Posted by:
Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Cornerstone Named Best Private Course by Golf Magazine
Greg Norman Course to Host Senior Tournament
MONTROSE – The unparalleled beauty of Cornerstone’s setting atop the Uncompahgre Plateau is enough to set it apart from other mountain developments. But add to that a Greg Norman-designed golf course and be prepared for national recognition.
The January 2009 issue of Golf Magazine, currently on newsstands, has named Cornerstone the #1 Best New Private Golf Course in the country.
The 7,945-yard, par 72 course was touted by the editors at Golf Magazine as “easily the best high-altitude course in the nation, and quite possibly the world.” They called it Norman’s “finest North American project to date.” This prestigious recognition, which bested Donald Trump’s National Bedminster in New Jersey (#2), comes six months after all 18 holes were opened in July.
“This is something we are certainly proud of,” Head Golf Pro and Golf Manager Sean Tannehill said in an interview last week. “This is a golf course that is designed for everybody. My favorite thing about the course is the possibility of playing a multitude of different approaches, which enables a lot of bump and runs and a lot of great shots.”
The editors at Golf Magazine also made note of the way the course uses the natural landscape: “Purists will appreciate the tough forced carries and greens that often demand run-up approach shots, and the fast greens and shaved surrounds even things up for players of all abilities.”
The course was designed according to Norman’s well-known “least disturbance” philosophy, which curtails massive earth movement, reduces large-scale clearing and takes full advantage of the natural features on the landscape. The course covers more than 300 acres and is designed to provide golfers at all skill levels an enjoyable game.
“When Greg Norman first toured the land on snowmobile, he immediately saw the potential for the golf course and we partnered with him knowing that we had selected the best designer in the business,” said Larry Corsen, senior vice president of Hunt Realty Inc., a privately held real estate investment company, and owner and operator of Cornerstone. “We are thrilled to see our dream of Greg’s talent come to fruition and be recognized as the number one private golf course by Golf Magazine. We are truly honored to be at the top of this revered category of golf course in the United States.”
As if the #1 ranking wasn’t enough, Tannehill said that Cornerstone will be hosting the Colorado Senior Amateur Championship the first week in September.
“For us, it is a great way to get senior competitive players to play our course and to this part of Colorado,” said Tannehill. “All of these championships have always been held out on the Front Range [of Colorado] and it is a great opporunity for us.”
Members of Cornerstone have access to a 20-plus acre practice facility and some of the finest golf professionals and staff in the nation. Mark Wood has consistently been ranked one of the top 50 instructors in the country for the past 10 years, and Kathy Hart-Wood, former LPGA touring pro and also a celebrated top 50 instructor as named by Golf for Women, is director of women’s golf. Cornerstone also recently celebrated the opening of its clubhouse, which includes a casual bar and grill, outdoor dining and the Village Mercantile, featuring a golf pro shop and outfitters’ headquarters.
Written by Gus Jarvis
Saturday, December 27, 2008
35 Acres is Best?
Posted by:
Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
December 26, 2008
Oh, the curse of the 35-acre parcel. The old ranchers' saying goes, "to small to farm, too big to mow."
Yet 35 is the magic number in Ouray County's unique and innovative Land Use Code (LUC). In both Valley and Alpine zones, where the LUC discourages development, that is the number of acres where private property owners have the right to construct a home.
The LUC is the companion document to the county's Master Plan. There, in Section A, the county's collective goal is "to encourage the continued use of lands for agricultural productivity." To date, much of that goal has been met; Ouray County's valued valleys have mostly remained with haying and cattle activities, though a few homes have sprung up at the 35 acre density.
Outgoing County Commissioner Don Batchelder warns that just because the Master Plan aspiration is being met today, that doesn't mean it won't be tomorrow.
"… there are a number of factors, economic and personal, facing a number of the smaller ranches in the county's valleys that indicate agricultural lands are at risk," writes Batchelder, in a two-page proposal titled "Incentivizing Cluster Development in the Valley Zone Through the Developer Agreement Process."
At first blush, the proposal seems to have great potential to be a win-win proposition — preventing the break-up of parcels into the undesirable 35s, and giving landowners a means to preserve the considerable value of their land. The proposal deserves a thorough hearing, and if favored by those it affects, implementation.
As Batchelder points out, ranchers are typically a tough sell when it comes to government regulation. As such, to gain buy-in, the new code would have to be fairly straight forward. He proposes:
n The density per housing unit in the Valley Zone be doubled, to 70 acres.
n Ranch owners could cluster houses under a development agreement, as long as 80% of the land remains dedicated to agriculture, and that water rights remain tied to the property.
In all, five amendments to the LUC are proposed, but Batchelder's solution to the 35-acre dilemma remains simple, and seemingly viable.
Written by: David Mullings
Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
December 26, 2008
Oh, the curse of the 35-acre parcel. The old ranchers' saying goes, "to small to farm, too big to mow."
Yet 35 is the magic number in Ouray County's unique and innovative Land Use Code (LUC). In both Valley and Alpine zones, where the LUC discourages development, that is the number of acres where private property owners have the right to construct a home.
The LUC is the companion document to the county's Master Plan. There, in Section A, the county's collective goal is "to encourage the continued use of lands for agricultural productivity." To date, much of that goal has been met; Ouray County's valued valleys have mostly remained with haying and cattle activities, though a few homes have sprung up at the 35 acre density.
Outgoing County Commissioner Don Batchelder warns that just because the Master Plan aspiration is being met today, that doesn't mean it won't be tomorrow.
"… there are a number of factors, economic and personal, facing a number of the smaller ranches in the county's valleys that indicate agricultural lands are at risk," writes Batchelder, in a two-page proposal titled "Incentivizing Cluster Development in the Valley Zone Through the Developer Agreement Process."
At first blush, the proposal seems to have great potential to be a win-win proposition — preventing the break-up of parcels into the undesirable 35s, and giving landowners a means to preserve the considerable value of their land. The proposal deserves a thorough hearing, and if favored by those it affects, implementation.
As Batchelder points out, ranchers are typically a tough sell when it comes to government regulation. As such, to gain buy-in, the new code would have to be fairly straight forward. He proposes:
n The density per housing unit in the Valley Zone be doubled, to 70 acres.
n Ranch owners could cluster houses under a development agreement, as long as 80% of the land remains dedicated to agriculture, and that water rights remain tied to the property.
In all, five amendments to the LUC are proposed, but Batchelder's solution to the 35-acre dilemma remains simple, and seemingly viable.
Written by: David Mullings
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Real estate protections in Ouray County
Posted by Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Written by:
Christopher Pike
December 19, 2008
OURAY — Before he leaves office next month, Don Batchelder wants to address an issue he believes is important for the future of ranching in Ouray County.
The issue: Incentives for the preservation of ranch lands and, in tandem, keeping water rights with those lands in the county.
"The county hasn't done anything in preserving those facets of the Master Plan," said Batchelder at Monday's Board of County Commissioners meeting. "There is potential for losing some of the ranch lands in the valleys, with only the potential for breaking those tracts into 35s."
Batchelder believes that the Ouray County Master Plan's goal of "encouraging the continued use of lands for agricultural productivity" will not be met without larger tracts being protected from non-ag uses, including housing development.
"The tendency in land use issues is to assume that what exists is how things will remain. However, there are a number of factors, economic and personal, facing a number of smaller ranches in the county's valleys that indicate agricultural lands are at risk," said Batchelder in a two-page white paper titled, "Incentivizing Cluster Development in the Valley Zone through the Development Agreement Process."
The current code, Batchelder points out, "does nothing" to prevent the subdivision of agricultural land into 35-acre parcels and by state law there is no governmental review of these property divisions. And, he adds, the county's Land Use Code does nothing to keep water rights in the county.
With land prices being as high as they are, 35-acre parcels have become the target for non-agricultural development, be it straight-ahead commercial, recreational or industrial, Batchelder said. "Ranchers have a saying about 35-acre lots: 'too small to farm and too big for a lawn'."
The catch is finding an incentive for property owners to preserve productive ag land without diminishing the land's value and to keeping land from being separated from water rights, which ultimately results in land being more conducive for subdivision development — not agriculture.
Regulation alone will not suffice, noted Batchelder.
"Ranchers are typically no-nonsense, self-employed business people with distaste for government regulation. The proposal needs to be understandable, simple, straightforward, and not burdened by unnecessary bureaucratic process."
Batchelder's proposal will be discussed informally at the BOCC's Dec. 22 meeting. One key component is to set maximum densities "except for property divided in accordance with a development agreement." The landowner would have to reciprocate, however, by restricting use of the parcel to agriculture uses, keeping the water rights on the land, and locating any home or homes in a clustered fashion.
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Written by:
Christopher Pike
December 19, 2008
OURAY — Before he leaves office next month, Don Batchelder wants to address an issue he believes is important for the future of ranching in Ouray County.
The issue: Incentives for the preservation of ranch lands and, in tandem, keeping water rights with those lands in the county.
"The county hasn't done anything in preserving those facets of the Master Plan," said Batchelder at Monday's Board of County Commissioners meeting. "There is potential for losing some of the ranch lands in the valleys, with only the potential for breaking those tracts into 35s."
Batchelder believes that the Ouray County Master Plan's goal of "encouraging the continued use of lands for agricultural productivity" will not be met without larger tracts being protected from non-ag uses, including housing development.
"The tendency in land use issues is to assume that what exists is how things will remain. However, there are a number of factors, economic and personal, facing a number of smaller ranches in the county's valleys that indicate agricultural lands are at risk," said Batchelder in a two-page white paper titled, "Incentivizing Cluster Development in the Valley Zone through the Development Agreement Process."
The current code, Batchelder points out, "does nothing" to prevent the subdivision of agricultural land into 35-acre parcels and by state law there is no governmental review of these property divisions. And, he adds, the county's Land Use Code does nothing to keep water rights in the county.
With land prices being as high as they are, 35-acre parcels have become the target for non-agricultural development, be it straight-ahead commercial, recreational or industrial, Batchelder said. "Ranchers have a saying about 35-acre lots: 'too small to farm and too big for a lawn'."
The catch is finding an incentive for property owners to preserve productive ag land without diminishing the land's value and to keeping land from being separated from water rights, which ultimately results in land being more conducive for subdivision development — not agriculture.
Regulation alone will not suffice, noted Batchelder.
"Ranchers are typically no-nonsense, self-employed business people with distaste for government regulation. The proposal needs to be understandable, simple, straightforward, and not burdened by unnecessary bureaucratic process."
Batchelder's proposal will be discussed informally at the BOCC's Dec. 22 meeting. One key component is to set maximum densities "except for property divided in accordance with a development agreement." The landowner would have to reciprocate, however, by restricting use of the parcel to agriculture uses, keeping the water rights on the land, and locating any home or homes in a clustered fashion.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Ridgway Real Estate
Posted by: Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
December 05, 2008
Written By - Christopher Pike
Real estate foreclosures are up and tax lien sales have increased substantially this year in Ouray County and surrounding counties.
Reports from three county treasurers indicate a slump in the region's real estate economy.
"We have eight current foreclosures right now, getting two or three over the past few weeks," Ouray County Treasurer Jeanne Casolari reported two weeks ago to the Board of County Commissioners.
Casolari said Monday Ouray County has received nine foreclosures as of Dec. 1; there were seven total foreclosures for all of 2007.
Casolari said there were 88 parcels subject to the 2008 tax lien sale conducted by the treasurer's office in early November, which recovered $185,084 in unpaid tax revenues. Premiums over the amount of taxes owed amounted to $3,890.
Those figures are up by more than $100,000 from 2007 when lien sales totaled $84,079 involving 60 parcels; that amount included $5,410 in premium bids.
Montrose County Treasurer Rosemary Murphy also said as of Dec. 1 there have been 146 foreclosures, 60 more compared to this time in 2007.
Murphy said most of the foreclosures in Montrose County involved improved properties and were situated within the city limits.
At the county's tax lien sales, Murphy said buyers bought liens of 340 properties, about 100 more than last year. Vacant lots and various subdivisions constituted the bulk of those properties, she said.
In San Miguel County there have been 34 foreclosures "so far through 2008," according to Maureen Dorka, chief deputy treasurer, which is 19 more than this time last year. That county's tax lien sale on Nov. 24 yielded $462,677.59 involving 103 properties.
That sales figure includes interest of $28,286.32, recovered advertising fees and premium bids over the amount in arrears. "That compares with 98 properties that were sold last year," said Dorka.
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
December 05, 2008
Written By - Christopher Pike
Real estate foreclosures are up and tax lien sales have increased substantially this year in Ouray County and surrounding counties.
Reports from three county treasurers indicate a slump in the region's real estate economy.
"We have eight current foreclosures right now, getting two or three over the past few weeks," Ouray County Treasurer Jeanne Casolari reported two weeks ago to the Board of County Commissioners.
Casolari said Monday Ouray County has received nine foreclosures as of Dec. 1; there were seven total foreclosures for all of 2007.
Casolari said there were 88 parcels subject to the 2008 tax lien sale conducted by the treasurer's office in early November, which recovered $185,084 in unpaid tax revenues. Premiums over the amount of taxes owed amounted to $3,890.
Those figures are up by more than $100,000 from 2007 when lien sales totaled $84,079 involving 60 parcels; that amount included $5,410 in premium bids.
Montrose County Treasurer Rosemary Murphy also said as of Dec. 1 there have been 146 foreclosures, 60 more compared to this time in 2007.
Murphy said most of the foreclosures in Montrose County involved improved properties and were situated within the city limits.
At the county's tax lien sales, Murphy said buyers bought liens of 340 properties, about 100 more than last year. Vacant lots and various subdivisions constituted the bulk of those properties, she said.
In San Miguel County there have been 34 foreclosures "so far through 2008," according to Maureen Dorka, chief deputy treasurer, which is 19 more than this time last year. That county's tax lien sale on Nov. 24 yielded $462,677.59 involving 103 properties.
That sales figure includes interest of $28,286.32, recovered advertising fees and premium bids over the amount in arrears. "That compares with 98 properties that were sold last year," said Dorka.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Ridgway Colorado Schools
Posted by:
Erin Eddy
www.ridgwayland.com
November 19, 2008
We're just more than halfway through November, hurtling headlong into the hectic holiday season, and it's been quite a newsmaking month for the Ridgway School District.
First, the ballot box results came late on the night of Nov. 4, and for the mil levy override question that would provide funding for the new gymnasium and music room. Hurrah, it was good news: Approval by a margin of 968-639.
So after years of planning, looking for a site, getting an original property tax measure passed and having the gym facilities fall casualty to unforeseen cost hikes, we will now get to see the needed school expansion progress through to completion.
To all who have dedicated the countless (and mostly, unpaid) hours toward building facilities that match the district's aspiration for excellence, three words — congratulations, and thank you.
The other school news in recent weeks involves top-level leadership for the district.
First, Superintendent Douglas Bissonette announced (actually on Halloween) he would be stepping down at the end of the school year.
On the heels of that announcement, the School Board unanimously voted to appoint a familiar face, that of Don Batchelder, to the vacant fifth board seat. Bissonette accurately states that he will leave Ridgway Schools in very good shape.
"Students receive an outstanding education from caring and talented teachers, the schools are led by strong principals with a clear, student-oriented vision, the district is in strong financial condition, and Ridgway's reputation locally and around the state is exceptional," Bissonette wrote in his resignation letter.
As any current observer knows, Bissonette's leadership of the district has been not been without its critics or controversy. With the support of his board, he was not timid in making changes in the faculty where he thought they were warranted. And several of those ignited emotional protests and discord in the community.
Bissonette noted that his tenure was of six years, twice the state average for school superintendents. Those short job spans indicate that the top administrative post of any school system is among the most challenging anywhere. Superintendents must answer to a politically-elected board, manage other administrators and teachers, crunch numbers into a working budget, and oh, know a thing or two about education. Just may be the toughest job in town.
Our hat's off to Bisonette for taking on those challenges with a can-do attitude.
His pending departure was a direct factor in the selection of Batchelder back to the School Board.
That Batchelder, the former mayor, town manager and current county commissioner, is a good choice should go without saying. Indeed, the employment of the best qualified superintendent is likely the board's biggest responsibility. Batchelder's long background in working both as an elected official and as a paid administrator will contribute greatly to finding Bissonette's successor, and that he or she be best suited for the job.
The appointment keeps Batchelder, whose eight years on the Board of County Commissioners ends in January, in an official public capacity. Which begs the question: What's next for him next November, when the School Board appointment ends?
— David Mullings
Erin Eddy
www.ridgwayland.com
November 19, 2008
We're just more than halfway through November, hurtling headlong into the hectic holiday season, and it's been quite a newsmaking month for the Ridgway School District.
First, the ballot box results came late on the night of Nov. 4, and for the mil levy override question that would provide funding for the new gymnasium and music room. Hurrah, it was good news: Approval by a margin of 968-639.
So after years of planning, looking for a site, getting an original property tax measure passed and having the gym facilities fall casualty to unforeseen cost hikes, we will now get to see the needed school expansion progress through to completion.
To all who have dedicated the countless (and mostly, unpaid) hours toward building facilities that match the district's aspiration for excellence, three words — congratulations, and thank you.
The other school news in recent weeks involves top-level leadership for the district.
First, Superintendent Douglas Bissonette announced (actually on Halloween) he would be stepping down at the end of the school year.
On the heels of that announcement, the School Board unanimously voted to appoint a familiar face, that of Don Batchelder, to the vacant fifth board seat. Bissonette accurately states that he will leave Ridgway Schools in very good shape.
"Students receive an outstanding education from caring and talented teachers, the schools are led by strong principals with a clear, student-oriented vision, the district is in strong financial condition, and Ridgway's reputation locally and around the state is exceptional," Bissonette wrote in his resignation letter.
As any current observer knows, Bissonette's leadership of the district has been not been without its critics or controversy. With the support of his board, he was not timid in making changes in the faculty where he thought they were warranted. And several of those ignited emotional protests and discord in the community.
Bissonette noted that his tenure was of six years, twice the state average for school superintendents. Those short job spans indicate that the top administrative post of any school system is among the most challenging anywhere. Superintendents must answer to a politically-elected board, manage other administrators and teachers, crunch numbers into a working budget, and oh, know a thing or two about education. Just may be the toughest job in town.
Our hat's off to Bisonette for taking on those challenges with a can-do attitude.
His pending departure was a direct factor in the selection of Batchelder back to the School Board.
That Batchelder, the former mayor, town manager and current county commissioner, is a good choice should go without saying. Indeed, the employment of the best qualified superintendent is likely the board's biggest responsibility. Batchelder's long background in working both as an elected official and as a paid administrator will contribute greatly to finding Bissonette's successor, and that he or she be best suited for the job.
The appointment keeps Batchelder, whose eight years on the Board of County Commissioners ends in January, in an official public capacity. Which begs the question: What's next for him next November, when the School Board appointment ends?
— David Mullings
Friday, November 21, 2008
Water call in Ridgway
Posted by Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
November 21, 2008
Written by:
Samantha Tisdel Wright
Thirsty desert cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles could conceivably leave Ouray County high and dry, if proper action is not taken to protect water rights, attorney Andy Mueller warned the Ouray City Council this week.
"All kinds of rights are subject to being cut off," Mueller said, "even municipal rights."
Mueller is Ouray County's representative on the Colorado River Water Conservation District (CRWCD) Board, which since 1937 has been protecting Western Colorado water on behalf of the more than 500,000 Coloradoans who live on the western side of the Continental Divide.
The Colorado River, the vena cava of the American West into which much of the snowpack and springwater of the San Juan Mountains eventually drains, meanders its way through seven states before (just barely) making it across the border into Mexico and the Gulf of California.
It's water is divvied up according to two "Colorado River Compacts" dating back to 1922 and 1948.
In 2007, the Colorado State Legislature commissioned a study to determine just how much of our namesake river's water is left to develop.
"The study goes to the heart of a Colorado River District concern that the Colorado River basin not fall under a compact call," wrote board president Peter Kasper in the district's annual report, "whereby Colorado might have to cut back on its water use in order to meet water delivery obligations to other states downstream."
Thus far, the Colorado River Basin, to which the Uncompaghre River is a tributary, has remained free from a dread compact call.
"And we want to keep it that way through good planning that acknowledges that there is a finite water supply," Kasper emphasized.
Downstream Colorado River states would like nothing better than to open up the compacts for renegotiation, but Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico, with their much smaller populations and political clout, are "afraid we would get run over," if that ever happened, Mueller said.
Even with good planning, climate change and urban sprawl are growing threats to upstream water users in the Colorado River Basin.
The affects of climate change are already beginning to manifest in a shorter run-off season, which impacts the flow of the river and the people who depend upon it downstream. The Colorado River Water Conservation District Board has been actively generating innovative ideas, such as water banking and planned fallowing to help up-stream water users get through dry years without triggering a compact curtailment.
"We can't turn fire hydrants off," Mueller said. "Cities will be looking at alternative ways to augment their water rights. They could, for example, buy up ranch land with pre-1922 rights and then let that water flow to Lake Powell, to make up for the water they take at the headwaters."
It's not just the cities downstream in the Colorado River watershed that have cast a larcenous eye upon the pristine water of the San Juans. Sprawling Front Range Colorado communities are equally thirsty and greedy, often exhibiting what Mueller called a "buy it and dry it" mentality when it come to water rights.
This spectre could loom for Western Slope communities like Ouray and Ridgway if protective action is not taken, Mueller warned. "It's a huge issue that will take years for a solution. And it has the potential to impact the county."
Only once in the recent past has Ouray's water been subject to call. That was during the drought of 2002. If the letter of the law had been explicitely followed at that time, Mueller said, the city should have stopped the diversion of Weehawken Spring, its sole municipal water source.
City Council and staff have been actively addressing the issue of water rights in recent months and have hired Wright Water Engineering to conduct an inventory of the city's water rights and options for augmentation.
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
November 21, 2008
Written by:
Samantha Tisdel Wright
Thirsty desert cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles could conceivably leave Ouray County high and dry, if proper action is not taken to protect water rights, attorney Andy Mueller warned the Ouray City Council this week.
"All kinds of rights are subject to being cut off," Mueller said, "even municipal rights."
Mueller is Ouray County's representative on the Colorado River Water Conservation District (CRWCD) Board, which since 1937 has been protecting Western Colorado water on behalf of the more than 500,000 Coloradoans who live on the western side of the Continental Divide.
The Colorado River, the vena cava of the American West into which much of the snowpack and springwater of the San Juan Mountains eventually drains, meanders its way through seven states before (just barely) making it across the border into Mexico and the Gulf of California.
It's water is divvied up according to two "Colorado River Compacts" dating back to 1922 and 1948.
In 2007, the Colorado State Legislature commissioned a study to determine just how much of our namesake river's water is left to develop.
"The study goes to the heart of a Colorado River District concern that the Colorado River basin not fall under a compact call," wrote board president Peter Kasper in the district's annual report, "whereby Colorado might have to cut back on its water use in order to meet water delivery obligations to other states downstream."
Thus far, the Colorado River Basin, to which the Uncompaghre River is a tributary, has remained free from a dread compact call.
"And we want to keep it that way through good planning that acknowledges that there is a finite water supply," Kasper emphasized.
Downstream Colorado River states would like nothing better than to open up the compacts for renegotiation, but Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico, with their much smaller populations and political clout, are "afraid we would get run over," if that ever happened, Mueller said.
Even with good planning, climate change and urban sprawl are growing threats to upstream water users in the Colorado River Basin.
The affects of climate change are already beginning to manifest in a shorter run-off season, which impacts the flow of the river and the people who depend upon it downstream. The Colorado River Water Conservation District Board has been actively generating innovative ideas, such as water banking and planned fallowing to help up-stream water users get through dry years without triggering a compact curtailment.
"We can't turn fire hydrants off," Mueller said. "Cities will be looking at alternative ways to augment their water rights. They could, for example, buy up ranch land with pre-1922 rights and then let that water flow to Lake Powell, to make up for the water they take at the headwaters."
It's not just the cities downstream in the Colorado River watershed that have cast a larcenous eye upon the pristine water of the San Juans. Sprawling Front Range Colorado communities are equally thirsty and greedy, often exhibiting what Mueller called a "buy it and dry it" mentality when it come to water rights.
This spectre could loom for Western Slope communities like Ouray and Ridgway if protective action is not taken, Mueller warned. "It's a huge issue that will take years for a solution. And it has the potential to impact the county."
Only once in the recent past has Ouray's water been subject to call. That was during the drought of 2002. If the letter of the law had been explicitely followed at that time, Mueller said, the city should have stopped the diversion of Weehawken Spring, its sole municipal water source.
City Council and staff have been actively addressing the issue of water rights in recent months and have hired Wright Water Engineering to conduct an inventory of the city's water rights and options for augmentation.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Land Use fee increase in Ridgway
Posted by:
Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Written by: Patrick Davarn
November 14, 2008
RIDGWAY — Agreeing with the county staff that it is "long overdue," county commissioners will raise some of the fees charged by the Land Use Department in time for the new year.
Mark Castrodale, interim county planner, said after consensus by the Board of County Commissioners that he will have a comprehensive fee schedule prepared by early December for consideration of adoption by resolution.
Castrodale presented an analysis of fees charged by the Land Use Department for various processes; not including building permit fees. "My records show … fees have not been reviewed or modified since 2004 … we appear to be grossly undercharging for some of our services," Castrodale wrote.
Castrodale explained to the BOCC on Monday that he used his salary's hourly rate and calculated the amount of time necessary for him to process various services – ranging from sketch plans to final plats – then reduced the total by one-third to propose a fee's rate. "The issue, in general, is that it's been long overdue," he said."I tried to be hugely conservative."
For example, Castrodale said current fees for a limited planned unit development (PUD) of three lots or less are $750 for a sketch plan, $750 for a preliminary development plan, and $250 for a final development plan. He proposes raising the preliminary development plan fee to $1,500 and the final development plan to $500 in addition to establishing a $250 fee for the final plat. During the process of estimating new fees for Ouray County, Castrodale said he called Montrose County for a comparison. For these same four services, Montrose County will charge a total of $6,445. "We are subsidizing development," said Castrodale.
BOCC Chairman Keith Meinert said an increase is needed, especially in comparison to Montrose County, but asked if higher fees could be charged at the end of a project when a developer is more certain of a successful outcome. "I agree that it's time consuming," Meinert said, "but I wonder if front-end costs would be so high it might discourage people from trying."
Castrodale said the bulk of work by Land Use staff is "front-end loaded" and requires the same amount of time whether the project is successful or not. He would prefer to deal with those "isolated situations" of projects that are unsuccessful, or withdrawn, on a case-by-case basis.
Commissioner Heidi Albritton backed Castrodale's reasoning. "If they (developers) are working with staff, there is no reason it shouldn't go through," she said. "The hand-holding and direction takes place at the beginning. No outcome is guaranteed. If they choose to go through with a plan despite advice of staff, it's not Mark's problem. We need to get on a proactive track and keep up with the times."
Commissioner Don Batchelder likewise agreed the fee review is long overdue, saying he first asked about it six years ago. "Let's say Mark's ideas are good and take them at face value," said Batchelder. "I think your (proposed) fees are low. You took off one-third, you should have added 50% more and it probably still would not have covered the costs."
Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Written by: Patrick Davarn
November 14, 2008
RIDGWAY — Agreeing with the county staff that it is "long overdue," county commissioners will raise some of the fees charged by the Land Use Department in time for the new year.
Mark Castrodale, interim county planner, said after consensus by the Board of County Commissioners that he will have a comprehensive fee schedule prepared by early December for consideration of adoption by resolution.
Castrodale presented an analysis of fees charged by the Land Use Department for various processes; not including building permit fees. "My records show … fees have not been reviewed or modified since 2004 … we appear to be grossly undercharging for some of our services," Castrodale wrote.
Castrodale explained to the BOCC on Monday that he used his salary's hourly rate and calculated the amount of time necessary for him to process various services – ranging from sketch plans to final plats – then reduced the total by one-third to propose a fee's rate. "The issue, in general, is that it's been long overdue," he said."I tried to be hugely conservative."
For example, Castrodale said current fees for a limited planned unit development (PUD) of three lots or less are $750 for a sketch plan, $750 for a preliminary development plan, and $250 for a final development plan. He proposes raising the preliminary development plan fee to $1,500 and the final development plan to $500 in addition to establishing a $250 fee for the final plat. During the process of estimating new fees for Ouray County, Castrodale said he called Montrose County for a comparison. For these same four services, Montrose County will charge a total of $6,445. "We are subsidizing development," said Castrodale.
BOCC Chairman Keith Meinert said an increase is needed, especially in comparison to Montrose County, but asked if higher fees could be charged at the end of a project when a developer is more certain of a successful outcome. "I agree that it's time consuming," Meinert said, "but I wonder if front-end costs would be so high it might discourage people from trying."
Castrodale said the bulk of work by Land Use staff is "front-end loaded" and requires the same amount of time whether the project is successful or not. He would prefer to deal with those "isolated situations" of projects that are unsuccessful, or withdrawn, on a case-by-case basis.
Commissioner Heidi Albritton backed Castrodale's reasoning. "If they (developers) are working with staff, there is no reason it shouldn't go through," she said. "The hand-holding and direction takes place at the beginning. No outcome is guaranteed. If they choose to go through with a plan despite advice of staff, it's not Mark's problem. We need to get on a proactive track and keep up with the times."
Commissioner Don Batchelder likewise agreed the fee review is long overdue, saying he first asked about it six years ago. "Let's say Mark's ideas are good and take them at face value," said Batchelder. "I think your (proposed) fees are low. You took off one-third, you should have added 50% more and it probably still would not have covered the costs."
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
New Ouray and Ridgway development fees
Posted by Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
November 12, 2008
Agreeing with the county staff that it is "long overdue," county commissioners will raise some of the fees charged by the Land Use Department in time for the new year.
Mark Castrodale, interim county planner, said after consensus by the Board of County Commissioners that he will have a comprehensive fee schedule prepared by early December for consideration of adoption by resolution.
Castrodale presented to the BOCC an analysis of current fees charged by the Land Use Department for various processes; not including building permit fees. "My records show … fees have not been reviewed or modified since 2004 … we appear to be grossly undercharging for some of our services," Castrodale wrote in a memo.
Castrodale explained to the BOCC on Monday that he used his salary's hourly rate and calculated the amount of time necessary for him to process various services – ranging from sketch plans to final plats – then reduced the total by one-third to propose a fee's rate.
"The issue, in general, is that it's been long overdue," he said."I tried to be hugely conservative."
For example, Castrodale said current fees for a limited planned unit development (PUD) of three lots or less are $750 for a sketch plan, $750 for a preliminary development plan, and $250 for a final development plan. He proposes raising the preliminary development plan fee to $1,500 and the final development plan to $500 in addition to establishing a $250 fee for the final plat. During the process of estimating new fees for Ouray County, Castrodale said he called Montrose County for a comparison. For these same four services, Montrose County will charge a total of $6,445.
"We are subsidizing development," said Castrodale. "Our current rates do not even cover my time."
BOCC Chairman Keith Meinert agreed that an increase in fees are needed, especially in comparison to Montrose County. but asked if higher fees could be charged at the end of a project when a developer is more certain of a successful outcome. "I agree that it's time consuming," Meinert said, "but I wonder if front-end costs would be so high it might discourage people from trying."
Castrodale said the bulk of work by Land Use staff is "front-end loaded" and requires the same amount of time whether the project is successful or not. He would prefer to deal with those "isolated situations" of projects that are unsuccessful, or withdrawn, on a case-by-case basis.
Commissioner Heidi Albritton backed Castrodale's reasoning. "If they (developers) are working with staff, there is no reason it shouldn't go through," Albritton said. "The hand-holding and direction takes place at the beginning of the process. No outcome is guaranteed. If they choose to go through with a plan despite the advice of staff, it's not Mark's problem. We need to get on a proactive track and keep up with the times."
Commissioner Don Batchelder likewise agreed the fee review is long overdue, saying he first asked about it six years ago. "Let's say Mark's ideas are good and take them at face value," said Batchelder. "I think your (proposed) fees are low. You took off one-third, you should have added 50% more and it probably still would not have covered the costs."
Meinert said the revised fees are a "step in the right direction." Fellow commissioners, and Castrodale, agreed with his suggestion that Castrodale define his simple review and complex review fees for a development site inspection in line with zones established in 2002 for assigning or verifying addresses and inspecting driveways. Zone 1 is six miles from the Land Use Office in Ridgway while zone 2 is 12 miles and zone 3 is more than 12 miles travel.
Recommended changes in fees are in the categories of limited PUD (three lots or less); regular PUD (more than three lots); a recreation/resort PUD; boundary line adjustment; appeals to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (variance); minor amendments to the Land Use Code; a site development permit; a plat correction; and site inspections for a weed management plan, PUD, special use permit, address verification or driveway inspection. Castrodale did not recommend any increases for a final plat amendment , a special use permit, or exemptions and exceptions allowed within the code.
— By Patrick Davarn, news editor
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
November 12, 2008
Agreeing with the county staff that it is "long overdue," county commissioners will raise some of the fees charged by the Land Use Department in time for the new year.
Mark Castrodale, interim county planner, said after consensus by the Board of County Commissioners that he will have a comprehensive fee schedule prepared by early December for consideration of adoption by resolution.
Castrodale presented to the BOCC an analysis of current fees charged by the Land Use Department for various processes; not including building permit fees. "My records show … fees have not been reviewed or modified since 2004 … we appear to be grossly undercharging for some of our services," Castrodale wrote in a memo.
Castrodale explained to the BOCC on Monday that he used his salary's hourly rate and calculated the amount of time necessary for him to process various services – ranging from sketch plans to final plats – then reduced the total by one-third to propose a fee's rate.
"The issue, in general, is that it's been long overdue," he said."I tried to be hugely conservative."
For example, Castrodale said current fees for a limited planned unit development (PUD) of three lots or less are $750 for a sketch plan, $750 for a preliminary development plan, and $250 for a final development plan. He proposes raising the preliminary development plan fee to $1,500 and the final development plan to $500 in addition to establishing a $250 fee for the final plat. During the process of estimating new fees for Ouray County, Castrodale said he called Montrose County for a comparison. For these same four services, Montrose County will charge a total of $6,445.
"We are subsidizing development," said Castrodale. "Our current rates do not even cover my time."
BOCC Chairman Keith Meinert agreed that an increase in fees are needed, especially in comparison to Montrose County. but asked if higher fees could be charged at the end of a project when a developer is more certain of a successful outcome. "I agree that it's time consuming," Meinert said, "but I wonder if front-end costs would be so high it might discourage people from trying."
Castrodale said the bulk of work by Land Use staff is "front-end loaded" and requires the same amount of time whether the project is successful or not. He would prefer to deal with those "isolated situations" of projects that are unsuccessful, or withdrawn, on a case-by-case basis.
Commissioner Heidi Albritton backed Castrodale's reasoning. "If they (developers) are working with staff, there is no reason it shouldn't go through," Albritton said. "The hand-holding and direction takes place at the beginning of the process. No outcome is guaranteed. If they choose to go through with a plan despite the advice of staff, it's not Mark's problem. We need to get on a proactive track and keep up with the times."
Commissioner Don Batchelder likewise agreed the fee review is long overdue, saying he first asked about it six years ago. "Let's say Mark's ideas are good and take them at face value," said Batchelder. "I think your (proposed) fees are low. You took off one-third, you should have added 50% more and it probably still would not have covered the costs."
Meinert said the revised fees are a "step in the right direction." Fellow commissioners, and Castrodale, agreed with his suggestion that Castrodale define his simple review and complex review fees for a development site inspection in line with zones established in 2002 for assigning or verifying addresses and inspecting driveways. Zone 1 is six miles from the Land Use Office in Ridgway while zone 2 is 12 miles and zone 3 is more than 12 miles travel.
Recommended changes in fees are in the categories of limited PUD (three lots or less); regular PUD (more than three lots); a recreation/resort PUD; boundary line adjustment; appeals to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (variance); minor amendments to the Land Use Code; a site development permit; a plat correction; and site inspections for a weed management plan, PUD, special use permit, address verification or driveway inspection. Castrodale did not recommend any increases for a final plat amendment , a special use permit, or exemptions and exceptions allowed within the code.
— By Patrick Davarn, news editor
Friday, November 7, 2008
Assited Living Facility in Ridgway
Assisted Living Facility Proposed for Valley Zone
Written by Christopher Pike
Posted By:
Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Burn Rehab Center
RIDGWAY – The addition of an assisted living residence to the allowed uses in the county’s Valley Zone was considered at a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 27, with discussion centered on the exact definition of what that would be.
The request for the amendment to the Ouray County Land Use Code came from David Tabor, president of the Montrose-based Solid Rock Foundation Ministries. The ministry is considering the purchase of 102/104 Cutler Creek Drive in Ridgway, located directly adjacent to the Ponderosa Village Subdivision, for use as the Hope's Journey assisted living residence for severely burned and physically traumatized youth.
Tabor called the Valley Zone the “most logical” location for the proposed facility. “Higher elevations could be more difficult,” he said. Tabor also pointed out that there would be size limits on the facility due to existing state regulations. “This type of residence would not overtake the county,” Tabor said.
The board of county commissioners’ public hearing was prompted by the Ouray County Planning Commission’s recommendation to add the definition for “Assisted Living Residence” to section 22 and 3.4 H of the land use code. The planners also recommended that a state licensing requirement for a residential facility be added to the code.
Public input last Monday concerning the amendment was generally favorable, though a letter from the Lane family, residents of the Ponderosa Village Subdivision, stated that vehicle traffic and the general bustle of activity emanating from the proposed facility would be disruptive and would negatively impact property values.
The discussion also turned to the possibility of expanding the amendment definition to include senior citizen facilities. Citing the approval of an assisted living and nursing facility in Ouray County by a previous board of commissioners several decades ago, Ouray resident Roger Henn asked the commissioners to address the future needs of seniors, including him and his wife Angie. “We need assisted living (in Ouray County). Who would want to live in Montrose? You need that and we need it badly!” Henn’s impassioned plea received a round of applause from the 35 members of the audience.
The parameters of the definition were also on the minds of county staff and officials. County Attorney Mark Deganhart said the proposed language could potentially include a halfway house or group home, which “could open up a whole panoply of uses that might exist as ‘assisted living.’”
“What I hear is a definition and unintended consequences and not necessarily this specific application,” said Commissioner Chair Keith Meinert. “With the right definitions I don't think there is anybody that is going to object to it.”
The hearing was continued to the commissioners’ meeting held Nov. 3 to allow Commissioner Heidi Albritton, who was away on vacation last week, to participate and vote on the proposed amendment. The results of that meeting were not available at press time.
Written by Christopher Pike
Posted By:
Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Burn Rehab Center
RIDGWAY – The addition of an assisted living residence to the allowed uses in the county’s Valley Zone was considered at a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 27, with discussion centered on the exact definition of what that would be.
The request for the amendment to the Ouray County Land Use Code came from David Tabor, president of the Montrose-based Solid Rock Foundation Ministries. The ministry is considering the purchase of 102/104 Cutler Creek Drive in Ridgway, located directly adjacent to the Ponderosa Village Subdivision, for use as the Hope's Journey assisted living residence for severely burned and physically traumatized youth.
Tabor called the Valley Zone the “most logical” location for the proposed facility. “Higher elevations could be more difficult,” he said. Tabor also pointed out that there would be size limits on the facility due to existing state regulations. “This type of residence would not overtake the county,” Tabor said.
The board of county commissioners’ public hearing was prompted by the Ouray County Planning Commission’s recommendation to add the definition for “Assisted Living Residence” to section 22 and 3.4 H of the land use code. The planners also recommended that a state licensing requirement for a residential facility be added to the code.
Public input last Monday concerning the amendment was generally favorable, though a letter from the Lane family, residents of the Ponderosa Village Subdivision, stated that vehicle traffic and the general bustle of activity emanating from the proposed facility would be disruptive and would negatively impact property values.
The discussion also turned to the possibility of expanding the amendment definition to include senior citizen facilities. Citing the approval of an assisted living and nursing facility in Ouray County by a previous board of commissioners several decades ago, Ouray resident Roger Henn asked the commissioners to address the future needs of seniors, including him and his wife Angie. “We need assisted living (in Ouray County). Who would want to live in Montrose? You need that and we need it badly!” Henn’s impassioned plea received a round of applause from the 35 members of the audience.
The parameters of the definition were also on the minds of county staff and officials. County Attorney Mark Deganhart said the proposed language could potentially include a halfway house or group home, which “could open up a whole panoply of uses that might exist as ‘assisted living.’”
“What I hear is a definition and unintended consequences and not necessarily this specific application,” said Commissioner Chair Keith Meinert. “With the right definitions I don't think there is anybody that is going to object to it.”
The hearing was continued to the commissioners’ meeting held Nov. 3 to allow Commissioner Heidi Albritton, who was away on vacation last week, to participate and vote on the proposed amendment. The results of that meeting were not available at press time.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Locals get er done!
Locals just get projects done
Written by David Mullings - Ouray Plaindealer
Posted by Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
October 31, 2008
Can do.
That's probably what I like best about living in Ouray County.
Sixteen years ago, a bunch of good people got together and formed the Mount Sneffels Education Foundation. The organization, which provides innovative programs that give students here fantastic learning opportunities, thrives today. MSEF is on its way to building a self-sustaining trust.
Seven years ago, a group of folks here saw an amazing piece of publicly owned land that was going unused. They jumped through a bunch of hoops, today, we have the Top of the Pines, an outdoor camp on Miller Mesa that serves as a dynamite outdoor education facility.
Five years ago, an emergency services shuffle squeezed the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team into a single garage bay. How did the all-volunteer group respond? With the help of a legion of supporters and some county-donated land, OMRT went out and built a wonderful two-story rescue center at the Ice Park. The team gained a certificate of occupancy last week, and plans an open house to show off the facility in mid November.
Can do.
Written by David Mullings - Ouray Plaindealer
Posted by Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
October 31, 2008
Can do.
That's probably what I like best about living in Ouray County.
Sixteen years ago, a bunch of good people got together and formed the Mount Sneffels Education Foundation. The organization, which provides innovative programs that give students here fantastic learning opportunities, thrives today. MSEF is on its way to building a self-sustaining trust.
Seven years ago, a group of folks here saw an amazing piece of publicly owned land that was going unused. They jumped through a bunch of hoops, today, we have the Top of the Pines, an outdoor camp on Miller Mesa that serves as a dynamite outdoor education facility.
Five years ago, an emergency services shuffle squeezed the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team into a single garage bay. How did the all-volunteer group respond? With the help of a legion of supporters and some county-donated land, OMRT went out and built a wonderful two-story rescue center at the Ice Park. The team gained a certificate of occupancy last week, and plans an open house to show off the facility in mid November.
Can do.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
2008 3rd Quarter Ouray County Sold Stats
Posted by Erin Eddy
provided by
Montrose Association of REALTORS
Statistics for Ouray County Jan 1 - Sept. 30, 2008
TOTAL HOMES (includes new home sales)
Homes Sold : 54
Total Price : $19,456,400
Average Price :$360,303
Median Price : $300,000
Range in Price :$25,000 - 1,200,000
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
Units Sold : 7
Total Price :$1,512,800
Average Price: $216,114
Median Price : $185,300
Range in Price : $52,500 - 623,000
VACANT LAND
Units Sold : 19
Total Price : $5,182,125
Average Price : $272,743
Median Price : $175,000
Range in Price : $110,000 - 1,600,000
FARM & RANCH
Units Sold : 1
Total Price : $ 525,000
Average Price : $ 525,000
Median Price : $ 525,000
Range in Price : $ 525,000
ALL PROPERTIES
Units Sold : 81
Total Price : $26,676,325
Average Price : $329,337
Median Price : $280,000
Range in Price :$25,000 - 1,600,000
*This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
provided by
Montrose Association of REALTORS
Statistics for Ouray County Jan 1 - Sept. 30, 2008
TOTAL HOMES (includes new home sales)
Homes Sold : 54
Total Price : $19,456,400
Average Price :$360,303
Median Price : $300,000
Range in Price :$25,000 - 1,200,000
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
Units Sold : 7
Total Price :$1,512,800
Average Price: $216,114
Median Price : $185,300
Range in Price : $52,500 - 623,000
VACANT LAND
Units Sold : 19
Total Price : $5,182,125
Average Price : $272,743
Median Price : $175,000
Range in Price : $110,000 - 1,600,000
FARM & RANCH
Units Sold : 1
Total Price : $ 525,000
Average Price : $ 525,000
Median Price : $ 525,000
Range in Price : $ 525,000
ALL PROPERTIES
Units Sold : 81
Total Price : $26,676,325
Average Price : $329,337
Median Price : $280,000
Range in Price :$25,000 - 1,600,000
*This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Ridgway Soccer
Undefeated Ridgway High School soccer team to host regional playoff
Posted by Erin Eddy
www.ridgwayland.com
October 22, 2008
It will be a busy week and weekend for participants and fans for Ridgway High School sports.
Both the boys' soccer team and girls' volleyball team will enter their respective regional playoffs and tournaments this week
For the first time in recent memory, the Ridgway High School boys soccer team will host the first round of a region 3A contest against Aspen High School at the Solar Ranch soccer field. The game begins at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22.
The Demons ended the season with a record of 9-1-3, undefeated in league play as they were led by coach Chuck Siefken.
The Ridgway team is now among 32 teams going into the state tournament, with Ridgway ranked 16th by the Colorado High School Activities Association. Should it defeat 17th-ranked Aspen on Wednesday afternoon, the Demons will most likely play top-ranked Colorado Springs Christian in that city on Oct. 25.
"We are definitely one of the smallest schools going into the tournament," said Ridgway Athletic Director Keith McCurdy.
The girls volleyball team, with a 7-10 record in league play, will compete in a regional shootout on Friday and Saturday, beginning at 3 p.m. (with the Ridgway game beginning most likely at 4 p.m.) at the Olathe High School gym.
The Ridgway volleyball squad is fourth-ranked in the six-team field in the Division 1A tourney.
— Douglas McDaniel, staff writer
Posted by Erin Eddy
www.ridgwayland.com
October 22, 2008
It will be a busy week and weekend for participants and fans for Ridgway High School sports.
Both the boys' soccer team and girls' volleyball team will enter their respective regional playoffs and tournaments this week
For the first time in recent memory, the Ridgway High School boys soccer team will host the first round of a region 3A contest against Aspen High School at the Solar Ranch soccer field. The game begins at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22.
The Demons ended the season with a record of 9-1-3, undefeated in league play as they were led by coach Chuck Siefken.
The Ridgway team is now among 32 teams going into the state tournament, with Ridgway ranked 16th by the Colorado High School Activities Association. Should it defeat 17th-ranked Aspen on Wednesday afternoon, the Demons will most likely play top-ranked Colorado Springs Christian in that city on Oct. 25.
"We are definitely one of the smallest schools going into the tournament," said Ridgway Athletic Director Keith McCurdy.
The girls volleyball team, with a 7-10 record in league play, will compete in a regional shootout on Friday and Saturday, beginning at 3 p.m. (with the Ridgway game beginning most likely at 4 p.m.) at the Olathe High School gym.
The Ridgway volleyball squad is fourth-ranked in the six-team field in the Division 1A tourney.
— Douglas McDaniel, staff writer
Foreclosures
Posted by: Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Foreclosure Filings Up Throughout County
by Karen JamesOct 23, 2008
All Market Segments Affected
TELLURIDE – With two months remaining in the fiscal year, foreclosure filings in San Miguel County are up 47 percent compared to the 2007 year-end total, county records show.
The county has opened 28 foreclosure files since January, of which seven – or 25 percent – have occurred during the last three weeks.
The county opened a total of 19 files during fiscal year 2007.
“We’re already past last year and we’re just in the first month of the fourth quarter,” said County Treasurer, Public Trustee and Public Registrar Janice Stout. “I’m just amazed with the number we’ve had.”
Among the 19 filings in 2007, a total of six – about 32 percent – eventually sold in foreclosure auctions.
This year, two of the 28 properties have been sold at auction. Another three are scheduled to go to auction before the end of the year if they are not first withdrawn, cured or continued.
Despite the overall increase in filings, with so few sales scheduled in the next two months, 2008 foreclosure sales cannot outnumber those in 2007.
But considering that 12 foreclosure sales could take place by the end of next February if they are not somehow remedied, 2009 could run the risk of producing a bumper crop of foreclosures.
“Maybe 09 will be record sales,” Stout said.
Among this year’s 28 filings, 10 – or about 36 percent – have been withdrawn or cured. One more, a filing for the Rosewood Telluride Resort and Hotel, is on hold until further notice.
In June, Lot 129, LLC and West Galena Holdings, owned by New York City-based developer Aaron Honigman, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection one day before the property was to appear on the auction block. As a result, a week-to-week stay of the foreclosure has been in place since then, which Stout will continue to impose until otherwise directed by the court.
Outstanding principal on the Rosewood deal, a pre-construction bridge loan, is $50 million.
“There does seem to be a rush of filings,” said Stout, adding that she believed the accelerated filing pace will continue if the economy remains in its current state.
That said, a relative few of those are likely to result in foreclosure sales if history serves as an accurate predictor.
The filings span across virtually all segments of the real estate market. They range from a fractional interest in Mountain Village with $40,000 in outstanding debt, to a Mountain Village Home against which two foreclosure filings worth a total of about $10.1 million have been made.
According to Stout, the first foreclosure was filed on a deed of trust where the home was put up as collateral to guarantee a loan to a business. The second foreclosure was filed on a mortgage on the home itself.
In between those extremes are filings for Hastings Mesa and Norwood homes, an Ice House condominium and two vacant lots in Mountain Village among others.
“It’s pretty much across the board,” Stout said.
She speculated that one reason for the steady rate of foreclosure filings over the past few weeks could be the passage of Colorado House Bill 08-1402. The bill, which took effect on Aug. 1, requires that mortgage lenders provide the direct telephone number of their loss mitigation departments, and that of the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline, to buyers in danger of being foreclosed upon at least 30 days before the relevant paperwork is filed.
Stout said she received no filings during the month of August as the law took effect, which probably created a backlog that is working itself out now.
“People that were living with a high amount of debt are going to be the first ones to go,” said Matthew Hintermeister, a real estate agent, who noted the presence of several multi-million dollar properties on the foreclosure list.
Hintermeister, past president of the Telluride Association of Realtors, speculated that when the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted nearly 3,000 points over three weeks toward the end of September, cash flow may have been disrupted for investors who, through margin accounts established with brokerage firms, had taken out loans using securities as collateral.
Although investors can borrow against the value of his or her securities through margin accounts, a minimum of equity must be maintained in them. If the value of the pledged securities were to fall far enough – as would likely have been the case during those tumultuous weeks – a “margin call” would require the borrower to sell off securities or deposit cash (cash that may have otherwise been paying the mortgage on a second home) or perhaps do both – in order to replenish the account equity.
The brokerage retains the right to sell the pledged securities and may not be required to consult the margin account holder before doing so, according to Investopedia.com, an investor education website owned by Forbes Media. In fact, the website goes on to state that the firm may also have the right to sell the securities before the investor has been given a chance to meet the margin call.
“It can happen incredibly fast,” Hintermeister said.
Hintermeister added that some Aspen area real estate brokers with whom he recently spoke told him that they are seeing people abandon large deposits – some worth hundreds of thousands of dollars – on projects that are still being completed.
“They’ve already told brokers that they are prepared to walk away because they don’t have the money to close,” he said.
“That’s big money to be walking away from.”
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Foreclosure Filings Up Throughout County
by Karen JamesOct 23, 2008
All Market Segments Affected
TELLURIDE – With two months remaining in the fiscal year, foreclosure filings in San Miguel County are up 47 percent compared to the 2007 year-end total, county records show.
The county has opened 28 foreclosure files since January, of which seven – or 25 percent – have occurred during the last three weeks.
The county opened a total of 19 files during fiscal year 2007.
“We’re already past last year and we’re just in the first month of the fourth quarter,” said County Treasurer, Public Trustee and Public Registrar Janice Stout. “I’m just amazed with the number we’ve had.”
Among the 19 filings in 2007, a total of six – about 32 percent – eventually sold in foreclosure auctions.
This year, two of the 28 properties have been sold at auction. Another three are scheduled to go to auction before the end of the year if they are not first withdrawn, cured or continued.
Despite the overall increase in filings, with so few sales scheduled in the next two months, 2008 foreclosure sales cannot outnumber those in 2007.
But considering that 12 foreclosure sales could take place by the end of next February if they are not somehow remedied, 2009 could run the risk of producing a bumper crop of foreclosures.
“Maybe 09 will be record sales,” Stout said.
Among this year’s 28 filings, 10 – or about 36 percent – have been withdrawn or cured. One more, a filing for the Rosewood Telluride Resort and Hotel, is on hold until further notice.
In June, Lot 129, LLC and West Galena Holdings, owned by New York City-based developer Aaron Honigman, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection one day before the property was to appear on the auction block. As a result, a week-to-week stay of the foreclosure has been in place since then, which Stout will continue to impose until otherwise directed by the court.
Outstanding principal on the Rosewood deal, a pre-construction bridge loan, is $50 million.
“There does seem to be a rush of filings,” said Stout, adding that she believed the accelerated filing pace will continue if the economy remains in its current state.
That said, a relative few of those are likely to result in foreclosure sales if history serves as an accurate predictor.
The filings span across virtually all segments of the real estate market. They range from a fractional interest in Mountain Village with $40,000 in outstanding debt, to a Mountain Village Home against which two foreclosure filings worth a total of about $10.1 million have been made.
According to Stout, the first foreclosure was filed on a deed of trust where the home was put up as collateral to guarantee a loan to a business. The second foreclosure was filed on a mortgage on the home itself.
In between those extremes are filings for Hastings Mesa and Norwood homes, an Ice House condominium and two vacant lots in Mountain Village among others.
“It’s pretty much across the board,” Stout said.
She speculated that one reason for the steady rate of foreclosure filings over the past few weeks could be the passage of Colorado House Bill 08-1402. The bill, which took effect on Aug. 1, requires that mortgage lenders provide the direct telephone number of their loss mitigation departments, and that of the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline, to buyers in danger of being foreclosed upon at least 30 days before the relevant paperwork is filed.
Stout said she received no filings during the month of August as the law took effect, which probably created a backlog that is working itself out now.
“People that were living with a high amount of debt are going to be the first ones to go,” said Matthew Hintermeister, a real estate agent, who noted the presence of several multi-million dollar properties on the foreclosure list.
Hintermeister, past president of the Telluride Association of Realtors, speculated that when the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted nearly 3,000 points over three weeks toward the end of September, cash flow may have been disrupted for investors who, through margin accounts established with brokerage firms, had taken out loans using securities as collateral.
Although investors can borrow against the value of his or her securities through margin accounts, a minimum of equity must be maintained in them. If the value of the pledged securities were to fall far enough – as would likely have been the case during those tumultuous weeks – a “margin call” would require the borrower to sell off securities or deposit cash (cash that may have otherwise been paying the mortgage on a second home) or perhaps do both – in order to replenish the account equity.
The brokerage retains the right to sell the pledged securities and may not be required to consult the margin account holder before doing so, according to Investopedia.com, an investor education website owned by Forbes Media. In fact, the website goes on to state that the firm may also have the right to sell the securities before the investor has been given a chance to meet the margin call.
“It can happen incredibly fast,” Hintermeister said.
Hintermeister added that some Aspen area real estate brokers with whom he recently spoke told him that they are seeing people abandon large deposits – some worth hundreds of thousands of dollars – on projects that are still being completed.
“They’ve already told brokers that they are prepared to walk away because they don’t have the money to close,” he said.
“That’s big money to be walking away from.”
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Planning commission adopts northwest area plan
Posted by Erin Eddy
by Margaret Henderson
Oct 07, 2008
RIDGWAY – After months of meetings and discussion between the town, developers, members of the community, and planning consultants, the Ridgway Planning Commission unanimously adopted the Northwest Area Master Plan on Sept. 30. The plan is intended to complement the current 1999 Land Use Plan and the 2000 Comprehensive Plan and, according to the document itself, “serve as a guidance document for future development of the Northwest Areas and future master planning of the Town.”
The plan will be presented to town council for further discussion.
The 13-page plan was intentionally kept basic, with the understanding that the zoning and subdivision processes will define the final parameters, explained Jack Petruccelli, chairman of the planning commission.
Under the basic parameters of the plan, the 138 acres of what is currently open pasture-type land stretching from Charles Street north to Eagle Hill could potentially be developed into 800 to 1,500 dwelling units over time for an estimated potential population of 2,850, with a growth goal of 5 percent per year. The area would contain a mixture of residential neighborhoods and open space with mixed-use neighborhoods that could include higher-density residential development alongside commercial units such as a neighborhood store or sandwich shop.
Transportation networks would be built on a grid-like system similar to the historic layout of Ridgway, except where geographic issues may need to be considered.
Trails, parks and open space would include pedestrian and bicycle routes connecting town to the new development and providing transportation throughout. More direction on open space provisions in the Northwest Area Plan will come from the Parks, Trails and Open Space Task Force that is currently working on an open space plan to be appended to the Ridgway Master Plan.
Additionally, the plan addresses issues of affordable housing and water and wastewater infrastructure demands.
The final draft of the Northwest Area Plan is available on the town’s website at www.town.ridgway.co.us/.
Increased Building Footprint Considered
The planning commission engaged in an informal discussion with Jack Young, owner of the Chipeta Sun Lodge, about future plans for a vacant lot at the east end of the Chipeta property. The 1998 platting process provided for a building footprint, which Young would like to increase by 2,500 square feet. The area is currently used for parking and equipment storage.
Town Manager Greg Clifton noted that the increased size of the proposed building was not of particular concern because it is in harmony with the architecture of the neighborhood. However, the increased building size also increases parking requirements. Town Engineer Joanne Fagan suggested that a currently unused utility easement be made accessible for additional parking. The commissioners also discussed visual impacts, impacts to County Road 23 and drainage. The commission agreed to work on further details with Young while considering how to proceed.
Young stated that he has no immediate plans to build on the lot but may proceed with the project when the economy improves.
Posted by Ridgway Real Estate Pro at 12:18 PM 0 comments
Posted by Ridgway Real Estate Pro at 12:29 PM
by Margaret Henderson
Oct 07, 2008
RIDGWAY – After months of meetings and discussion between the town, developers, members of the community, and planning consultants, the Ridgway Planning Commission unanimously adopted the Northwest Area Master Plan on Sept. 30. The plan is intended to complement the current 1999 Land Use Plan and the 2000 Comprehensive Plan and, according to the document itself, “serve as a guidance document for future development of the Northwest Areas and future master planning of the Town.”
The plan will be presented to town council for further discussion.
The 13-page plan was intentionally kept basic, with the understanding that the zoning and subdivision processes will define the final parameters, explained Jack Petruccelli, chairman of the planning commission.
Under the basic parameters of the plan, the 138 acres of what is currently open pasture-type land stretching from Charles Street north to Eagle Hill could potentially be developed into 800 to 1,500 dwelling units over time for an estimated potential population of 2,850, with a growth goal of 5 percent per year. The area would contain a mixture of residential neighborhoods and open space with mixed-use neighborhoods that could include higher-density residential development alongside commercial units such as a neighborhood store or sandwich shop.
Transportation networks would be built on a grid-like system similar to the historic layout of Ridgway, except where geographic issues may need to be considered.
Trails, parks and open space would include pedestrian and bicycle routes connecting town to the new development and providing transportation throughout. More direction on open space provisions in the Northwest Area Plan will come from the Parks, Trails and Open Space Task Force that is currently working on an open space plan to be appended to the Ridgway Master Plan.
Additionally, the plan addresses issues of affordable housing and water and wastewater infrastructure demands.
The final draft of the Northwest Area Plan is available on the town’s website at www.town.ridgway.co.us/.
Increased Building Footprint Considered
The planning commission engaged in an informal discussion with Jack Young, owner of the Chipeta Sun Lodge, about future plans for a vacant lot at the east end of the Chipeta property. The 1998 platting process provided for a building footprint, which Young would like to increase by 2,500 square feet. The area is currently used for parking and equipment storage.
Town Manager Greg Clifton noted that the increased size of the proposed building was not of particular concern because it is in harmony with the architecture of the neighborhood. However, the increased building size also increases parking requirements. Town Engineer Joanne Fagan suggested that a currently unused utility easement be made accessible for additional parking. The commissioners also discussed visual impacts, impacts to County Road 23 and drainage. The commission agreed to work on further details with Young while considering how to proceed.
Young stated that he has no immediate plans to build on the lot but may proceed with the project when the economy improves.
Posted by Ridgway Real Estate Pro at 12:18 PM 0 comments
Posted by Ridgway Real Estate Pro at 12:29 PM
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