Editor’s note: This is part of a series about mayoral and City Council candidates’ views on the top issues Aspen faces today.
In a city that thrives on high-end boutiques, posh eateries, chic bars and lacks workers, affordable housing, and locals-friendly businesses in the core, how do the candidates for the Aspen City Council and mayor feel about downtown’s current construction status and is there an answer?
Mayoral candidate Tracy L. Sutton
Sutton isn’t impressed.
“Residential and commercial construction projects in the downtown core need to be completed. We need a vibrant downtown core for both visitors and locals to enjoy. This is critical for local businesses,” she said.
“I know of cases where long permitting processes have been an issue. In general, construction projects have stalled for a variety of other reasons, including a lack of workers, inflation, and rising interest rates.”
“I am concerned that uncompleted projects will continue to damage the charm and character of Aspen’s downtown. Our charming downtown is essential to our appeal as a mountain destination.”
Her solution?
“This issue has been relevant for some time. I think the city should have addressed it sooner. We need measures that speed up permitting processes and discourage long construction delays. We also need to discuss with developers what their specific concerns are. More than anything, a process should be initiated as soon as possible.”
Mayor Torre
“Current downtown commercial construction is a mess. The unfinished projects of one developer are having negative impacts on our community, businesses and visitors. These projects were approved before my terms. We are trying to work with these projects to get them completed, and many have their permits, but the majority of this is controlled by the developer and the complex and changing projects,” Torre said.
“My biggest concern with this issue is what we are losing for local owned, local serving, affordable, inclusive places, and being replaced with just the opposite. The current renovation and construction will get completed, but what will we be left with? For now, I seek to support getting construction done and getting tenants in the core.”
He said current downtown residential construction should encourage units that are lived in. “We need to allow AH (affordable housing) unit development, on-site, downtown. Free-market units should be lived in or used, and integrate into the commercial core, not stifle local business or sit empty.”
“The biggest obstacle to progress and completion of the current downtown construction is that the progress is delayed and dictated by money. The city accepts its responsibility for permit and process improvements that need to be made, but also is credited for working to get these projects going. Ultimately, the tenancy or vacancy, planning and execution of a downtown project is determined by the owner and developer, and their strategy.”
Could this have been prevented?
“My opinion is some of the land use codes and project approvals that are playing out now should not have been approved. We have a few code changes to make and also need to exercise more discretion in approval for variances from the code. Some current projects have joined buildings, share systems, and develop across properties. This has led to complex safety, permit and building issues that are delaying completion.”
His solution?
“As mayor, with the support of council members, I have supported more resources to our Community Development Department for improved, efficient plan review and permitting. We have requested and are getting process improvements that will reduce time and costs. We are also looking at timely completion assurances that we can implement for the community.”
By: Julie Bielenberg - February 21, 2023