Basalt officials hit the pause button Tuesday on a preliminary review of development options for a controversial parcel. How—or whether— to develop the land could go to a public vote.
Tensions were high before the meeting started, as the crowd argued over the best way to handle the Pan and Fork parcel near downtown. During public comment, one attendee describe the underlying concern this way. “Everybody perceives, whether it’s true or not, that we’re in bed with somebody,” she said, as some in the audience murmured in agreement. “Whether it’s true or not, you cannot get rid of the stigma of what’s going on.”
A preferred option now for the land would involve a hotel, townhouses, and other elements. Last night, Council members were voting on something called a pre-development agreement. If approved, the town of Basalt would work with the Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation and LOWE Enterprises on how much development options would cost.
Council member Gary Tennenbaum decided against such an agreement, noting public interest and confusion. “It’s going to be a public vote on where we go with this. And I think that’s great!" We are a democracy, and let’s vote on it.”
In the end it was a 3 - 3 tie vote for council members Tuesday night. With Town Council member Rick Stevens absent, a swing vote wasn’t possible.
