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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEvergreen_PEC120808_AttachB_lettersAttachment B: Letters from Adjacent Property Owners Evergreen Redevelopment Applications for Major Exterior Alteration and Conditional Use Permits PEC080033 PEC080072 Planning and Environmental Commission Work Session December 8, 2008 (12/01/2008) Rachel Friede - Fairmont VaFil Development IssuePage 1 From: Orv Petersen <orv@pdsdata.net> To:<rfriede@vailgov.com> Date: 11/29/2008 2:41 PM Subject: Fairmont VaFil Development Issue Rachel: As an owner of a condo unit at Vail International, I strongly object to the irrational attempt by the developer of the Fairmont - and by the town of Vail - to create an unneeded and unwanted walkway from the South Frontage Road along Middle Creek connecting to Meadow Drive. The walkway itself makes no sense whatsoever in this location. It's particularly annoying to note that the developer of that project also simply wishes to move a proposed walkway from their side of the stream to the side closer to Vail International. What a ridiculously self serving request. That developer's attempt to relieve themselves of the burden of having to create and pay for this (still) useless walkway makes no sense at all. Further. Middle Creek is a historic spawning habitat for trout that eventually enter Gore Creek which is currently designated as a Gold Medal Trout Stream. Destroying or modifying the riparian habitat along Middle Creek has a hugely detrimental effect on aquatic life in that stream. I have previously documented problems caused by the Town of Vail when they arbitrarily removed bank side shrubbery and delimbed trees along the stream close to the Dobson Arena. Suzanne Silverthorne can attest to this fact. Should the town make any attempt or plan to remove or alter the streamside vegetation on this creek, I would immediately file a complaint with the Colorado Department of Wildlife. Please cancel this attempted walkway development. There are far better places to locate such an access point for employees - the best being to the east side of the proposed Fairmont Vail project. Sincerely, O. R. Petersen Unit 111 Vail International Condominiums (12/01/2008) Rachel Friede - Comments concerning Fairmont VailPage 1 From: "Sue Froeschle" <sfroesch1@juno.com> To:<rfriede@vailgov.com> Date: 11/29/2008 3:16 PM Subject: Comments concerning Fairmont Vail Rachel, could you please ensure that this e-mail is included in the Planning and Environmental Commissioners packet for their Dec. 8, 2008, meeting. I have attended the past two meetings regarding the redevelopment of the Evergreen property, to be known as Fairmont Vail. I was dumbfounded when I discovered the developer is now proposing two options for the river walk located on the west-side of Middle Creek. I regret that I did not speak up at these meetings regarding this proposal as now it appears as sour grapes. I have lived at Vail International since 2000. Furthermore, I own two dogs and consequently I walk them several times a day from early in the morning to late at night. I have never seen a flood or much more than a trickle of people at the bus stop in front of US Bank. Of course, it gets used, but there are so many other stops that are used with greater demand. Consequently, I see no benefit to an access point in between the Fairmont and Vail International that a river walk would provide. The developer has vocally expressed to the Commission that they do not understand why the Town of Vail is requiring this river walk. That said, they know they must satisfy this requirement in order to get approval for their project. It makes absolutely no sense to construct this on the west side of Middle Creek when the project proposed is on the east side. Frankly, I see no point in an access route on either side. Once constructed, the Town of Vail will need to spend taxpayer dollars to maintain this pathway. Neither proposal is ADA compliant which contradicts past efforts of the town to make our community more accessible. Another key concern is the riparian area along Middle Creek. As a periodic fly fishing guide and member of Trout Unlimited, I am amazed you would even consider impacting this stretch of water. Any removal or thinning of trees and vegetation along the bank will have an adverse impact to a tributary that feeds into Gore Creek – a state recognized Gold Medal water. I am fully aware of mitigation work that could take place. I have a masters degree in environmental management, and I am a retired Forest Service employee. I have written, reviewed, and commented on countless environmental impact statements. If the town believes a pathway from the Frontage Rd. to Meadow drive truly is needed, than I think an alternative route should be considered. The east end of Fairmont Vail would have far less impact on the environment and would provide better access to the Vail Valley Medical Center. I urge you to carefully consider an alternate route away from Middle Creek or dropping this requirement altogether. Sue Froeschle (pronounced "freshly") sfroesch1@juno.com 970-476-4053 ____________________________________________________________ Smell Sexy! Top Perfumes. Click Now. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2131/fc/PnY6rbvGlclPAcPnF39aiZK5VFM4h7MrGZL0bmREfN7StsyZ mAIPC/ (12/01/2008) Rachel Friede - FW: IMPORTANT - Evergreen redevelopmentPage 1 From: "Andrea R. Haigh" <mrsandrea@gmail.com> To:<rfriede@vailgov.com> Date: 11/29/2008 9:25 PM Subject: FW: IMPORTANT - Evergreen redevelopment CC:"'Sue Froeschle'" <sfroesch1@juno.com>, "'Snowden Smith'" <snowden@vaili... Dear Ms. Friede, Thank you for your concern and oversight of our beautiful Vail and Lionshead Villages. Having been a full time resident at Vail International, I fully agree with Sue Froeschle's points regarding the placement of the pedestrian bridge, (see her letter below). My mother is a naturalist and scientist and is in total agreement with Ms. Froeschle as well. We also agree with the alternative bridge location. Thank you for your appreciation and conveyance to the developer. Very Sincerely, Andrea R. Haigh Owner, Vail International Condominiums Telephone: 970-331-1200 ____________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________ To: Planning and Environmental Commission From: Vail International Condominium Owners Association Date: December 1, 2008 Subject: Evergreen Redevelopment Proposal On behalf of the 56 units and 53 owners at Vail International, we would like to share our concerns about the pending redevelopment of the Evergreen hotel and condominium complex to be known as Fairmont Vail. Sue Froeschle, a member of our Board, has attended meetings held by the Planning and Environmental Commission concerning the development of Fairmont Vail. She recently met with Adam Williams, a representative of ARC Integrated Program Management, Inc. He showed her two preliminary proposals of the river walk the town is requesting from the developer. We fully understand these are preliminary proposals and no decisions have been made by the commission. We understand, however, that at the December 8, 2008, commission meeting, that the commissioners could have a final vote to approve this redevelopment. We also understand that the commission may ask for modifications as a condition of approval or they may table a final decision or deny this request. We are asking that you consider our position regarding the river walk location in making any decisions. (12/01/2008) Rachel Friede - FW: IMPORTANT - Evergreen redevelopmentPage 2 First, we oppose a river walk on either side of Middle Creek. We understand that there is a need for people who are trying to access the Vail Valley Medical Center. But, people wanting access to the mountain, restaurants, or shopping are not going to see this as a convenient access point. Individuals staying at Vail International or the future Fairmont Vail will not use the river walk. They will, however, continue to use the pathway to the north of these respective buildings and down past the east side of Dobson arena. A better access route would be on the east side of Fairmont Vail. The hospital already has parking at that end through a property easement from the Evergreen. It would provide a shorter access route and would have less pedestrian traffic impact to adjoining properties than along Middle Creek, Second, by proposing the river walk be on the west side of Middle Creek, we believe the developer is shirking it's responsibility to the town and using Vail International to leverage their position of not wanting to do this in the first place. Third, we are concerned about the vegetation along Middle Creek. There are trees that are 40 to 50 feet high that are important to bank stability and provide effective visual screening. They also protect the trout habitat. When the town removed and pruned trees at the west end of the hospital parking lot, there was a noticeable reduction in trout in Middle Creek. It is only recently, that trout have returned due to new growth. We do not want to see these trees removed. Fourth, we are concerned about the gradient of the pathway. The proposal with stairs is counter to the efforts Vail has made to make the town accessible. The second proposal to ramp the land with retaining walls is also counter to this position. The proposal includes a 10 percent grade which is hardly accessible or ADA compliant. Fifth, while the town does a very good job of maintaining the existing bike path behind Vail International and along the east end of Dobson arena, when there is snow melt and subsequent freezing the pathways are extremely icy. Neither proposal will provide for safe walking conditions unless they are heated. The times when many hospital employees might use this pathway going to and coming from work are times when the pathway may be iciest. If the town believes this will serve needed access than more people will have to navigate an icy pathway. If a final decision is made that includes the river walk on the west-side of Middle Creek, we plan to exercise our right to appeal this decision. On another note, we are also concerned about construction workers walking across our property. This is a particular concern should they park at the Lionshead parking structure. We have an upper deck parking lot that is conveniently located adjacent to the west end of the parking structure. We do not want workers using our property as an access point. We would like you to address this with the developer. This should be part of their response to commissioner Susie Tjossem's request to have a worker parking plan provided to the commission. PS. As an added note, the developer was asked to provide a drawing showing access to Vail International from the Frontage Road. I have not seen that (12/01/2008) Rachel Friede - FW: IMPORTANT - Evergreen redevelopmentPage 3 proposal, but plan to do so Dec. 1. If you need further clarification, please feel free to contact me directly (see contact information below). Sue Froeschle (pronounced "freshly") sfroesch1@juno.com 970-476-4053 ____________________________________________________________ Click to become an artist and quit your boring job. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2131/fc/PnY6rbulrJ02agVqDMVZzEqN3yaDZeY8 yNfSRpkrvvpXfLZ9M5578/ Rachel Friede - Proposed Pathway between VI and Evergreen Dear Rachael, I am against the proposal to to build a pathway from Frontage Road to Meadow Drive on the west side of Middle creek because of the following reasons: The environmental impact on Middle Creek will be tremendous. Vegetation, bushes, trees, soil, rocks, elevations, drainage, etc., will be disturbed. The chances for garbage entering Middle Creek from the proposed walkway will increase and destroy a beautiful trout stream. The people with disabilities will not benefit from this walkway because of the steepness of the walkway. Ice, snow and water will make this proposed pathway a very slippery walk opening the town of Vail to the potential of many lawsuits. I proposed that the Town of Vail do a study to evaluate both financially and environmentally the impact to build a pathway on the East side of Middle Creek and the East side of the new Fairmont Vail development. The Town of Vail should not make a decision of this importance without understanding the major impact this pathway will have on Middle Creek. Regards, Raymond W. Siwiec Vail International Owner Tis the season to save your money! Get the new AOL Holiday Toolbar for money saving offers and gift ideas. From: To: , Date: 11/30/2008 6:59 AM Subject: Proposed Pathway between VI and Evergreen Page 1of 1 12/01/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\493239BCVAIL_COV... Rachel Friede - Fwd: Middle Creek Pathway From: CPAMBA711 To: rfriede@vail.gov Sent: 11/30/2008 1:04:49 P.M. Eastern Standard Time Subj: Middle Creek Pathway Rachel: As an owner of a condo unit at Vail International, I strongly object to the irrational attempt by the developer of the Fairmont - and by the town of Vail - to create an unneeded and unwanted walkway from the South Frontage Road along Middle Creek connecting to Meadow Drive. The walkway itself makes no sense whatsoever in this location. It's particularly distressing to note that the developer of that project also simply wishes to move a proposed walkway from their side of the stream to the side closer to Vail International. What a ridiculously self serving request. That developer's attempt to relieve themselves of the burden of having to create and pay for this (still) useless walkway makes no sense at all. Further. Middle Creek is a historic spawning habitat for trout that eventually enter Gore Creek which is currently designated as a Gold Medal Trout Stream. Destroying or modifying the riparian habitat along Middle Creek has a hugely detrimental effect on aquatic life in that stream. Problems caused by the Town of Vail when they arbitrarily removed bank side shrubbery and delimbed trees along the stream close to the Dobson Arena. Suzanne Silverthorne can attest to this fact. Should the town make any attempt or plan to remove or alter the streamside vegetation on this creek, we would immediately file a complaint with the Colorado Department of Wildlife. In addition, should this walkway be approved the owners of Vail International From: To: Date: 11/30/2008 11:13 AM Subject: Fwd: Middle Creek Pathway Page 1of 2 12/01/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4932754AVAIL_COVA... will immediately take all legal remedies available to block this unnecessary project. Please make every attempt to cancel this attempted walkway development. There are far better places to locate such an access point for employees - the best being to the east side of the proposed Fairmont Vail project. Sincerely, Jeff and Jane Lasky Apt 312 Vail International 300 East Lionshead Circle Vail Co 81657 Life should be easier. So should your homepage. Try the NEW AOL.com. Life should be easier. So should your homepage. Try the NEW AOL.com. Page 2of 2 12/01/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4932754AVAIL_COVA... Rachel Friede - Middle Creek Dear Rachel; As an owner for over 20 years at Vail International I am very distressed to hear of CONSIDERATION of a pathway on the west side of Middle Creek (eastside of VI) in connection with the redevelopment of the Evergreen Lodge. Why put the pathway (from Frontage Road to the area of the Vail Library) on the west side of the creek? And how manny walkers (?) on Frontage Road will use it? Am I missing something----it is so evident that (if it is necessary at all in connection with the construction) it belongs on the east side of the creek where there would be access to the hospital. As a second option should it not be located on the east side of the new Evergreen, across the Road from the TOV offices and between the bank and the new Evergreen? Please understand the rational of all of us owners (56) at VI who will be opposing the location of this pathway for the convenience of TofV and or the Evergreen construction. Thank you for distributing this message to all TofV officials who will be involved in the discussion of the final resting place of the Evergreen Pathway. Since it will always be known as the "Evergreen Pathway" it should obviously be located on the Evergreen Lodge property. Sincerly, Joe Murphy-- Unit Owner 206 From: To: Date: 11/30/2008 2:32 PM Subject: Middle Creek Page 1of 1 12/01/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4932A3F8VAIL_COVA... Rachel Friede - Evergreen Redevelopment Proposal/Pathway Frontage Road to Hospital Planning and Environmental Commission c/o Rachael Friede If a pathway is needed from the Frontage Road to the Hospital to assist the hospital employees and patients, it should be constructed on the East side of the present Evergreen which location leads directly to the hospital from the Frontage Road. This location would provide immediate pedestrian access to the hospital, rather than walking from the frontage road to the ice skating rink, then across the hospital parking lot to the hospital. The proposed new pathway should be maintained ice free during the winter and should comply with all legal disability requirements. The existing pathway along Middle Creek becomes extremely icy during snow melts. Thank you. Martin H. Shore Owner Unit 411, Vail International 5347 South Valentia Way, Suite 100 Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111 303.991.3541 Direct Office 303.571.1271 Fax 303.887.6467 Cell mshore@shoreattys.com From: "Martin Shore" To: Date: 12/01/2008 12:16 PM Subject: Evergreen Redevelopment Proposal/Pathway Frontage Road to Hospital CC: "'Sue Froeschle'" Page 1of 1 12/01/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4933D588VAIL_COVA... (12/01/2008) Rachel Friede - Fairmont VaFil Development IssuePage 1 From: "Sherri Widener" <sherri@mlharrisco.com> To:<rfriede@vailgov.com> Date: 12/01/2008 12:23 PM Subject: Fairmont VaFil Development Issue CC:<sfroesch1@juno.com> In regards to the proposed Evergreen redevelopment- I have been the owner of unit 204 Vail International since October 1973, I strongly object to the irrational attempt by the developer of the Fairmont - and by the town of Vail - to create an unneeded and unwanted walkway from the South Frontage Road along Middle Creek connecting to Meadow Drive. The walkway itself makes no sense whatsoever in this location. It's particularly annoying to note that the developer of that project also simply wishes to move a proposed walkway from their side of the stream to the side closer to Vail International. What a ridiculously self serving request. That developer's attempt to relieve themselves of the burden of having to create and pay for this (still) useless walkway makes no sense at all. Further. Middle Creek is a historic spawning habitat for trout that eventually enter Gore Creek which is currently designated as a Gold Medal Trout Stream. Destroying or modifying the riparian habitat along Middle Creek has a hugely detrimental effect on aquatic life in that stream. I have previously documented problems caused by the Town of Vail when they arbitrarily removed bank side shrubbery and pruned trees along the stream close to the Dobson Arena. Suzanne Silverthorne can attest to this fact. Should the town make any attempt or plan to remove or alter the streamside vegetation on this creek, I would immediately file a complaint with the Colorado Department of Wildlife. Please cancel this attempted walkway development. There are far better places to locate such an access point for employees - the best being to the east side of the proposed Fairmont Vail project. Sincerely, C Jack Harris Unit 204 Vail International Condominiums Rachel Friede - Fairmont Vail Development Dear Ms. Friede, My family owns Unit 112 at Vail International. Our property faces east and is in the back of the building, opening to the common grass area at grade level on the first floor. We are very concerned about the proposed development plans of Fairmont Vail - particularly the proposed path between the two properties. I would like to echo all of the concerns that Ms. Froesche has expressed. In addition to her concerns, I would add our thoughts about a safety issue. My husband and I spent last September in our unit and were very aware of people walking across the lawn in the early morning hours. We thought that perhaps they were workers at the hospital arriving for a 2:00 or 3:00 AM shift. Also, on the evenings when Vail was celebrating Octoberfest, we experienced noise and foot traffic across the lawn. A formal path in this area would result in further disturbance and safety problems. The pedestrians were within 15 feet of our doors and windows with no landscaped buffer. I would certainly hope that the Town of Vail would insist upon having any path that is deemed necessary be placed east of Middle Creek. Thank you for your consideration, Sincerely, Frances G. Baker 32 East Third Street Frederick, Maryland 2170l Vail International, Unit 112 From: To: Date: 12/01/2008 2:52 PM Subject: Fairmont Vail Development Page 1of 1 12/01/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4933FA35VAIL_COVA... BRIAN E. O’REILLY, P.C. P.O. BOX 5780 41184 U.S. HIGHWAYS 6 & 24 AVON, COLORADO 81620 (970) 949-1636 - Office (970) 949-9045 – Fax brianeoreilly@msn.com Town of Vail Planning and Environmental Commission P. O. Box 100 Vail, Colorado 81658 December 1, 2008 Re: Vail International Condominium Owners Association and Fairmont Vail Dear Members of the Commission: I have been asked to write this letter on behalf of the 53 condominium unit owners at Vail International, to enumerate the Association's concerns regarding the redevelopment of the Evergreen Lodge into the Fairmont Vail hotel and condominium complex. As you may be aware, Sue Froeschle, a member of the Association's Board of Directors, attended meetings held by the Commission, and met with Adam Williams, a representative of ARC, who showed her two preliminary proposals for the river walk that the Town has requested the developer provide. Based on those meetings, It is my clients' understanding that no final decisions have been made by the Commission and that you may condition any approval upon the inclusion of modifications to the existing proposal. Accordingly, the members of the Vail International Condominium Owner's Association wish to ask that the Commission consider its comments regarding the proposed location of the river walk, as well as their concerns about the apparent lack of a plan for construction parking and for access to the construction site which minimizes their impacts on my clients. First, my clients wish for me to inform you that their Association opposes a river walk on either side of Middle Creek; my clients understand that there is a need for people to access the Medical Center, but do not believe that the general public is going to see this as a convenient access point, and also believe that individuals staying at Vail International or the future Fairmont Vail will not use the river walk. They do believe, however, that the public will continue use the pathway to the North of these buildings which runs down to the East end of the Dobson Ice Arena. Town of Vail Planning and Environmental Commission Page Two of Two December 1, 2008 Re: Vail International and Fairmont Vail Accordingly, my clients believe that a better access route would be on the East side of Fairmont Vail. The Medical Center already has parking at that end of its property and my clients believe that there is already a pedestrian easement in place. My clients also believe that that route should be chosen because it would provide a shorter access route and because it would cause less pedestrian traffic impact on the owners of condominiums at Vail International than would the Middle Creek proposal. Second, my clients are concerned with preserving the vegetation on the West side of Middle Creek; there are very old trees with a height of up to 40 or 50 feet which should be preserved because they are important to the stability of the river bank, and because they provide visual screening between the adjoining properties. My clients also believe that these trees provide significant shading and improve the water temperature characteristics of Middle Creek for the local trout population. Therefore, my clients do not wish to see the existing trees and other vegetation sacrificed to accommodate an access that will not work well for its intended users. Third, my clients are concerned about the grade of the proposed path and believe that it is not very friendly, and that it may not be ADA compliant, because it includes a ten percent grade. Fourth, while the Town does do a good job of maintaining the existing bike path behind Vail International, this pathway can become very icy from time to time. Therefore, my clients believe that the proposed pathway will sometimes be unsafe in the winter and that it should be heated, if it is to be constructed. Finally, my clients are concerned about the number of construction workers who will walk across their property, and anticipate that the approval of the developer's proposal will only make an existing problem worse, unless the river walk is moved to the East end of the Evergreen Lodge property. My clients do not wish to have to assume the additional inconvenience and liability attendant to having a large number of construction workers using their upper deck parking for access from the Lionshead Parking Structure to the Fairmont Vail project, and wish to ask the Commission to require the inclusion of a worker parking plan which will minimize this impact as a condition for the approval of this project. My clients do not oppose the redevelopment of the Evergreen Lodge, but naturally hope that their comments and concerns as long-time Vail residents will influence the Commissioners' decision. Thank you for your consideration of these concerns. Very truly yours, Brian E. O'Reilly xc: VICOA Rachel Friede - PROPOSED FAIRMONT VAIL PATHWAY Dear Ms. Friede, We are owners of Unit 202 in Vail Int'l. Recent notices have indicated that the developer of Fairmont Vail has been directed by the Town of Vail to provide a pathway from the frontage road to Meadow Dr. as part of their redevelopment on our side of Middle Creek. Surely, you have received a number of replies from other concerned VI owners by now but we will add our two cents. Why? What possible good would it be in the first place? Secondly, some consideration should be given to VI, a fellow member of the Vail community. Thirdly, common sense and a thorough examination of an idea must prevail before making it an absolute requirement. We strongly feel the Town Board will fully review this idea and react appropriately. Thank you for your consideration, Mr. & Mrs. A. Pinard Unit 202 Owners From: To: Date: 12/02/2008 11:33 AM Subject: PROPOSED FAIRMONT VAIL PATHWAY CC: , Page 1of 2 12/02/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\49351D00VAIL_COVA... Rachel Friede - Middle Creek access From: gerald salinsky To: Date: 12/02/2008 11:47 AM Subject: Middle Creek access CC: Dear Ms Friede, As a 22 year property owner at Vail International, former president of the owners' association and present board member, I urge the Planning and Environmental commission to reconsider its position relative to the Middle Creek access proposal. Vail International has been a valued member of the Vail community for approximately 35 years, and many of its owners are original. The present proposal would intrude on Vail International physically, esthetically, and functionally. Furthermore, it would impact one of the natural features of the Vail Village- Lionshead scenery(Middle Creek) for something that in the opinion of many would marginally used, and in questionable need. It is our position that if such an access is deemed really necessary, then locating it on the east side of the Evergreen redevopment would eliminate the impact on esteemed neighbor ,provide a location that is more realistic to the proposed usage, an d destroy a natural setting. Very truly yours, Gerald B. Salinsky , Dear Ms. Friede Page 1of 1 12/02/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\49352061VAIL_COVA... Rachel Friede - Evergreen Redevelopment Hello Rachel, My name is Michael Beddor and my wife and I own a condo at Vail International. Our unit is on the east side of the complex thus we are near the Evergreen Complex. We were delighted to learn of the redevelopment into the Fairmont Vail hotel. However we would like to voice our concern over the proposed river walk that has been requested of the developer. We do not think it is a good idea to have such a walkway and that there must be a better solution. We, like many others believe there is better access on EAST SIDE OF THE FAIRMONT. There are numerous reasons to reconsider the location of the walkway – I understand others have noted the reasons so I will not take your time repeating them. I will say our unit would be on that is most affected by the decision due to our location and we felt you should be aware of our concerns. Sincerely, Michael Beddor Unit 310 VI The information contained in this message is confidential. If you are intended recipient, dissemination or copying of this information is pr If you have received this communication in error, please notify the se delete the message from your system. Thank you. From: "Mike Beddor" To: Date: 12/02/2008 4:51 PM Subject: Evergreen Redevelopment CC: Page 1of 1 12/02/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4935678AVAIL_COVA... Rachel Friede - Riverwalk proposal by Middle Creek and Vail International From: Heidi Hansen To: Date: 12/03/2008 10:54 AM Subject: Riverwalk proposal by Middle Creek and Vail International CC: To: Planning and Environmental Commission, Rachael Friede, Planner II From: Heidi Hansen, Co-Owner Unit #206, Vail International, 300 Lionshead Circle, Vail 40 Edgehill Avenue, Chatham, NJ 07928 973-635-5092 Date: 3 Dec 08 Re: River walk proposals next to Middle Creek and Vail International Dear Commissioners and Ms. Friede: I understand that there are two proposed river walks, both on the West side of Middle Creek by Vail International; one is ramped and one has stairs. I respectfully oppose these pathways as planned and suggest a pathway alternative to the East of the Evergreen, from the Medical Center parking. My concerns about the two proposed river walks on the West side of Middle Creek by Vail International include: First, such proposals are not a convenient route for Medical Staff to reach the South Frontage Road. As the Medical Center is a major employer and its Staff could be a high user of a pathway, their needs should be a high concern. Despite the plowing that the Town of Vail provides, the path between Vail International and Dobson Arena does get icy. The proposed river walks would present a hazard for the Medical Staff getting to work. The planned route would be much longer than the shorter alternative suggested above. Stairs in the winter would add to the hazard. Second, such proposals would not be a convenient route for shoppers or restaurant goers. Such sage would be limited. Vail International and Fairmont Vail residents would not use the proposed pathway. Egress from concerts at Dobson Arena to the South Frontage Road would be more advantageously routed to the West, to the proposed parking ramp redevelopment with parking, restaurants, shops and hotel rooms. Stopped cars on the South Frontage Road to access the pathways would be a hazard. Current bus stops should be utilized rather than adding additional bus stops. Third, parents would not want to drop off (or pick up) a child destined for (from) Dobson Arena at a point on the South Frontage Road, where the parent could not see their child safely enter (leave) Dobson Arena. Often the gear bags of children are too heavy to tote such a distance, up hill, and with icy conditions. Fourth, the gradient or stairs of the proposed river walks do not provide the usual convenience of access in which the Town of Vail rightly takes such pride. The proposed pathways do not appear to be ADA compliant. Such proposals do not consider wheelchair access noting the stairs or the steepness of grade proposed. Fifth, the proposed river walks would require removal of vegetation including 40-50 foot trees and bushes. These provide bank stability and an environment important to the protection of the trout habitat. In addition, the vegetation provides visual screening between Vail International and the Evergreen/Fairmont Vail. Sadly, Lionshead lacks trees with all the new construction of Arrabelle, thus presenting a hard face. Trees soften the look of buildings. Each and every tree in Vail becomes more dear with the beetle infestations in the pines on the mountain. Sixth, I am concerned about the number of construction workers that will walk across the Vail International deck from the Lionshead Parking Structure to the Fairmont Vail project. I respectfully request the Commissioners to require the inclusion of a worker parking plan that will minimize this impact as a condition for the approval of the Fairmont Vail project. Therefore, I respectfully request the Commissioners to redirect the proposed river walkways to the East of the Evergreen and to Page 1of 2 12/03/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\49366553VAIL_COVA... include a worker parking plan for the Fairmont Vail project. *** Page 2of 2 12/03/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\49366553VAIL_COVA... Rachel Friede - Vail International-Fairmont Hotel-Proposed River Walk Dear Ms. Friede: Please provide the Planning Commission with a copy of this "E-Mail Letter of Objection" in reference to the proposed River Walk in conjunction with the Fairmont Hotel Development. To: The Town of Vail Planning and Environmental Commission From: Jeffrey & Nancy Weston Owners of Unit 108 at Vail International Condominiums Re: Proposed River Walk- Fairmont Vail Hotel My wife and I would like to register our strong objections to the recently proposed river walk in conjunction with the Fairmont Hotel Development. We have seen the letter written by our association attorney and several other responses by other unit owners and fully agree with the objections raised. In lieu of restating those issues again in great detail, we would like to simply state that: (1) the proposed River Walk makes no sense for either side of the creek based on concerns regarding the environment, gradients, ADA compliance, realistic contemplated use, better alternative access paths and general common sense; and, (2) if there was going to be a River Walk, it should only be considered for the East end of the Evergreen Lodge property and not on the Vail International Side. The subject river (stream) is a natural divide between Evergreen and Vail International. If the Commission insists on a River Walk in conjunction with the Fairmont Hotel project on the Evergreen site, it is only logical and fair that it be located on that side of the stream and not on the Vail International side. We are sure that if the situation were reversed, the Evergreen property owners would be incensed at any proposal to put a River Walk on their side of the stream in conjunction with a Vail International Development. If the Commission elects to still proceed with a River Walk on the From: "Jeffrey Weston" To: Date: 12/03/2008 11:46 AM Subject: Vail International-Fairmont Hotel-Proposed River Walk CC: "Sue Froeschle" , "Nancy Weston" Page 1of 2 12/03/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4936719FVAIL_COVA... Vail International side of the stream, then I am totally in favor of an appeal by our Vail International attorneys to continue to contest this project to the fullest extent permitted by law. Hopefully, that will not be necessary. Thank you for your consideration. Jeffrey & Nancy Weston Owners, Unit 108 Vail International Condominiums Page 2of 2 12/03/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4936719FVAIL_COVA... Rachel Friede - Evergreen/Fairmont pathway Hello Rachael Friede: We are original owners of a condo at Vail International (33 years). We strongly object to having a pathway constructed on the west side of Middle Creek leading from Frontage Road to Meadow Drive. It is obvious that the persons who will vote on this proposal have not walked the area. It would then become obvious to them how ridiculous and outrageous their positive vote would be. This walkway would be a complete waste of money because no one would use it. Besides it is steep and unsafe for wheelchairs and the disabled. It does make sense to spend the funds wisely on a pathway from Frontage Road to the hospital on the East side of the Evergreen/Fairmont Vail project. Then hospital employees and others would have a shorter, less steep and safer access to Frontage Road from their area of employment. F & G Barnes, LLC Gay D. Barnes, Manager Vail International Unit 201 Make your life easier with all your friends, email, and favorite sites in one place. Try it now. From: To: Date: 12/03/2008 12:03 PM Subject: Evergreen/Fairmont pathway CC: Page 1of 1 12/03/2008file://C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4936759DVAIL_COVA...