Hello, Part Time Residents:
Greetings on behalf of the Part Time Residents Advisory Board (“PTRAB”). We write with updates about the status of Parking in the Town of Snowmass Village (“TOSV”), Gwyn’s High Alpine Restaurant on Snowmass Mountain, marijuana regulations, and Base Village (“BV”) construction updates.
Parking in the TOSV
Many part time residents have expressed concerns to PTRAB about the lack of winter and summer parking for part time residents and their guests. The shortage involves Base Village parking garage, the lots next to the Mall, and any other parking areas supporting the mountain establishments. It’s never good when guests arrive to Snowmass’ “parking garage” or nearby lots just to find no spaces to park. This problem reduces Snowmass Mountain customers and negatively impacts BV and Mall merchants. PTRAB has advised Town Council of these concerns, and is planning to meet with Town Council and confer with other related entities to address the issues. We’ll continue to keep you updated as we work on the TOSV parking situation.
Gwyn’s High Alpine Restaurant
Recently, SkiCo announced that it will not renew Gwyn’s High Alpine Restaurant’s lease with Gwyn Knowlton and George Gordon beyond the two years remaining on the current lease. This news came as a surprise since most folks including Gwyn and George, had hoped to see the continued operation of the family-run establishment with daughter Whitney, by way of a renewed SkiCo lease. However, SkiCo had other plans.
Mayor Butler has voiced interest in placing the issue on Town Council’s agenda for discussion. Below are links to two news articles summarizing the situation.
If you believe that maintaining the operation of Gwyn’s as a family-run iconic Snowmass Mountain establishment, we encourage you to voice your opinion directly to Town Council members at a council meeting, or via email (council@tosv.com). You may also consider submitting your opinions directly to SkiCo (contactus@aspensnowmass.com), and the Snowmass Sun (ERobbie@aspentimes.com), including any requests that SkiCo reconsider the lease situation. Please note that any opinion letters sent to the Snowmass Sun should be received by Monday, 3:00 p.m. in order to be run in that week’s edition.
Marijuana Moratorium Update
Consistent with its prior vote, Town Council is working diligently on formulating a regulatory framework for the sale of marijuana in the TOSV. The framework will includes zoning restrictions and youth location buffers. In order to carefully work through the issues, Council has extended the current moratorium until the end of April 2019, as it would otherwise expire on October 31, 2018. PTRAB urges that information on “where can I lawfully smoke marijuana in Snowmass” be provided with purchases.
While the issue of marijuana sales in TOSV will not be on the November ballot, voters will decide if the Town should impose an additional 5% sales tax on recreational marijuana sales. Such a tax is estimated to generate $100,000 - $400,000.
Base Village Grand Opening, December 15, 2018
This summer and fall, work on the Base Village has been surging forward at lightning speed. Substantial completion of the Limelight Hotel, the Lumin Building, The Crepe Shack restaurant, and an Ice Skating Rink/Events Plaza are on target for late-2018. In turn, the Grand Opening celebration is scheduled for December 15, 2018. The celebration will include a live band, food and giveaways.
While Building Six, the community building, is structurally near completion, the build-out phase will take a while longer for the Ice Age Discovery Museum and a restaurant. Meanwhile, PTRAB continues to encourage inclusion of some arts and entertainment space in this public building.
As we part timers visit Snowmass Village, rest assured that this community continues to grow in a thoughtful and positive manner for the relaxation and enjoyment of our families and friends. We’ll work to keep you updated on these and other TOSV issues which concern part time residents. In the meantime, we wish you a good winter with lots of snow, and great skiing.
Warm Regards,
PTRAB
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
