches that include fire pits, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, comfortable furniture, mood lighting and other amenities that used to be found only indoors. And when the weather is not conducive to enjoying these outdoor living areas, the homes bring the outdoors in with expansive windows and natural materials.

Single function home theaters have been replaced by more multi-functional game rooms that include large-screen TV and surround sound systems, but also incorporate pool tables, kitchens and other features that encourage guest interaction.

The 17th Annual Summit County Parade of Homes is Sept 17, 18, 24 & 25. Tickets are $10 each and good for entry to 19 homes. A portion of the proceeds benefit The Summit Foundation. Official programs are available starting August 20 in Mountain Living Magazine, at most Summit County Real Estate offices, Visitor Information Centers & City Markets. Tickets may be purchased at www.summitcountybuilders.org/paradeofhome and Summit County City Markets. Please read the Summit Daily News for trends to look for at the 2011 event. “Like” us at www.facebook.com/summitparadeofhomes

Breckenridge preps for Pro Cycling Challenge

As teams prepare for the more than 500-mile, high- alpine bike race that begins in just over a week, the Town of Breckenridge, Stage 5 on the Pro Cycling Challenge tour, is making preparations of its own.


The race, which will bring hundreds of cyclists and thousands of spectators to town Aug. 27, will take over the town with pre-race events, the big Stage 5 finish and a concert in the evening.

Race, town and county officials as well as law enforcement officers held two informational meetings Thursday to prepare locals for the event.

The teams are expected to reach Breckenridge from Steamboat Springs between 3:15-4:30 p.m., but road closures and impacts will be felt as early 2 countywide and, in Breck, the festivities begin at 11 a.m. with a beer garden and other pre-race programs and activities.

The town, which fronted $150,000 to back the event, saw the opportunity as a chance to build on its reputation as a summer biking destination.

“From the very beginning, when it was just a rumor that this was going to happen our town council jumped on it,” Breckenridge spokeswoman Kim Dykstra-DiLallo said. “We really look at this … as part of an overall strategy to show the world what a great biking community we are. It's part of a larger marketing strategy that we really feel is important.”

A local organizing committee put together a bid for Breckenridge to become a stage on the race, highlighting the town's track record of executing major events such as the International Snow Sculpting Championships.

Organizers are hailing the race as the largest spectator event in Colorado history, and Breckenridge, local officials noted gleefully, landed the only Saturday stage.

Race officials say they expect crowds in town comparable to the Fourth of July weekend or the Saturday of Oktoberfest, in what will likely be a highly visual, colorful event at the finish line.

Teams will come down Swan Mountain Road, where many of the spectators are expected to gather for a great view of the fastest leg of the race in Summit County, turn left at Farmer's Korner onto Hwy. 9 before merging on to Park Avenue in Breck. They will follow Park down to the south end of town before racing north back up Main Street to the Wellington Road intersection.

The event has drawn the interest of 400 volunteers, though organizers are still hoping for additional local volunteers who are more familiar with the town.

But regardless of how much help is available, the event is shaping up to be a logistical challenge for people trying to navigate the county and particularly Breckenridge the day of the race. Rolling and day-long closures will be implemented countywide and Breck will shut down Main Street all day and Park Avenue (Highway 9) for the better part of the afternoon and evening.

Drivers will be directed toward parking in the satellite lot on Airport Road north of town, though there will be some parking available in town. The yellow and purple Free Ride routes, which will be running frequently in the morning, will be stopping service in the afternoon as the teams approach. The yellow route will run through 1:15 p.m. departing from Breckenridge Station and the purple route will run through 1:45 p.m. also departing from Breck Station. Full Free Ride service is expected to resume at 5:45, but organizers advise everyone in the county to “be where you need to be by 2 p.m.,” whether that is watching the race or not. They say it is best not to plan to drive until after 4.

Spectators interested in watching the race are encouraged to ride bikes — and bring bike locks — rather than trying to navigate the complicated road closures and difficult parking situation by car. The bike race is a no-pet event.

Colorado Department of Transportation Testing New Method for I-70

The Colorado Department of Transportation is testing a new method to cut down on traffic congestion on Interstate 70 in the mountains.


The Colorado State Patrol and Silverthorne police will use pace cars to slow eastbound traffic heading for the Eisenhower/Johnson tunnel beginning Saturday. All three lanes will be open, but traffic will be limited to speeds between 45 and 55 mph.

Spokeswoman Stacey Stegman says when back-ups occur, the department now stops vehicles from entering the tunnel, allowing traffic to clear before releasing more traffic into the tunnel.

The department said Thursday the test will help determine the feasibility of pacing vehicles during heavier traffic periods in July and August and winter weekends during the ski season.

River Mountain Lodge Condo for Sale

Here's a video of a "cute as a button" studio unit at River Mountain Lodge in Breckenridge.  Great location and great views.  Contact me for more details:  nyearout@colorado.net

Mountain Side Condos - Price Reduced for a Quick Sale

Here's a video of my Mountain Side Condo for sale.  Price was just reduced by $5,000.  It is a great buy.

Contact me for more details:  nyearout@colorado.net

Guitarist Leo Kottke Returns to Breckenridge

Unique acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke will return to Breckenridge Thursday for the first time since his 2009 concert for the Breckenridge Music Festival's Blue River Series.


The self-taught musician has been described as “singular” stylistically, blending influences of blues, jazz and folk music for a sound with classical precision and popular appeal.

“My music is maybe hard to categorize,” Kottke stated in a recent release from the BMF. “It doesn't fit conveniently into the bins at record stores. That works for me, though. I don't rise and fall with trends. Most listeners seem to have room for this stuff. It's been great that way.”

Kottke is a nearly 40-year veteran of the acoustic music scene, with a resume that includes his Chewing Pine (1975), Balance (1979), Time Step (1983), My Father's Face (1989), Great Big Boy (1991), Peculiaroso (1993) and One Guitar, No Vocals (1999) albums.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverwalk Center.

A complete schedule for the BMF as well as online tickets are available at http://www.breckenridgemusicfestival.com/.

Lot Sales Hold Even

With five lots sold in June in Summit County, at an average price of $192,200, the first half of 2011 is nearly even with each of the past two years. The last good year for land sales was 2008 with twice as many sales at nearly twice the average price. There are 424 lots for sale this week and 36 have sold through June.


Inventory has peaked for the year and now stands at 2,400, down slightly over last week and has been nearly unchanged for the past month.

Current stats:

2,740... properties listed for sale August 7, 2010.

2,401... properties listed for sale August 6, 2011 — down 12 percent.

Forest Service Approves Breckenridge Plan

Forest Service officials have approved a modified Breckenridge Forest Health project that incorporates citizen concerns voiced during the public involvement period.


The project is a hazard tree-removal project within 5,600 acres extending from Farmers Korner, to the north, to Golden Horseshoe on the east, to Hoosier Pass on the south and the base of the Tenmile Range on the west.

It's designed to reduce expected hazards and threats to public health and safety posed by dead and dying trees resulting from the widespread mountain pine beetle epidemic. Dead trees means increased fuels in recreation and administrative sites, and along roads where the risk of human caused fire ignition is greater.

There is no appeal period, but the decision was made after an objection period in which three objections were received and resolved.

Much of the proposed project is within the areas identified in the Summit County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Summit Estates, Peak 7, Peak 8, Golden Horseshoe, French Gulch, Boreas Pass/Baldy Road, Warrior's Mark, Blue River, Fredonia Gulch and Quandary Village/Alpine Breck/Valley of the Blue are all included.

Forest Service officials initially modified its proposed action to accommodate recommendations from other agencies and organization during the collaboration period. They further altered the project to address public concerns about the size of the treatment areas, the visual effects on the Peaks Trail, what method would be used to harvest the trees and the effects of road construction and road use during implementation.

Resource specialists with the Forest Service also added their two cents, upon request, after reviewing each treatment unit for suitable Canada lynx habitat that aren't considered high priority for fuels reduction. It resulted in 622 acres of treatment from areas that contain suitable habitat.

“I requested this additional exercise to emphasize the importance of balancing our responsibility to protect human life, property and resources from wildfire, while at the same time maintaining important wildlife habitat characteristics,” wrote Dillon Ranger District ranger Jan Cutts in her decision.

According to the Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact report, “the selected alternative for the Breckenridge Forest Health and Fuels Project strikes a balance between meeting the purpose and need for fuels reduction within the (wildland-urban interface), while also being considerate of local community concerns, issues raised by members of Colorado Wild and protecting habitat utilized by the Canada lynx.”



The report also states that the project meets the definition of “authorized project” under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act because it would be conducted on federal land in a wildland-urban interface and the project contains an active insect epidemic that poses a “significant threat to an ecosystem, component or forest or rangeland resource on federal land or adjacent non-federal land.”

Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival

The Bluegrass and Beer Festival takes over River Run Village this weekend and promises to be bigger and better than ever, as organizers have gone all out for the 15th anniversary celebration. Eight bands will play the 2011 festival, up two from last year, with the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band headlining and a third stage at the village entrance to help accommodate the acts. The number of breweries is also up, from 23 to 30 this year, offering a combined total of 60-70 delicious and diverse frothy microbrews to sample.


“This is one of our most popular events of the summertime,” said Keystone spokeswoman Justine Spence. “Most people in the Keystone area have a countdown to this event. It's one of the longest standing beer festivals in the county, and we're proud of that.”

The Hollyfelds kick off the festivities tonight with a free

8:30 p.m. performance at Warren Station. The Denver-based group combines country, rock, pop, folk and bluegrass into what the Westword described as splitting the difference between alt-country and mainstream, with “just enough of the whiskey and heartache that makes great country music.” In 2010 the Hollyfelds placed in the top 10 of the Denver Post's annual Underground Music Showcase critics' poll.

Nashville singer-songwriter Shannon Whitworth opens Saturday's events with a free workshop on songwriting at Warren Station; attendance is limited to the first 30 people. At 12:30 p.m. she performs the River Run Events Plaza stage. Some compare Whitworth to Patsy Cline or Billie Holiday, describing her as “smoky, elegant, a bit husky, patient at all the right moments and equally adept at the phrasing of a jazz chanteuse.”

Both Steel Pennies and The Farewell Drifters return this year after playing Bluegrass and Beer in 2010. Steel Pennies has a sound that “harkens back to the heyday of bluegrass music,” giving their original and traditional songs “a timeless feel.” They take their name from the zinc-coated steel pennies made in the U.S. between 1943 and 1945 in a wartime effort to save copper for munitions - only to corrode, get stuck in vending machines and be mistaken for dimes. The name reflects the band's “rusty, lonesome sound.”

The Farewell Drifters are a group of 20-something roots-inspired musicians whose recent album, “Echo Boom,” explores themes important to their generation.

Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band headlines the event with a free 3 p.m. Saturday concert on the River Run Events Plaza stage followed by a 9 p.m. performance in the more intimate Warren Station Saturday night for $10. The band will play again on the “Montezuma Plaza” stage in front of the parking lot at 3 p.m. Sunday. Led by the Grammy-winning Rowan, who is also a perennial Telluride headliner, the band released their debut album, “Legacy,” in 2010. Rowan himself is a former member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys as well as the legendary Old and In the Way with Jerry Garcia. At 11 a.m. Sunday, he will deliver a free 1-hour interactive workshop on the intricacies of vocal harmony; this workshop is also free but limited to the first 30 people.

Loose Cannon Bluegrass, The Honeycutters and Honey Don't round out the bands for this year's Bluegrass and Beer Festival.

“It just makes sense that you should be listening to bluegrass music with a frothy beverage looking at beautiful mountains around you,” Spence said. “It's refreshing and it's a great way to get together with your friends and hang out in a laid back atmosphere.”

To promote the event, organizers held a Keystone-beer-naming contest for a 2-day brew pass prize. Online voters chose “The Flying Dutchman” by Jamie Goswick and “River Run GondolALE” by Sarah Porter Graham out of nearly 200 submissions. Melissa Pike earned an Honorable Mention for “Ina's Way IPA,” which recognizes the 87-year-old fixture of Keystone's past and present, Ina Gillis, a former ski instructor who now heads up River Run's landscaping in summer and greets skiers at Ina's Bridge every morning in winter.

Bluegrass and Beer draws 3,000-5,000 people each year and raises more than $4,500 to support the High Country Conservation Center and Lake Dillon Theatre Company.

To sample the brews until you can't take anymore, the cost is $40 for one day or $75 for two, and the price includes a charming glass mug commemorating the festival's 15th year. Nearly all of the music is free, so the other options are to listen to bluegrass sans suds or shop for $5 pints one at a time at the Shock Top Beer Garden. Regular KidZone activities are in place, as are lodging/festival deals and “down-home cooking” from festival vendors. Please note that pets are not invited, even those who appreciate bluegrass (or beer).

Frisco Mountain Side Condo 251C Price Reduction Coming Soon

Great amenities at this project - tennis courts, volleyball courts, pool and hot tubs.  Great 2 bedroom unit at a very affordable price.  And I think the price will be reduced a bit in the next few days.

Contact me for more deatils:  970-485-0293 or email at:  nyearout@colorado.net

Dillon Water Taxi

In Summit County, everyone's going somewhere: downhill on skis, uphill on a mountain bike, to or from Denver on the highway.


The water taxi, a cheerful little pontoon boat owned and captained by insightful locals, is going to Dillon or Frisco via Dillon Reservoir every day of the week during the summer. But, unlike most skiers, bikers and vehicles on the interstate, they're happy to give people, and their pets, a lift.

The peaceful 360-degree view from the lake, as well as the calming atmosphere out on the water, are unique and make boating stand out among the county's summer recreation options. But most water-bound activities, including sailing, kayaking and boat rentals, tend to eat at least half a day out of well-planned vacations.

By contrast, the water taxi gets its passengers out on the water, while fitting in with other plans. Passengers can hop on one of the 10 or more trips the water taxi makes daily, enjoy a hike in Dillon or shopping and lunch in Frisco and then return on a later voyage.

The 30-minute journey is both relaxing and informative.

Weekend captain CJ Giordano, a year-round resident, pilots the pontoon between tree-lined islands while taking questions and offering insider information on everything from the intricate workings of the lake, which is actually a reservoir and Denver's primary drinking-water supply, to the local landscape, weather, wildlife and history.

The 32-foot boat feels something like a water-bound deck, with its passengers invited to recline in lawn chairs, bring food and drinks aboard and enjoy the surrounding views. The solid little watercraft is never pushed much beyond 10 or 12 miles per hour and is not prone to rocking. On clear days, a pleasant breeze on the reservoir cuts the mid-day heat from the sun, which is two miles closer and often more intense than at sea level.

Visible from the reservoir on the crossing to Dillon are Buffalo Mountain and the distant 14,000-foot peaks of Torreys and Grays as well as Mt. Baldy. On the return trip to Frisco, the taxi cruises toward panoramic vistas of the first eight peaks of the Ten Mile Range.

Crossing between Dillon's marina and Frisco's, the taxi crosses over the old town of Dillon. The town was vacated in the early 1960s when the decision to construct the reservoir was made and now lies beneath 75-80 feet of frigid water, Giordano explains.

The reservoir is now closely monitored and maintained by Denver Water, a utility company. It is central, not only to the city's water supply and Summit County's summer recreation, but also to the regulation of water flows during the spring and summer runoff, which can impact both Breckenridge upstream and Silverthorne downstream.

Fare for a cab ride across Dillon Reservoir is $10 one-way and $19 round-trip for adults. Leashed dogs ride for free and bikes for $1. Owner Mike Russo said many people choose to ride Summit County's carefully maintained recpath between Dillon and Frisco in one direction and load their bikes onto the water taxi for a relaxing return trip.

The boat can also be chartered in the mornings and evenings for private tours of the reservoir.

Dillon Dam Road to be Closed for a Month

Projects planned for the Dillon Dam Road will begin Monday. August 1, shutting the road down through Sept. 2.


While Denver Water crews implement safety improvements intended to allow the road to remain open to traffic 24 hours a day, the county will work to rebuild the recpath in places, resurface the road and enlarge Old Dillon Reservoir.

The county projects to improve the recpath and road will cost a total of $450,000.

When the road reopens in September, officials promise drivers will notice significant changes and improvements.

A reconstructed recpath will be finished with brick-red coloring to help differentiate it from the street where it runs adjacent to the road.

“When you're coming from the Frisco side, the first thing people will see is a beautiful new red recreation path alongside the roadway,” assistant county manager Thad Noll said. “That's going to be spectacular. It will have a nice surface on it and it will make the riders safer and the vehicles safer.”

The road itself, which has suffered the normal wear and tear of Summit County winters, will also be resurfaced where it runs alongside the recpath near the campgrounds.

County officials also promise a bigger Old Dillon Reservoir out of the project, which will hold a surplus water supply for Dillon, Silverthorne and Summit County when needed. (Old Dillon Dam is located between the Dam Road and I-70 and is not visible from the road.)

Security enhancements

The Dillon Dam security taskforce, a coalition of Denver Water and local government and safety officials, is behind the other set of projects to be completed next month, which, they say will enhance security on the road and allow traffic access 24 hours a day.

The project includes a new guard shack and roundabout at each end of the roadway, as well as some improved lighting. Dam guards have been working out of their vehicles over the past several years since additional security measures were implemented.

“The security buildings will be very good looking and will look like somebody really thought about what was going in there,” Noll said.

Traffic will be able to pass through the site without interruption from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. when the work is complete, but drivers will experience minimal delays when crossing the road at night, officials stated.

Access to the campgrounds in Frisco will not be impacted by the work, Noll said, though there will be occasional closures on the recreation path.

“Bicycle and pedestrian access will remain open for most of the time, but will need to be closed for a few days early in the projects to allow for a deep trench to be cut across the road and recpath,” Noll said in an email. He said the county would keep the public informed of those occasional closures using the SC Alert system.

New Listing in Frisco - Priced to Sell Now

Here's a video of one of my latest Listings.  A nice 2 bedroom condo at Mountain Side Condos in Frisco, Colorado.  Great views and a small stream runs through the property.  Priced to sell right now.  Contact me for more information:  970-485-0293 or email:   Nancy Yearout

New Hotel for Breckenridge?

Following a recent developer proposal for a 125-room branded hotel and conference space to be built in the F-Lot just off Main Street in Breckenridge, town council members put out a request for other hotel proposals for the site.


“We want to make sure that the council understands every possible alternative to maximize the value of the assets we have in town,” Councilman Mike Dudick said. “We owe it to the taxpayers to make sure that if we're going to do a deal, that we get the best deal possible.”

The council's request yielded two additional proposals, both bigger than the first, according to town documents.

A proposal submitted by Jack Wolfe of Wolfe & Company includes plans for a five-story150-room luxury hotel, a bar, 46 multi-family residence units for sale and a parking garage with 380 public spaces and 150 hotel spaces.

“This is really a tremendous setting,” Wolfe said of Breckenridge. “F-Lot is literally the doughnut hole of Breckenridge, the center of Breck, and we really don't have that grand hotel or town-center hotel.”

Wolfe said that was what he aimed to envision in his proposal.

Ascent Resort Partners joined forces with Hunn Consulting Group and O'Bryan Partnership architects to put forward a proposal for a branded 243-key hotel with a restaurant and bar, 40 residential units for sale and a parking structure holding 382 public spaces and 169 spaces reserved for the development, according to town documents.

Maryland-based builder Triumph Development came forward at a town council meeting in May with the initial proposal for a branded hotel, likely a Mariott. The developer called the project a public-private partnership, asking that the town make the land and density for the hotel available free of charge because the hotel would bring additional guests, beds and sales tax revenue to town.

Having a major name hotel, like Mariott, in Breckenridge would attract an entirely new brand-loyal customer base to the community, Triumph principal Steve Virostek told the council in May.

The Triumph proposal suggests harmonizing the hotel property with the nearby town-owned Riverwalk Center as well.

To date, the town council has offered little reaction on the idea of a hotel on the F-Lot property or Triumph's request for a donation of the land and density, although, they did express concerns at the council meeting in May that a new hotel might compete with existing restaurant and lodging businesses.

“It's not something we're going to pull the trigger on until the seven of us, along with staff, talk extensively about this,” Breckenridge Mayor John Warner told the Summit Daily in May.

The next opportunity the council will have to do that will likely be at their Aug. 9 meeting when developers may be given time for brief presentations of their concepts.

Highway 9 South of Breckenridge Floods

Water fed by recent rain and heavy runoff is cascading over Highway 9 on in Blue River, but Colorado Department of Transportation officials say they won't be able to address the problem until water levels recede.




The flooding over the highway is approximately an inch deep during the day and rises to up to 4 inches at night, according to CDOT officials who say the problem is likely caused by blocked culverts that normally allow the water to pass beneath the road.

“There's nothing we can do right now,” CDOT spokesman Bob Wilson said Wednesday. “It's low enough that we can keep the road open, but until the water level goes down we can't get in on those pipes.”

But, for Blue River residents and officials, a wait-and-see approach isn't comforting.

“It sort of cuts our town in two, because it's the only route to the southernmost part of Blue River,” town roads manager Nick Doperalski said.

Officials are concerned the situation might turn into another Coyne Valley Road, wiping out the roadway completely and forcing residents south of the break to find what will inevitably be a much longer route around the problem.

Mayor Lindsay Backas said at a town board meeting this week that CDOT would recommend people travel all the way down to Buena Vista to circumnavigate a closure on Hwy 9, but acknowledged that most people would actually use the Boreas Pass route, which is considerably shorter.

“Everybody's initial fear was that it was going to wash away like Coyne Valley, but CDOT said they were going to be watching it,” Backas said. “If the road holds they (said they) probably wouldn't do anything this year, because it's really not in their budget. It's a little scary, I think, for people that go through there, but it seems to be safe.”

Repairs of any kind will likely cause the road to be closed for some period of time, forcing drivers to take much longer routes around the problem, according to Backas. She said fixing the culverts, which appear to be blocked, would take several hours, while repairing the road should it wash away could take more than a week.

In the long term, Blue River is considering constructing alternative routes to the south end of town around the highway, but those plans are at least a few years out, officials said.

“In our long-term planning, we're looking at a second or even third alternative route where we can connect our roads around the highway,” Doperalski said. “But that's a long time out, and we're looking at budget constraints as well.”

For now, drivers in the area are encouraged to use extreme caution and to cross the submerged stretch of highway very slowly.

Old Breckenridge Building Center Coming Down

Demolition work on the old Breckenridge Building Center office on the corner of Main and French streets in Breckenridge has begun, with a new residential housing development eventually planned for the site.


The new complex, expected to be built in the next several years, will include 21 market-rate duplex and single-family units and possibly two workforce units and a single-family residence. Remaining land parcels at the site will be left as public and private open space.

The Town of Breckenridge has been eager to see the old building, described in recent planning commission documents as “heavily disturbed and re-graded with few improvements or vegetation,” removed this year, as it is out of place with Breckenridge's historic and carefully maintained Main Street. The former BBC building and an abandoned lumberyard currently occupy the site.

Maybe, just maybe Interstate 70 will get some Improvements

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

----------------------------------------------

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.       

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.

Happy Holidays to Everyone

Wishing everyone a very happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

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.



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

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.

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.

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.