HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.02 Staff Report & Exhibits - Part CSent:
To:
Cc:
Subiect:
GIenn Hartmann
From:Sheryl Bower
Thursday, October 8,2020 4:O7 PM
maddy@rof.net
Glenn Hartmann
RE: lExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Hi Mary, Commissioner Jankovsky forwarded me your email. I will make sure it gets in our file folder. Thanks you for
your interest.
Regards,
.sherul L Bower, AlcP<J
Community Development Director
LO8 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8L60L
970-e4s-L377 (L6Osl
From: Tom Ja nkovsky <tja nkovsky@ga rfield-cou nty.com>
Sent: Thursday, Octobe r 8,2O2O 4:05 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: FW: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
From: noreplv@formstack.com <noreplv@formstack.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 8,2O2O 10:22 AM
To: Tom Ja n kovsky <tia n kovskv@ga rfield-co untv.com>
Subject: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Garfield County
Subject: White Cloud / Ascendigo Zoning change application
Name: Mary Chester
Email: mad rof.net
Phone Number: (970) 379-5777
Message: I am a resident on Sierra Vista in Missouri and am writing to voice my strong opposition to the
zoning change that Ascendigo is making for the WhiteCloud property. Any change for the current rural
residential of 15 homes on that property is completely inappropriate for the surrounding residential area. The
change would cause significant noise, traffic and light issues in our rural area. There is limited support systems
in this remote area and we live up in this area with the expectation that there may be some rural residential
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EXHIBIT
development but not with the expectation that a large event "ranch" will be right next door. Due to the reason
listed, I strongly ask that you consider the property rights of the current residents and deny the application for
zoning change. The current residential development is more than enough density for this area. Thank you.
Mary Chester
2
EXHIBIT
LIbôô6Mr. Glenn Hartman
Garfield County Planning, 108 8th St. Suite 401,601
r0t2t2t20
RECEIVED
,._ì'' i, i .Ui": ;'.l "rir,"r
$$ffi{F,*#gv,#Äi
Dear Mr. Hartman,
I'm writing you to bring to your attention a troubling development proposal that our
(Garfield &.F;agle Counties) community has just recently become aware of.
The Ascendigo organization has recently proposed a development in Missouri Heights just west of
Harmony Lane (the Garfield lEagle County border). Also known as "Ascendigo Autism Services",
their proposal develop s a 125 acre undeveloped parcel (S% of Sec 28 and SF% of Sec 29, T7S, R87W).
What is troubling is that this is a commercial development surrounded by rural residential housing. This
type of land use is inappropriate for Missouri Heights.
As you are probably aware of, Missouri Heights is a mixed residential / agriculture community located
above the Roaring Fork valley floor and is zoned "Íwal". According to the Garfield County
Comprehensive 2030 Future Land Use plan, this 125 acre proposal exists in a "Residential Mediun"
atea.
Ascendigo is proposing to change the character of this portion of Missouri Heights from that of rural
residential to commercial. They propose developing their combined tracts into a non-residential summer
and winter organizedcamp. Year-round activities and full-time employee residences are also proposed.
Plans call for guest quarters, staffquarters, activity buildings, a commercial kitchen, etc.. While the
development's target of a camp for autism is admirable and the organization first class, the location and
changing of the zoning and land use is not.
Water is also an issue with this portion of Missouri Heights. Missouri Heights does not have the
bountiful access of the Roaring Fork River, but instead relies upon aquifer recharge from rain and
nearby snow pack. Water wells tap the underlying basalt rock reservoir. With the last few decades we
have begun to see that the water supply is not endless. Many nearby water wells have gone dry in the
reoentyears (souree 312018 Sopris Sun: https.//www.soprissun.com/2018/03/28lffi
dr"v/) On91712020 Missouri Heights neighbors on Nextdoor.com reported water outages. It is really
concerning thaf aconcentrateci development like this proposed project will put increased pressure on an
ah eady stressed system.
V/hiie a worthwhiie cause, this commerciai development is inappropriate in a rurai residentiai
neighborhood, defies existing zoning, and threatens to overburden a limited water resource. It would be
more appropriately sited within the commercial confines of the Highway 82 valley floor where concems
are negligible.
Thank you,
Lynne Uhl
970-948-2888
1455 County Road 102
Carbondale CO 81623
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subiect:
Sheryl Bower
Tuesday, October 13,2020 10:36 AM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: lExternal] "Ascendigo Autism Services"
More concern on Ascendigo. They need to go out there and do some public outreach.
.sherul L Bower, AlcP
<-/
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401-
Glenwood Springs, CO 81-601
970-94s-t377 $60sl
From: Kevin Batchelder <kbatchelder@ga rfield-county.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October L3,2O2O 10:13 AM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>; Tari Williams <twilliams@garfield-county.com>; Theresa Wagenman
<twa ge n m a n @ ga rfie I d-co u nty.com >; f re @ GAR F I E LDCO U NTY. o n m icrosoft . co m
Subject: Fwd: IExternal] "Ascendigo Autism Services"
Heads up.
Kevin Batchelder
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jeff Shroll <ieff.shroll @easlecountv.us>
Date: October L3,2O2O at 9:33:1-2 AM MDT
To: Kevin Batchelder <kbatchelder@earfield-countv.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] "Ascendigo Autism Services"
FYI Below. I think the actual land use file is in Garfield County
Very TrulyYours,
Jeff Shroll
County Manager
Eagle County Government
970-328-8604
www.eaglecountv.us
EAGLE COUNTY
Admin¡stration
I
EXHIBIT
7>
ÍItrE¡
CovidQuestions@easlecountv.us | 970-328-9750
Support for You - Eaqle River Valley I Roarinq Fork Vallev | 970-328-888S
Buslness Resources | 970-328-8750
Mental Health Resources | 844-493-8255
Get the Facts: One Vallev Voice on Facebook or visit ECEmerqency.org daily
Forwarded message
From : susan sullivan <sullisooz@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Oct 13, 2O2O at 8:5L 4M
Subject: "Ascendigo Autlsm Services"
To: <ieff.shroll@eaglecountv.us>
Dear Jeff:
We are writing in STRONG OPPOSITION to a troubling development proposal that our
Missouri Heights (Garfield & Eagle Counties) community has just recently become aware of
The Ascendigo organization has recently proposed a development in Missouri Heights just
west of Harmony Lane (the Garfield / Eagle County border). Also known as "Ascendigo
Autism Services", their proposal develops a 125 acre undeveloped parcel (S% of Sec 28
and SE% of Sec 29, T7S, R87W. What is troubling is that this is a commercial
development surrounded by rural residential housing. This type of land use is inappropriate
for Missouri Heights.
They will begin with summer programs adding winter programs and conferences as they
expand their operations. The summer impact to Missouri Heights is projected to be an
additional 500+ people up here from Mid-June to beginning of Sept...Projected winter usage
could add another 300+ people for winter activities, conferences and fundraising events.
The only access road they have available is Fender Lane to Harmony Lane entering at the
old abandoned mining shacks. Sunset Lane is a posted private road and is cut off forthis
type of business usage. lf increased road traffic and increased maintenance costs become
an issue, it may need to be gated. At this time, the Camp and Garfield County have no
plans to upgrade, plow or maintain Harmony Lane. They are expecting the neighbors to do
this. They also mentioned they may need up to 4 emergency responses per week. From
the White Cloud property, local hospitals up valley or down valley are at least 40 minutes
away from response time to arrival for emergency care.
Autism is a growing American problem and at this point, nobody knows why. The idea of a
camp is certainly laudable. However, placing it up here in the middle of a residential area
presents daunting challenges.
2
Fire is the #1 concern. Medical studies document autistic people do not respond wellwhen
fire alarms sound or fires break out. Some have lost their lives responding the wrong way.
Any fire that starts up here along the ridge, with the fierce summer winds we experience in
our peculiar documented micro-clime, local firefighters would be lucky to respond in time to
control it. The recent Red Canyon fire spread from a lightning strike to forty acres in minutes
prompting immediate evacuations of the surrounding area.
ls this what we want to live with up here?
lssue #2 - increased outdoor daily and evening events add significantly
increased automobile traffic, horse trailers moving animals around, daily activity shuttle
vans coming and going, delivery trucks, trash collectors, all adding to the dust and constant
noise.
lssue #3 water stress on surrounding wells.
Climate change is affecting our water supplies already and will only grow more concerning
as droughts continue, aquifers sag and water needs grow. Adding the water needs of 500+
people and filling a 2 acre pond in the middle of summer is concerning to say the least.
lssue #4. Make no mistake about it-call it a school, call it a non-profit, this is an overnight
housing business being shoe-horned into the middle of a historic rural residential area
opening the door for more businesses to do the same. We have all seen what is happening
to the exploding growth on the valley floor, increased traffic, lights destroying the night sky,
noise, sprawl. Missouri Heights remains a refuge from the'Californication'the mid-valley is
undergoing.
lssue #5 "This is better than adding new homes rationale" ...Not true if you look at the
numbers. With homes instead of a camp placed up here, the resulting human impact is
greatly reduced. Noise impact, traffic impact, water and fire hazard impact are marginal
compared to this project. As we acknowledge in MO Hts, as the lots build out over the
coming decade, more than half of the homes would be second homes and may not be
occupied for more than 1 month per year adding the average living impact value of 40.3
people to our local community. Compare this to over 800-900 annual camp visitors and
residents? The numbers speak pretty clearly.
So, yes this is a good and worthy cause. Yes there is a need for it. But realistically, lower
Missouri Heights is not the place where it belongs. Those whose families are affected by
autism may disagree. There must be a better place to establish this business to further
enrich autistic lives. For their safety, our safety and all the practical reasons listed above,
Missouri Heights is not the solution.
For more information, see our website.
Thank youl
Joseph and Susan Sullivan
325 Milburn CT
Carbondale, CO 81623
3
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
noreply@formstack.com
Tuesday, October 13,2020 8:34 AM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternal] Garfield County website inquiry - Senior Planner
Subject: "Ascendigo Autism Services"
Name: Susan Sullivan
Email: sullisooz@gmail.com
Phone Number: (703) 597-7174
Message: Dear Elected Official:
We are writing in STRONG OPPOSITION to a troubling development proposalthat our Missouri Heights
(Garfield & Eagle Counties) community has just recently become aware of.
The Ascendigo organization has recently proposed a development in Missouri Heights just west of Harmony
Lane (the Garfield / Eagle County border). Also known as "Ascendigo Autism Services", their proposal
develops a 125 acre undeveloped parcel (S% of Sec 28 and SE% of Sec 29, T7S, R87W. What is troubling is
that this is a commercial development surrounded by rural residential housing. This type of land use is
inappropriate for Missouri Heights.
They will begin with summer programs adding winter programs and conferences as they expand their
operations. The summer impact to Missouri Heights is projected to be an additional 500+ people up here from
Mid-June to beginning of Sept...Projected winter usage could add another 300+ people for winter activities,
conferÇnces and fundraising events.
The only access road they have available is Fender Lane to Harmony Lane entering at the old abandoned
mining shacks. Sunset Lane is a posted private road and is cut off for this type of business usage. lf increased
road traffic and increased maintenance costs beicome an issue, it may need to be gated. At this time, the
Camp and Garfield County have no plans to upgrade, plow or maintain Harmony Lane. They are expecting the
neighbors to do this. They also mentioned they may need up to 4 emergency responses per week. From the
White Cloud property, local hospitals up valley or down valley are at least 40 minutes away from response time
to arrival for emergency care.
Autism is a growing American problem and at this point, nobody knows why. The idea of a camp is certainly
laudable. However, placing it up here in the middle of a residential area presents daunting challenges.
Fire is the #1 concern. Medical studies document autistic people do not respond wellwhen fire alarms sound
or fires break out. Some have lost their lives responding the wrong way. Any fire that starts up here along the
ridge; with the fierce summer winds we experience in our peculiar documented micro-clime, local firefighters
would be lucky to respond in time to control it. The recent Red Canyon fire spread from a lightning strike to
forty acres in minutes prompting immediate evacuations of the surrounding area.
ls this what we want to live with up here?
lssue #2 - increased outdoor daily and evening events add significantly increased automobile traffic, horse
trailers moving animals around, daily activity shuttle vans coming and going, delivery trucks, trash collectors,
1
EXHIBIT
73
x
all adding to the dust and constant noise
lssue #3 water stress on surrounding wells.
Climate change is affecting our water supplies already and will only grow more concerning as droughts
continue, aquifers sag and water needs grow. Adding the water needs of 500+ people and filling a 2 acre pond
in the middle of summer is concerning to say the least.
lssue #4. Make no mistake about it-call it a school, call it a non-profit, this is an overnight housing business
being shoe-hornecl into the mirlclle c¡f a historic ru¡ral residential area opening the door for more businesses to
do the same. We have all seen what is happening to the exploding growth on the valley floor, increased traffic,
lights destroying the night sky, noise, sprawl. Missouri Heights remains a refuge from the'Californication'the
mid-valley is undergoing.
lssue #5 "This is better than adding new homes rationale" ...Not true if you look at the numbers. Wth homes
instead of a camp placed up here, the resulting human impact is greatly reduced. Noise impact, traffic impact,
water and fire hazard impact are marginal compared to this project. As we acknowledge in MO Hts, as the lots
build out over the coming decade, more than half of the homes would be second homes and may not be
occupied for more than 1 month per year adding the average living impact value of 40.3 people to our local
community. Compare this to over 800-900 annual camp visitors and residents? The numbers speak pretty
clearly.
So, yes this is a good and worthy cause. Yes there is a need for it. But realistically, lower Missouri Heights is
not the place where it belongs. Those whose families are affected by autism may disagree. There must be a
better place to establish this business to further enrich autistic lives. For their safety, our safety and all the
practical reasons listed above, Missouri Heights is not the solution.
Thank you!
Joseph and Susan Sullivan
325 Milburn CT
Carbondale, CO 81623
2
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Wednesday, October 14,2020 9:01 AM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: lExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
.shergl L Bower, Alc?
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
s7o-94s-L377 $60sl
From: M ike Sa mso n <msa mson @ga rfield-cou nty'com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 13,2O2O 5:45 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
FYI
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message
From: "@" <noreplv@formstack.com>
Date: October 8,2O2O at 10:28:57 AM MDT
To: M ike Sa mso n <msa mson @ ga rfield-co u ntv.com >
Subject: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: maddv@rof. net
Garficld Coanp
Subject: Whitecloud property / Ascendigo zoning change application
Name: Mary Chester
Email: maddv@rof.net
Phone Number: (970) 379-5777
Message: I am writing as a resident of Missouri Heights who stands to be negatively impacted
by the zoning change request by Ascendigo if approved. The zoning change request is totally
out of line with the surrounding residential area. lt is a slap in the face of the current residents
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L+l,0!og
EXHIBIT
that invested in the area for the quiet rural area without the expectation the zoning would be
changed and a major event operation would come into our area, Not only would it be an
extreme stress on our limited water resources but it would have considerable impacts on noise,
traffic, llght pollution and increased wildfire risk in an extreme wildfire area. This is a completely
inappropriate area for an operation of this magnitude and would set a precedent for future
commercial development. I urge you to consider the future of Missouri Heights and the rights of
the property owners by denying the zoning change request. Ascendigo is an amazing
organization but this remote residential area is not the appropriate location. Thank you, Mary
Chester
2
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Wednesday, October 14,2020 8:58 AM
hjroliver@gmail.com
Glenn Hartmann
RE: lExternal] Garfield County website inquiry - Community Development
Hi Henrietta, we will place your email in our public file. lt will be included with any application packet we send out.
Thanks you for your interest
Regards,
.sherul L Eower, AlcP
<-/
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
970-94s-L377 (L6Os)
From: noreply@formstack.com <noreply@formstack.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October L3,2020 6:55 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county'com>
Subject: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry - Community Development
Garfield County
Subject: Proposed Development at White Cloud on Missouri Heights
Name: Henrietta Oliver
Email: ry
Phone Number: (970) 618-1108
Message: I am writing about the proposed lncendigo Autism Camp on land that sits on the very edge of
Garfielð/Eagle Counties; Harmony Lane, Missouri Heights above ElJebel.
I live sligh¡ito tne East of Harmony Lane and will be impacted by this proposed camp. Please note the idea of
a camp-for autistic kids run by a proven organization is a positive, however, the venue needs to change.
There are several concerns with the proposed "camp" in terms of size, expectations, wildfire access, water
usage, road usage, light pollution, wildlife harassment and change of coding Irgm rural to school. 1. The size
of tñe camp will be laigei than the current plat which is laid out and approved for single family homes. Majority
of those homes will mıst likely be second homes with limited use on an annual basis.2. Expectation is for 800
people to attend or work at the camp in the summer along with smaller numbers in the winter and options for
yeai round fundraisers and educational seminars. Far more people than at the single family homes.3. Wildfire
ls a constant concern on Missouri Heights, we evacuated 2 years ago and packed again this year with Grizzly
Creek and Red Canyon fires. lt would not bode well to evacuate students from an autistic camp in the middle
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þo.o6
of a potential wildland fire area racing up the hill from highway 82, with one egress road.4. Yes, they have
good water rights from Spring Park, however, a 2 acre lake in the high desert is not responsible water
management. They will be pulling from other historic users for recreational purposes - which is not sustainable
irl the long term. This is high desert wlth mlnimal rainfall and limited aquifers available in the long
term. 5. There is one access road; Harmony Lane which is privately maintained and in poor quality. Ride a
bike or drive down this road and you will understand my concern. This could be a hazard for emergency
vehicles when called upon as well as a negative when transporting students etc.6. Missouri Heights has
wonderful dark skies, great for astronomers and a true benefit to living here. The addition of a school which
will have need for lit paths, lit buildings and other lights tor safety purposes is an anathema to those who live in
the surrounding neighborhoods.T. As the land has sat vacant for a long time it has become a haven for
wildlife, understandably this is not the most important issue, however, it has merit in this argument. lt is a
valuable animal corridor from the valley floor onto Missouri Heights and further back into the Forest Service
land. 8. Setting precedent of changing the code from rural/agricultural to a commercial enterprise would open
the floodgates for more requests, something this landscape cannot withstand. Keeping this area
rural/agricultural is important to prevent more commercial or light industrial users requesting changes to the
land use codes.
Thank you for reading this email, please forward to anyone else in Garfield County who will have an impact on
this development.
Yours sincerely
Henrietta Oliver
Sierra Vista, Carbondale, CO 81623
2
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subiect:
noreply@formstack.com
Sunday, October 18,2020 3:10 PM
Glenn Hartmann
[External] Garfield County website inquiry - Senior Planner
Subject: RE: ln Opposition to Ascendigo Ranch
Name:Andrew DiPaolo
Email : atk.dipaolo@gmail.com
Phone Number. (720) 347-7235
Message: Hello,
I am a iesident of Missouri Heights and I am writing to you to voice my opposition to the Ascendigo Ranch
camp development. There are numerous issues with this development, including changes to land use, water,
traffic, and noise.
Ascendigo has downplayed the potential use of this facility. lt would not be a prudent management decision to
leave an asset, which will require millions of dollars to acquire and build infrastructure, only partially utilized.
Ascendigo's limited communication to residents have indicated they have minimized the plans to use the
property, but through other public statements, the organization intends to grow its programming and impact.
These éeparate stıry lines cannot be rectified. ln addition, any change in land use now could open the door for
many more future dévelopments in this area that do not conform to the rural nature of Missouri Heights. Many
summer camps would likely love to be located in this area, it is just not possible.
previous attempts to create commercial enterprises (Dragonfly Ranch in Eagle County) in this area have been
denied and I hope you would recommend the same. The Ascendigo organization has a noble purpose, but the
organization has decided that their cause supersedes the property rights of the people of Missouri Heights.
As-cendigo has attempted this in other parts of the Valley (Emma most recently.) There has been little to no
outreach to residents, and many attempts by representatives of the organization to bully and shame people
online to acquiesce to their plan; this mainly comes in the form of accusing people of denying services to the
autistic community. My concern has nothing to do with the mission of the organization, but the use of the land
by a commercial enterprise.
I itrongly encourage you to oppose Ascendigo's proposal to change the use of the land in Missouri Heights.
Regards,
Andrew
EXHIBIT
7L
tâo¡0g
1
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
x
noreply@formstack.com
Monday, October 19,2020 5:46 PM
Glenn Hartmann
[External] Garfield County website inquiry - Senior Planner
Subject: Ascendigo's Summer Camp in MO Heights
Name: gwen carew
Email : gwencarew@comcast. net
Phone Number: (970) 379-5731
Message: Hello Glenn,
My name is Gwen Carew and I live at 1111 Fender Lane, Carbondale, CO (in Missouri Heights). l've never
reätty written a letter like this before, so I apologize if I don't come across as sounding very professional.
I am writing to let you know that I am against the proposed development for Ascendigo's Summer Camp along
Harmony Lãne in i/issouri Heights. There are several reasons why I am opposed to this development (the land
use chañge from residential to commercial, water usage, etc.), but the main reason I am against this
development is because of the traffic!
As I mentioned, I live on Fender Lane. I live right as you turn onto Fender Lane off of Upper Cattle Creek Road
above El Jebel. I've lived here for 15 Yzyears. I can tell you first hand that the traffic up here has probably
doubled since I moved up here from down on the valley floor. lt honestly has gotten to the point that I don't feel
comfortable bringing my dogs with me to the end of the driveway to check the mail box. People FLY up this
road and onto this roaOll (Aé in SpEEDtNG) They have total disregard for people and animals on the side of
the road. I feel that this sort of development will only add to the problem. The traffic up here is already a
problem. As you are probably aware, Fender Lane is going to be the main road used to get to this camp. This
is why I am so opposed to the Ascendigo Summer Camp.
I should mention that I have a daughter with severe autism. She is non-verbal and requires assistance in all
aspects of her life. (Feeding, dressing, bathing, meal prep, toileting, etc.) I know how much a camp like this is
ne'edeO. My daughter is almost 30 years old and still lives with me and my husband. I know how important it is
to get breaks from the caregiving. I know how important it is for this population to have a safe place to recreate.
I just feel that Missouri Heights is not the place for this camp.
Thank you for your time. I would love to hear back from you if possible.
1
EXHIBIT
2 7
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
lo:
Becky Chase < bchase@sopris.net>
Thursday, October 22,2020 2:05 PM
Glenn Hartmann
[External] Proposed change in land use by AscendigoSubiect:
Hello Mr. Hartmann,
I am a resident of Garfield County in the Kings Row Subdivision. After learning about the plan Ascendigo has for their
recently purchased property, l'm quite concerned. First of all, I do not think changes to the land use in this area is
appropriate. And, the size of their "camp" is quite large. lt sounds like they plan to use it year round and even allow
other business to use the facilities. This is way more than a small camp for kids with autism.
The concern of Missouri Heights residents is always water, water, water. We are in a drought now and seem to be
having them more frequently in the last 20 years. Future development of this part of the county has to always be done
with an eye toward protecting our water supply.
ln addition, the noise, traffic, and lighting of the proposed "camp" would really change our lives here. We are in a rural
area because we chose rural over density and noise.
I am told that a formal application for land use change has not yet been filed. ljust want to go on record now as
opposed to such a change.
Thank you
Becky Chase
åzl
-----
EXHI BIT
1
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subiect:
Hi Glenn Please respond. Thanks!
-sherul L Bower, AlcP(J
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
970-945-L377 lL6O5')
From: M ike Sa mso n <msa mson @ga rfield-co u nty.com>
Sent: Thursday, November L9, 2O2O 12:27 PM
To: Sheryl Bowe r <sbowe r@ ga rfield-cou nty.com >
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
FYI
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
Sheryl Bower
Thursday, November 19, 2020 12:30 PM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
From: noreplv@formstack.com
Date: November 19,2O2OaTLO:22:59 AM MST
To: M ike Sa mso n <msa mson @ ga rfield-co u ntv'com >
Subiect: [Externall Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: laena e@hotmail.com
Garlield Caunty
Subject: Land use application Missouri Heights
Name: Laena Walker
Email: la ena e(O il.com
Phone Number: (970) 379-8928
Message: Good Morning, I am inquiring about a pending land use application in Missouri
Heights. lt is for Asendigo. Has an application been submitted? ls there a place online where we
can check for updates on this? We live very close to where the camp wants to build and are
very opposed to such a dramatic change of land use. This is a rural residential area and we all
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7-q!oId
want to keep it that way. Missouri Heights is not the right place for any commercial
development, especially one with so much activity, noise, traffic, Iights, etc.
2
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
x
noreply@formstack.com
Thursday, November 26, 2020 1 1:02 AM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Garfield County website inquiry - Senior Planner
Subject: Ascendigo Camp on Missouri Heights
Name: Susan Cuseo
Email: qzo@sopris.net
Phone Number: (970) 963-1164
Message: My message is to protest the zoning variance requested for construction of an Ascendigo Camp on
the Wh-ite Clôud propãrty on the eastern Garfield County boundary. I have been a resident of Missouri Heights
since 1g80, living near tñe land mentioned and strongly object to this unsuitable development. Although there
are severat objeıtionable features - traffic, density, inappropriate use, wildfire danger- the most critical element
is WATER.
Several years ago, I was part of a group protesting the development of Hunt Ranch as a dense residential area
and the main obJection there was also water. The Hunt Ranch proposal was defeated by a decree in water
court that agreed with the water crisis and potential shortage.
Here on tniJdry MOH plateau we are experiencing more frequent and serious droughts. The camp plan to
have a 2 acre pond is a desperate joke to anyone who has experienced the vagaries of our water supply. That
potential watei crisis is my main objection and it's real and serious. Please do not consider granting any zoning
variance resulting in increased water use. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Susan Cuseo
EXHIBIT
30bôo
E
I
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
lo:
Subject:
Please file.
,sherul L Bower, AlcP
<J
Community Development Director
l-08 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8L601
97Ù-94s-r377 (L60sl
From: M i ke Sa mson <msa mson @ga rfie ld-cou nty.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February L6,202L 3:34 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
FYI
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
Sheryl Bower
Tuesday, February 16,2021 3:35 PM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: lExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
From: noreplv@formstack.com
Date: February t6,2OZtat2:17:34 PM MST
To: M ike Samson <msamson @ga rfield-countv.com>
Subject: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: laena e@hotmail.com
Garfield Coanfii
Subject: Ascindigo CamP
Name: Laena Walker
Email: laena e@hotmail.com
Phone Number:
Message: Good Afternoon,
I would like to express my concern over the proposed camp in Missouri Heights. The land they
have set their sights on is the wrong location. This is a quiet residential and rural area. A huge
1
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blþoôg
development like this camp is completely out of character for Missouri Heights. I see they
compare their proposed camp to Strang Ranch, the schoolhouse, WindWalkers, CARE, and
CMC. All of theSe other endeavors have direct access to paved county roads. With the
exception of CMC, all of the above mentioned programs run regular business hours with under
10 staff members. None of them, (except CMC), lrave dinirrg, lecleation centers or housing for
nearly 100 people.
Ascindigo is a wonderful program that does a lot of good for an underserved group. However,
this is NOT the place for it. Unfortunately this carrrp will decrease the quality of life for all
residents of Missouri Heights. A clecrease in property valu¡e for the area of Missouri Heights
near the camp is very likely as well.
Allowing a change of land use would be a HUGE mistake. lt will forever change Missouri
Heights for the worse. Please please please do Nor approve this camp proposal.
Sincerely,
Laena Walker
2
EXHIBIT
vL
February 2,2421
Garfield County Commissioners
Mr. Tom Jankowsþ
Mr. John Martin
Mr. Mike Samson
108 8th Street
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to you today with enthusiastic support of Ascendigo Autisrn Services' efforts to build an
educational and summer camp facility on the White Cloud property in Missouri Heights.
I have lived in this valley since 1994 and I am a resident of Missouri Heights as well, I have daughter with
Autism who has participated in the Ascendigo camp and received services with them for over fìve years.
When she received her diagnosis, I began a long a sometimes lonely journey of trying to put together a
system of support for her and our family. This effort was all the more daunting given the remoteness or our
area. When we found Ascendigo, we found a welcome place of enthusiasm and joy for a child that can be
very difficult to understand. When sorneone appreciates your child, it feels good. When someone genuinely
appreciates your child with challenging social needs, it's like finding a needed hand hold in a precarious place.
Ascendigo was able to get Harper to engage in activities we never thought possible. One of her Ascendígo
mantras is, "l am brave enough, I am strong enough, and I can do this." For a person who reguires a fair bit
of support to move through this wodd, the enthusiastic expression of these words gives me hope.
I am confident the White Cloud proper$ will be used in harmonyw¡th the landscape and nature of Missouri
Heights as these are the values of Ascendigo too. There is an inherent compassion required of all who
embark on the path of employment at Ascendigo. Ascendigo's respect for relationships and people of all
abilities, will no doubt translate ¡nto the efforts of being good neþhbors. I saw the network of walking trails
formed over the years and I know Ascendigo wants to keep many of them in use for the camp and is looking
fonvard to sharing them with neighbors.
As for the use of the property, it will be used for educational. therapeutic and recreational purposes
congruent with other ranches in the area that work hard to meet an ever growing demand to educate and
support our community with animals and outdoor life. While being a year-round facility, the bulk of
programing will be provided during the summer months with heavier flow days only occurring once a week
for parent drop off and pick up. This new location wíll provide a needed home base for this eight-week
flagship program and secure longevity in inspiring people and families with Autism to rise above limitations
and challenge. ln return, Missouri Heights will galn a less developed land use s¡te reflective of the land
values of the area and the pursuit of mind, bodç spirÍt of our resídence at large. Thank you for your t¡me
and consideration'
Sincerely,
Frances Lewis
1]o.2?Lt'L576
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EXHIBIT
1âoo!g
Richard and Cheri Paxton
5L9 Fox Run Drive
Carbondale, CO 81623
roaxton5L9(oemaiLcom
cheripaxton@gmail.com
270-210-33Lt
January 25,2021
Garfield County Commissioners
Tom Jankowsky
John Martin
Mike Samson
108 8th Street
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Dear Commissioners,
We are Missouri Heights residents who live in close proximity to Harmony Lane and the White Cfoud
property. We also own a half-duplex in Carbondale, where our 26-year-old son, Joey, resides. Joey is on
the autism spectrum, and is supported by Ascendigo's Life Enrichment program.
Joey was introduced to Ascendigo in the summer of 2018, when he attended a two*week summer camp
held on CMC's Spring Valley campus. Because of the changes we observed in Joey after that experience,
and having observed the professionalism of Ascendigo's staff, we decided to move to the Valley
permanently. We pay taxes here and support the economy here solely as a result of Ascendigo's
successes. Without Ascendigo's existence, we have no idea how Joey would be supported or maintain
his independence after we, in time, will not be able to support him. Ascendigo is showing him the way.
While many of our Missouri Heights neighbors have expressed to us their support of the Ascendigo
ranch at White Cfoud, a few of our neighbors are strongly opposed to the planned development. They
are arguing that it would be an incons¡stent use of Missouri Heights land, that it opens the door to
commercial development in our rural area, that there would be noise and light pollution, and that traffic
would increase.
We do not believe their concerns hold merit for the following reasons:
First, we feel that this would be an excellent use of the land, not inconsistent with the many working
ranches and horse farms currently operating throughout Missouri Heights. The land will be /ess
developed than the currently envisioned residential subdivision, and the existing trail systems would
remain intact and available for neighbors' continued use.
Second, the ranch is nof a "commercial" operation. Ascendigo is a not-for-profit organization that has
taken on the noble task of servíng the autism communitç a community that ls painfully underserved by
our society. The buildings and grounds will have the same character and ãppearance as other ranches in
the neighborhood. Moreover, the ranch will have relatively low year-round activity. The busiest time
for the ranch would be during an 8-week summer camp that would be attended by no more than 25
campers at any CIne time.
Richard and CheriPaxton, Page2
Third, as a Missouri Heights star gazers, we can tell you that there is already plenty of light pollution in
our area. ln short, folks are fond of their outdoor lights up here. One can imagine that there would be
far greater light pollution created by a subdivision full of homes than there would be by the relatively
less-developed ranch, The ranch planners are working diligently to mitigate excessive lighting and to
keep the sight lines attractive and consistent with the rest of Missouri Heights,
Again, we cannot begin to tell you how important Ascend¡go has been to Joer/s health, vitality and
happiness. lt would be a real shame if this vital charity were not allowed to go forward with such a
worthwhile project on this property. lt is the perfect setting for a crucial cause.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerelç
,(r¿-¿ñ"ø Øfr-
Richard Paxton Cheri Paxton
Nancy Carr
5877 South Forest St.
Greenwood Village, CO 80L21
January 29,202t
Ga rfield County Commissioners
Mr. Tom Jankowsky
Mr. John Martin
Mr. Mike Samson
108 8th Street
Glenwood Springs, CO 8160L
Dear Commissioners,
We write to you today to wholeheartedly support Ascendigo Autism Services' efforts to build an
educational and summer camp facility on the White Cloud property recently purchased in Missouri
Heights.
OurfamilyfirstlearnedofAscendigowhenBrendanwasten, 1-3yearsago. ltwasandstillistheonly
camp in Colorado that understands the unique needs of kids on the spectrum. lt pushed Brendan to do
things he'd never done before and with that came a new found confidence. That confidence enabled
him to make friends with other autistic kids that understood him, something previously unattainable at
home. To this day they are his best friends. That confidence also allowed him to move to Carbondale
and become a functioning member of the community as a participant in Ascendigo's Life Enrichment
Program. Becauseofthisprogram,ourfamilyhaspurchasedapropertyinCarbondale,whereBrendan
is supported by Ascendigo. lt continues to be a ray of hope for my son in a world that's not easy for a
person with autism. All this because Ascendigo cares about making a difference in the lives of its
ca mpers.
We sincerely believe that not only will the autism community be well served by this ambitious project,
but the neighborhood and the Roaring Fork Valley will also be well served. Ascendigo is committed to
being a good neighbor, and has taken into consideration concerns of site-lines, road conditions and light
pollution in their design. Ascendigo will honor the rural nature of Missouri Heights. lndeed, the
organization shares the values of rural character, connection with nature and sustainability with
surrounding properties. We believe the Ascendigo Ranch will ultimately have less of an impact on the
land than the addition of a future subdivision.
Ascendigo delivers on its missio n, to elevate the spectrum for individuals with autism, and positively
impacts the lives of many families like ours. The organÌzation is managed by a well-respected team of
local Roaring Fork Valley professionals. This property will provide much-needed autism support services,
and will also bring an exceptional resource to Garfield County. lt is our sincere hope that the Board of
County Commissìoners will look favorably on this project.
Sincerely,
3+
EXHIBIT
lâñ
I6d
Nancy Carr Andy Carr
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Monday, February 1,20218:30 AM
evensel@gmail.com
Glenn Hartmann
RE: lExternal] Garfield County website inquiry - Community Development
Hl Eric, Thank you for your comments. We have not received an application yet, but I will have your remarks placed in
the file to be included with any application moving forward.
Regards,
.sherul L Bower, Alc?(-/
Com mu nity Development Director
L08 8th Street, Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
97O-94s-1377 (L6Osl
From: noreply@formstack.com <noreply@formstack.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 3t,2O2t 8:25 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry - Community Development
Subject: Ascendigo camp application
Name: Eric Vensel
Email: evensel(Oqmail. com
Phone Number. (239) 598-9217
Message: Hello Glenn,
I am a homeowner in Missouri Heights who will be directly affected by a proposed development of the
Ascendigo camp. My house is at 79 WindRiver and will directly overlook this camp. I can only speak for myself,
but the wnole purpose that my wife and I have sunk so much time and money into the property was to enjoy
the quiet and semi-rural nature of Missourri Heights. The proposed camp is a major departure from what is the
prevailing character of the area and, in my opinion, a major departure from the code. There is no doubt in my
mind thai this camp will result in a major increase in noise, traffic, water usage, fire hazard, light pollution, etc
to a level that will permanantly change the character of MOH to the detriment of those of us who live and retire
there.
From a personal perspective, the fire risk is a very large concern for me. I am paying a large insurance bill due
to the location of tne house, the fire prone nature of the area, and the distance to the nearest fire house. The
increase fire risk is potentially a "dream crusher" in my case. I can only imagine others may be in the same
1
tlEXHIBIT
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Garfield County
boat. We had a very close call with the Basalt fire. Why tempt fate again?
I am sympathetic to this camp. I would like to see it come to fruition. However, they need to be in a ranch type
setting that is isolated from neighbors or they need to be in a zone where light, noise, etc is acceptable.
Missouri heights does not meet any of this criteria. Further, if the camp were evêr to change hands, once the
usage has been changed, there is no way to predict what type of business would take over, further destroying
our quality of life in the MOH area.
ln summary, I am adamantly opposed to the Ascendigo application for this camp in Missouri Heights. lt is not
at all in line with the current spirit of the neighborhood. Those of us who have worked very hard to enjoy our
homes deserve protection.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
2
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Monday, February 1,2021 B:34 AM
toby.munk@gmail.com
Tom Jankovsky; Glenn Hartmann
RE: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Good Morning Toby, We have not received an application for the Ascendigo camp yet. But I will put your comments in
the folder and include these in our review. Thank you for your interest and have a great day!
.sherul L Eower, AlcP<J
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
97O-94s-L377 $6Os)
From : To m Ja n kovsky <tja n kovsky@ga rfield-cou nty.com >
Sent: Saturday, January 30,LOZL 5:17 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county'com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwa rded message:
From: noreplv@formstack.com
Date: Janua ry 30,2O2L at 2:33:06 PM MST
To: tia nkovskv@ga rfield-countv.com
Subject: lExternall Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: tobv. munk@gma il.com
Subject: Ascendigo Development WhiteCloud Property
Name: Tobias Munk
Email: tobv.munk@qmail.com
Phone Number: (970) 963-1111
Message: Dear Mr. JankovskY,
hope you are staying healthy in these times. I am writing to you due to my concerns with the
1
EXHIBIT
3bttUô.od
Garfield County
possible application of Ascendigo applying for a use change for what is known as the White
Cloud Subdivision
Currently the land is approved for 13 single family homes. This is very much consistent with the
nature of the surrounding properties that all consist of larger acreage single fantily hornes.
There is not a commercial development in the wider area. I have owned property in the
neighbourhood for 15 years and recently bought a plot of land bordering the proposed "camp"
(closed before nay of this came to light).
I am gravely concerned that the yet to be proposed development is completely outside of being
compatible with current use of the area.
Filing under a limited review for an "educational" use is also highly questionable as it is far more
like a hotel complex than anything to do with education. I think it can not be filed with a limited
review.
This is a commercial enterprise. lt is non-profit but that makes it no less commercial in nature. A
service is rendered against a fee. This commercial undertaking has no place in a residential
neighbourhood.
There would only be one egress via Harmony and onto Fender. Sunrise is a private road and
blocked for Ascendigo. With over a hundred people on site this is an unacceptable use and
should not be permitted.
The fire danger in this ridge setting is extremely high. That makes it not suitable for a facility for
children. Especially autistic children that tend to react irrational in stress situation, like an
evacuation. This will lead to large number of fatalities when we have a fire. And we all know it is
just a question of time when we will be properly hit.
Also once this commercial use is permitted there is no telling what a new owner would do .
There is no stopping Ascendigo making full use of the property. Fundraisers, renting the facility
out to third parties, year round activities. They will utilise the property to the fullest extent.
The water situation is getting more desperate my the year. This development will further stress
the water supply. 13 homes partly being second homes has a much lesser water impact than
100+ people with all the facilities they will occupy.
Overall the scope off the development is just not compatible with the grown structure of the
Missouri Heights community. lt belongs in a commercial setting when what they proposed is a
permitable undertaking.
When the time comes please keep in mind that homeowners in the area depend on and rely on
a predictable use of property in the area. Sweeping in with a commercial hotel like setup is just
not what the zoning allows.
Thanks you for your time and reading my mail.
Tobias Munk
PS: Currently residing in Switzerland using my Home in the area as a second home, phone
number +41 78 703 1321 (the form above does not allow international numbers
2
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Jocelyn Terry <jksnowmass@gmail.com>
Friday, February 19,2021 B:45 AM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Letter in objection to Ascendigo on Missouri Heights
Letter to Hartmann Garco Comm Dev 2-17-2021.pdf
Dear Mr. Hartmann,
Please see the attached letter in objection to the proposed change in land use in our neighborhood at Aspen Mesa
Estates.
My residence is located just feet away from the most direct roadway for potential commercial users who come up to the
mesa to White Cloud from Highway 82 on Paseo. The road signage nearby my home prohibits any activity on the
roadway that does not pertain to "private homeowner" use. This specific signage is posted in multiple zones surrounding
the White Cloud area.
It would be worth mentioning that yesterday we had another notice in a series of many notices from the HOA about our
ongoing water issues, and we have been notified to limit or stop our use in the residential area until we are granted
further notification. Our water system is old and failing and we simply cannot support commercial activity as proposed
for this area on Missouri Heights. Water and fire have historically been our main issues in the area.
The fire dangers are extremely high on our mesa. Our winds are fierce, throughout all times of the year, and it is
specifically why our neighborhood is nicknamed locally, "Misery Heights."
This commercial activity should never be allowed in our residential area and we are in strong opposition to the
suggestion. This proposal will bring too many potential dangers to our landscape, our roadways, and to our residents
and it will bring and increased amount of noise and light pollution - environmental changes that are wholly unwanted by
the people who live at Aspen Mesa.
Thank you,
Jocelyn
11ttooog
EXHI BIT
1
1
February 17,202'J'
Dear County Commissioner Martin,
This letter is in reference to the proposal to build commercial space for Ascendigo camps in the
residential neighborhood atAspen Mesa Estates on Missouri Heights.
As a resident, I am quite shocked at the CountSr's consideration of this project under its current
determinations for acceptable land uses for the area. Aspen Mesa Estates is a residential neighborhood
where many homes exist in a rural setting. Residents live peacefully on quiet dirt roads that are shared
with mule deer, fox, turkey, cougar, rabbit, bear and coyote. We residents enjoy non-commercial outdoor
living spaces and roadways that are valued to dog-walking biking, walking jogglng horseback riding and
residential family use. Our area is not amenable to any type of business or commercial activity simply for
the sole reason that it ¡s a residential neighborhood, and it operates in such a manner,
The dirt road on Paseo is very quiet, and contains an array ofpotholes, washboard sections, and
blinded hill ridges that make the journey difficult for drivers who do not know where they are going along
the mesa's ridge. During the late afternoon hours, the lower portion of Paseo includes a section of direct
afternoon sunlight that blinds drivers as they approach the top ofthe ridge to enter our neighborhood from
the east side. The area where this sun hits the driver's eye is located just below the intersection of Siena
Vista, directly on the main pathway to the White Cloud subdivision from El f ebel.
There is a home located there that sees frequent activity outside on the street with children playing
afternoon baseball games during the warmer months. These kids can quite literally play ball in the street
with no issues, and it appears to be permitted as â "safe" activity, considering that there are so few cars that
are driving the route along Paseo. Most drivers are residents ofthe neighborhood and they know about this
activity and the blind spol Residents drive more slowly âs they approach this home. These children live in
such proximity to the cliff side on Paseo thatthe roadway is their only option for an open space to play.
Frequently, I will notice a neighbor riding on horseback down the center of the roadway past my
home. He normally rides with three animals, as he leads his mule behind him on a lead line and his dog
walks alongside the team, offleash. They make their way over the two blind hills past either side of our
house on Paseo, on a fairly regular basis. Another neighbor also rides his horses frequently on the road
during the summer months; up and down and over the hills. I can't imâgine what these men on horseback
with their animal friends would encounter with commercial vehicular traffTc attempting to blend with the
use patterns ofour neighborhood. I foresee a disaster for horses, riders, and dogs alike.
Some of our neighborhood dogs will chase cars along the roadways. Our most adventurous
neighbors and their children will take to sledding and skiing when there is packed snow. Pedestrian use is
prevalent and it occurs year-round. ATV's, dirt bikes, and side-by-side vehicles use the roadways so
frequently during summer months that our HOA was forced to install special signs. Service trucks use the
roads for mail delivery and home service visits daily. \Mhen our water line breaks, it requires a road closure
directly in front of our home on the street's surface, and closures normally take a few days' Again, it should
be emphasized, we live in a very rural area here on southeastern Missouri Heights.
2
Last ycar, our neighbor had to shoot-down an injured deer that he had hit with his vehicle, directly
in front of our house. It was not a pleasant scene. This gentleman has been avoiding wildlife on the mesa for
more tåan thrcc dccades as a longtime resident, but the activity is prevalent and is always unpredictable on
our narrow roadways. The road is so tight in places that about a dozen mailboxes were wiped-out last
wlnter from a slngle snowplow's trlp dôwn the street. Bear actÍvity can result in rampage to öur outdoor
trash bins and litter the street on any schedulcd night oncc a wccl<, during thc wûrmcr months.
I was fortunate to successfully catch three escaped horses this year - each one was out on Paseo in
a dangerous situation and needed help getting to their respective home. It took substantial time on the
roadway to catch each horse, and it wasn't easy. One incident occurred during the earþ hours, before dawn.
Our street has no streetlights, but many residents, including myself, prefer itthat way. You can see the clear
stars in the night time skies on our mesa, which is impossible to do on the valley floor. The dangers of
increased vehicle activity as a result of commercial use would put our animals at a much greater risk on
Paseo and would likely further impact our night time skies under the expansive viewing.
When we moved to the neighbolhood in 2015, my husbaud a¡rd I realizetl quickly thal the hu¡¡re
next to ours was operating as a vacation rental home. The amount of lodging activity that occurred at the
home gqew from bad to worse over time, as more and more guests who lacked knowledge of the area
arrived. Guest trespassing on neighboring properties became an issue. Some rental guests would stop at
our house, inquire, and ask to "check-in" for their vacation stay or ask for direct assistance in contacting
their rental host. The activity at the home gradually led to an increased number of disturbances. The last
group of guests in 2018 caused a large fire during their short visit. They left behind a completely different
landscape view for Aspen Mesa Estates residents who look out at Basalt Mountain and the resulting burn
scar.
Commercial activity at White Cloud would raise the potential for accidents and speeding along our
road, putting everyone who uses the roadway at risk. The family of deer standing in the middle of Paseo at
night time and the lady pushing her baby stroller along the same stretch during a morning walk would be
equally at risk of the increased vehicular traffic. Commercial activip in our neighborhood has been already
proven to be detrimental to the area, and increased vehicular patterns would create an assured sense of
danger on our unique roadways.
If the developers at liühite Cloud would seek to create single-family residential use as established
under the defined land code in the future, then the activity on Paseo would likely increase, but traffic
activity would remain in harmony wlth the current uses that have already been established by surrounding
residents. People who live on the mesa would learn the dangers and take precautions to slow down and
protect the wildlife, which remains active throughout all hmes of the year. A change in the use of our
neighborhood lands for the purposes of commercial activity would significantly alterthe character of our
roadways, our landscape, and our surrounding skies. Our family members reject the idea of this proposal
for commercial use completely, and we ask you to consider our residential safety as the guiding principle in
your objection to this project.
Thankyou,
focelyn
530 Paseo Road, Carbondale, CO
1(
EXHIBIT
tâo
DodGIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Lynne A < lynne.uh12@gmail.com>
Wednesday, February 24,2021 10:18 AM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Ascendigo Development - PLVA-O1 -21 -8827
Dear Mr. Hartmann,
I,m writing you to bring to your attention a proposed water intensive development in eastern Missouri Heights. The
Ascendigo organizationhas recently proposed a commercial development called "White Cloud Ridge" (Garfield County
application PLVA-O1-2l-5827). Their proposal develops a 725 acre parcel currently zoned for 13 residential
hãmes. What is troubling is that this is an intense development is surrounded by rural residential housing in an area
classified as .,high desertn. This type of land use is inappropriate for Missouri Heights, threatens our already overstressed
water supply and sets a dangerous precedent for future water intensive commercial developments.
Ascendigo is proposing to change the character of this portion of Missouri Heights from that of rural residential to
"o1n-".ıiul. Théy propor" developing their combined tracts into a non-residential summer and winter organized
development. Full-iime residences in a hotel-like structure with a commercial kitchen, multiple housing units,
adminiìtrative buildings and a conference center are proposed (37,800 square feet of buildings). In addition, plans are for
an "activity ba¡¡¡",equistrian center, maintenance barn, hay barn, care taker's home and gueslrental cabins. This "Phase
I,'plan calis for a twô-acre lake (87,000 square feet), and a playing field (20,000 square feet). While Ascendigo's work is
admirable, this location and intensive use of water is not. Ascendigo plans: httpsí//sci-prod-public-pdfs.s3-us-west-
2.amazonaws.comlmxdYEdCdZlJzhguZrYtDzzTMlz{A.pdf
Missouri Heights does not have the bountiful access of the Roaring Fork River, but instead relies upon aquifer recharge
from rain and nearby snow pack. Water wells tap the underlying basalt rock reservoir. With the last few decades, we
have begun to see that the water supply is not endless. Many nearþ water wells have gone dry in the recent years (source
312018 Sopris Sun:1810312 It is very concerning that a
concentrated development like this proposed project will put increased pressure on an already stressed system.
please hèlp us save our limited water! While this is a worthwhile cause, this development is inappropriate in a rural
residentiaf neighborhood, defies existing land use and, most importantly, will overburden our limited supply of
water. The Aıendigo development would be more appropriately sited in a nonresidential area near a plentiful water
source.
Thank you,
Lynne Uhl
970-948-2888 Cell
1455 County Road 102
Carbondale CO 81623
1
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
noreply@formstack.com
Monday, February 22,2021 4:02 PM
Angela Martell
lExternall Garfield County website inquiry - Senior Planner
S u bj ect: Ascend i go devel opm ent ( P LVA-O 1 -21 -8827 )
Name: Lynne Uhl
Email: lynne. uhl2@gmail.com
Phone Number:
Message: I have a few questions about the Ascendigo development (PLVA-01-21-8827) in east Missouri
Heights.
1. ls there a specific place on your website where all the information regarding the Ascendigo Ranch autism
proposal and public comments will be posted? lf so, where?
2. To whom should public comments be addressed?
3. How will the public be informed as to when, where, and at what time the hearings with a BOCC will be? lf on
the website, where?
4. Where can I find the county land use codes and community plan?
While a worthwhile cause, this commercial development is inappropriate in a rural residential neighborhood,
defies existing zoning, and may overburden the limited supply of water. lt would be more appropriately sited in
a non-residential area with plentifulwater. Great program - wrong location.
Thank you for your assistance,
Lynne Uhl
31
EXHIBIT
1
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Kirk Hartley < kirkhartley@gmail.com >
Tuesday, February 23,2021 9:39 AM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Ascendigo project playing word games..
Good morning Mr. Hartmann,
As a resident of Missouri Heights, and a homeowner directly impacted by the proposed Ascendigo project, I'm
writingtovoicemyconcern. Regardlessofthepotent¡alstrainonthelimitednatural resourcesinthisarea, I
believe the real issue at hand is the application for limited impact review as an educational facility' As per
Garfield county's own guidelines, an educational facility is Buildings and uses for instruction or research
octivities associated with on academic institution thot has curriculum for technical or vocotionol training that
may be, but is not limited to, kindergarten, elementary, secondory, or higher educotion, including residentiol
facilities for foculty, staff, ond students.
Ascendigo Ranch does not meet this standard. They are not associated with an academic institution, nor have
they ever been. They do not have a curriculum for technical or vocational training. ln their application they
state, Summer cqmps would be offered between Moy 1. ond September. 30.. the focilities mav be mode
øvsíldble for... training groups of educators ond/or employers.
The idea that Ascendigo "may" offer some educational courses, with no formal curriculum or academic
institution association, somet¡me in the future, should not allow them to be approved as an educational
facility. They are a Summer Camp, and as referenced to in their application, they have visions for year-round
operations . "There witt be theropeutic services offered yeor-round. At some point, winter comp progromming
that is currently housed neor the ski oreas in rentol homes could be housed at the site".
Ascendigo Ranch is a commercial operation. This is no different than the Boy Scouts of America buying 200
acres off of panorama, starting a fee-for-service Summer Camp, and calling it a "school". I'm sure you would
never let that happen.
They also reference Strang Ranch as their main example of local land with non-residential use. Comparing a
working ranch that offers a few commercial operations and events the use their land is not the same as a
dedicated Summer Camp/year-Round commercial operation. Ascendigo provides no agricultural offerings to
the community. Just because you put the word "ranch" in your title, does not make you one'
We spoke with Dan Richardson on the phone last week and he confirmed/admitted that during the busy
Summer months they plan to have weekly dinners, as the campers transition in and out. Parents, Caregivers,
Staff, around 100 people for dinner every week. (Dan's words) Catering, Rentals, etc. Maybe up to 500 daily
vehicle trips up and down Harmony Ln. Additionally, they have plans for large fund-raising events during the
off season.
Ascendigo is a commercial operation trying to slip by the planning and zoning department as a benign
agricultural ranch and educational facility. Please take some time to carefully review the facts of this
application. I know you will see it clearly for what it is.
1
ry
EXHIBIT
httþs:/' '-prod-public-pdfs.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mxdYEdCdZUzhguZrVtDzzTMlz4A.pdf
Warmest Regards,
Kirk
2
EXHIBIT
+Itt
.c0¡gGlenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subiect:
noreply@formstack.com
Wednesday, February 17,2021 5:16 PM
Glenn Hartmann
IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry - Senior Planner
Subject: Proposed Land Use and Development of the Ascendigo Autism Camp and Center
Name: Sally Ranney
Email: sally@sallyranney. com
Phone Number: (303) 880-3375
Message: Dear Mr. Hartmann -
Missouri Heights is absolutely the wrong place for this business enterprise. This is a rural area with scattered
residential dèvelopments. The quiet open space is why people have invested in their property, homes, and
living here. The Ascendigo development will have a material impact on water, traffic, noise as well as causing
lighipollution, view scape interference, and impact wildlife that migrate though that area and live in that area by
fragmenting important summer and critical winter habitat. More traffic also means wildlife will be killed on our
roads in Missouri Heights, more traffic noise, more air pollution, more road repair expenses. I have already
been informed insteað of two months irrigation water this summer, as I had last summer, I can count on only
16 days of ditch water because of drought. Our aquifer is drought impacted as well - our water is precious up
here. it is not fair or equitable to existing residents and ranchers to bring in business development that will
exacerbate our already limited water supply, and doesn't belong in the area in the first place, plus potentially
open the area up for other business activity by setting a precedent.
I can't help but think Ascendigo would not have purchased such a large piece of property without first knowing
if the development would be approved or not, and the land use zoning changed. That is a huge financial risk
for such an organization. How could they have been so confident that would be the case, unless their money is
returned in part, or in good measure, which I hope is the case, if the land use zoning and development is not
approved?
This is a residential and rural area. We have all respected that - it is not a business zoned area nor should it
be. Our property values will go down, there is no question from real estate experts, as will the quality of life be
impacted. No one denies the purpose of helping autistic individuals is a worthy cause, but this is clearly the
wrong place for business activities to carry out that mission'
I hope you and the Commission very seriously take into account those of us who have already invested heavily
in living in Missouri Heights, both in our properties as well as in our lifestyle and ranching. Given the
accumulative value of those investments that will be both directly and indirectly impacted, which can be
quantified and qualified, must carry more weight in decision-making than a new proposed inappropriate
business development for a rural area.
Thank you for taking these sincere concerns into serious consideration.
1
Respectfully,
Sally A. Ranney
2
From:
Sent:
To:
Subiect:
Attachments:
Glenn Hartmann
Julie Kaufman <jkaufman@ascendigo.org>
Monday, March 1,2021 3:46 PM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Ascendigo Ranch - Letters of Support to BOCC
Weiss Letter of Support.pdf; Paxton Letter to BOCC.pdf; Carr Letter of Supportjpg;
Caniglia Letter of Support.pdf; Flewis Letter of Support'pdf
Dear Mr. Hartmann,
Hello, and thank you for all the work you are doing evaluating the Land Use Application from Ascendigo. Several
supporters (many of them Missouri Heights neighbors) have written to the Board of County Commissioners directly,
expressing support for the project. I thought it might be helpful for you to have copies of these letters, in addition to the
Commissioners.
Please feel free to reach out to me anytime. With many thanks,
JULIE KAUFMAN
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
ASCENDTGO AUTTSM SERVTCES, rNC.
818 Industry Place I Carbondale, CO 81623
p: 406-581-0981 w: ascendigo.org
ÍLEVÂT¡NG THE SFECTâUI*
rÇ* ir!Dlv¡ûlJÅ15 W¡TH ÂL'ri5M
å +t-
EXHIBIT
Feb 23,2027
To Garfield County Commissioners and Planning and Zoning Department,
Ascendigo, lnc. has based their Riding Program & Summer Camp at Crystal Springs
Ranch & Saddlery, on Missouri Heights, for the past 5 years.
Peter Bell, CEO, the Board of Directors, Management and Staff have worked
tirelessly and successfully to have the Riding Program at Crystal Springs Ranch be
one of the¡r most popular activities under the very capable guidance of long-time
local, Sydney Horwitz Linfossi.
The Ascendigo Camper, Student, and Parents of, find incredible value in the Rídíng
Program. On numerous occasions, I have heard firsthand, how beneficial the
horses and the private rural (and safe) equestrian setting are for the health,
wellness, and progress of the Ascendigo riders that permeates their non- riding
hours.
A consistent routine has been established over the five years. lf there was a
problem or issue that needed to be dealt with in the past, Ascendigo
Management resolved ¡t with¡n a noticeably short period of time, usually less than
24 hours.
Ascendigo has been very respectful of my land and daíly Ranch activities. Their
area is kept neat and workmanlike, and all driving is dutiful of the Ranch's 15 mile
an hour speed limit.
The Ascendigo Riding Program provides a much-needed resource for "Adults on
the Spectrum" and their families. Through my association with Ascendigo, I have
become aware of the rapidly increasing statistic of being born "Being on the
Spectrum" in our ever-expanding population.
Yes, there will be an increase in traffic, density, construction, and natural
resources if Ascendigo's land use application is approved. However, it is my
opinion that having Ascendigo based there- in lieu of the L5 approved homesites
(with 15 Owners & families)- is a much better trade-off for the Missouri Heights
neighbors, land, and wildlife.
For the past 5 years, Ascendigo has consistently demonstrated integrity,
respectfulness, and a willingness to work with others. Those attributes are
increasingly hard to find these days.
The Roaring Fork Valley is lucky that Ascendigo has chosen this tiny part of the
World to be their home.
Sincerely,
Kathy Weiss, Owner/Director
Crystal Springs Ranch & Saddlery
1609 CR LI2, Carbondale, Co, 81623
ä++
EXHIBIT
¡\1.1n & L'arol Caniglia
?50 T larrnony Li¡ne
(larbondale, (-( ) 81 623
lcbruary 9,2ü21
lSclard clf Cnunty Commiqsioncrs
Carficld County, Coloratlt:
L)t'¿rr lìommissi oncrs,
l,Vc arc lvriting thi-s lcttcr in support of the plannerl tkrve:lÕpnrent t¡f a
prrrperty off of J larr¡ronv T.ane in the arca of üarfic'kl Count-r,'. Cleiloratltr,
icxatly knornn as l{issouri Hcights, 'l'his ¿uea is ¡r rnix of residentjarl and
a¡1rir' ultu ral use PrCIperties.
'l hc dcvclo¡rcrs ol the propcrty in tluestion, ¡\sc'entligo, are a tlt)tl- ¡rrÕlit
,¡,.¡ 11,rrrks with inclivicluals lvhr: have lxert dia¡r,trtlscr-l n'ith a conclilitrn
knon'n ¿rs r\utisrn.
t)ur propertl', 250I larmony Lanc, is lcxe-tl.cd in both tiarficltl Ct:untl' and
LaglJLlounfy ¡ntl ¿rs such u'* pôy pr()pcrty titxes in both {-ountim. ¡ts n'c
æ-c locatccl acro.ss Llarmonv L¿nc lronr thc ¡rlannç11 lllrvslppnrent we
tlelieve that we âre ¡n a unique ¡rosition to er¡alual.c rvhclhcr or nr¡t this
¡rroiccL uill or n'ill not havc ¿r tlct¡inrcntal pr Positive irn¡:ar't on thc ltral
nr",i, As a fçrmor Prrçldcnt çf the Fr-rx Run / I I{)A and prcscnl Lìo¿rrtl
nrenbcr, ovcrsccilrg thc usc of lr,cll l+'¿ttcr ¿:ntl ritlv lvilter far irriitation in
our I IOA, I anr ¡:errtir-ularly sensitive tÕ â¡rv* tlcvclopmcnt in this area as it
af{ccls u'alcr utili¿¿fi¿¡¡ .
tr\¡e have s¡rtrken rt,ith various inctividuals bcrth from Âst'cndigo a¡rd S{;}t{
the engin*ring cr)rnpafììr, n'çrkirr¡1 with the Ast:encli¡ro ¡xroplc,
trn di.qussions Lrc¡lh lvith 5üI'1 ¿rnd Lhc Cl-)L), [)arr Kichardson , rtf
A-xenrligcr, it becanìe ;rpf)arent tlìat tltey þ¿1ç thoughtlully ,*,1 - .
cçrucicnlior.r-sly covcrctt ¿rl1 o{ thc pcrtinsnt irrtÌiJs ct:ultl or tl'rruld impact'
the t'onrnrurtity.
'l'hcr{rftrrc, b¿rsetl on thc rcsr:¿rrch ¡nrl tlise t¡$sior'15, tt'e (:a¡ì ¡1ivc Our
encltrrscnrent of this prnject,
Yours ryul ì
\--Ai¿rn $Carol i\ Caniglia
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subiect:
Patrick Waller
Monday, March 1,2021 12:12PM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: lExternal] Ascendigo Proposed Development in Missouri Heights
FYI - Ascendigo.
Patrick Waller, AICP
Senior Planner
Garfield County
Com munity Development Department
L08 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601-
(970) 945-1377 ext. L580
pwa I ler@ga rfie ld-co u ntv.com
http ://www.ga rfield-co u ntv.com/co m m u n itv-deve lopment/
COVID-19 Awareness
Community support saves lives
Garfield County: www.ga rfield-countv.com
Garfield County Public Health:rfiel lic-hea
COVID-1,9 updates: www.sarfieldcountv.net - please subscribe at upper right.
Register for Garfield County Emergency Notification System: www.garco911.com
COVID-L9 help hotlines:
Aspen to Parachute COVID-19 community hotline 97O-429-6L86 (English en Espanol)
Garfield County Public Health call line: 97O-945-L377, ext.8120 (English en Espanol)
CO-H E LP L-877 -462-2911 or CO H E LP @ RM PDC.ore ( m u lti ple la nguages)
From: Lynne A <lynne.uhl2@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, March t,2O2t 11:07 AM
To: Patrick Wa ller <pwa ller@garfield-county'com>
Subject: IExternal] Ascendigo Proposed Development in Missouri Heights
3t1t2021
Dear Garfield County Representatlve,
I have had a chance to read the Garfield County "Land Use Code" and "Comprehensive PIan 2030" documents. The proposed Ascendigo
development is in violation of Land Use Codes 7-103,7-104,7-109 and 7-206. The proposal is in violation of the following items in the
';Comf renensive Plan": Page 49, Section 7 Water, Section 7.3, Section 7.5, Page 50, Policy 1-ii, Page 52, Policy 5, Policy 5 vi. Land Use
Code 7-104 and all of the a-bove mentioned items from the "Comprehensive Plan" revolve around the need for adequate water. This proposed
development is 1.2 miles south of my home. ln 2013 water wells started running dry in this area - particularly south of my home. This has been
documented and is real. The scale óf this water-intensive project may deplete an already damaged aquifer. The Ascendigo organization is top-
notch and I truly support their mission, but this development needs to be in an area where there is adequate long-term water. The following is
my updated letter with the information from the County's documents:
I
+{EXHIBIT
Garfuld Coanty
Please vote "No" on the proposed Ascendigo development ("White Cloud Ridge", Garfield Oounty permit applications PLVA-01 -21-8827 &
LIPA-O1 -21-8826). Ascendigo has a proposed water-intensive development in a rural residential neighborhood of eastern Missouri
Heights. Their proposal develops a 125 acre parcel currently zoned for 13 rural residential homes and two ADUs. \Mat is troubling is that this
is a water-intcnsive developnrent surrounded lry rural resirje¡rtial housing in an ãrea where wells have been runnlng dry. Some tlme ago,
Ascendigo applied for a permit to build a similar "camp" in a residential neighborhood in Emma. The Pitkin CoLrnty Planners/Conrrnissioners did
not approve thetr proposal. This type of land use is inappropriate for Missouri Heights, threatens the already overstressed water supply and
sets a dangerous precedent for future water-intensive commercial developments.
Ascendigo is proposing to change the character of this portion of Missouri Heights from that of rural residential (Residential Low Density -
"RL"). This is in direct violation of the Garfield County Land Use Code 7-103. The nature, scale, and intensity of the proposed use is NOT
compatible with adjacent rural residential land uses. Ascendigo proposes developing the combined tracts into a non-residential summer and
winter organized development. Fr¡ll-time residences in a hotel-like structure with a commercial kitchen, multiple housing units, administrative
buildingsandaconferencecenterforfundraisersareproposed(3T,S00squarefeetofbuildings). lnaddition,plansareforan"activitybarn",
equeetrian center, maintenanoc born, hay barn, care taker'g home, guesurcntal cabins and B0 park¡ng Epåccs. This "Phase l" plan calls for a
two-acre lake (87,000 square feet), inigated horse pastures, irrigated playing field (20,000 square feet) and irrigation landscaping. The
proposal has morphed into a full-time, year-round camp. While Ascendigo's goal is admirable, this location and intensive use of water is
not. Ascendigo plans: https://sci-prod-public-odfs.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.comimxdYEdCdZUzhguZrVtDzzTMlz4A.pdf
Most importantly, this proposal is in violation of Garfield Gounty Land Use Code 7-104 which states "all applications for Land Use Change
Permits shall have an adequate, reliable, physical, long- term, and legal water supply". Eastern Missouri Heights does not have the bountiful
access of the Roaring Fork River, but instead relies upon aquifer recharge from rain and nearby snow pack. Water wells tap the underlying
basalt rock reservoir. Since 2013, nearby water wells have gone dry (source 3/2018 Sopris Sun: https://www.soprissun.com/2018/03/28/when-
the-well-runs-drv/). lt is very concerning that a concentrated development like this proposed prolect will put increased pressure on an already
stressed system. lt would be better sited in the valley floor where there is a plentiful source of water.
The Garfield County "Comprehensive Plan 2030" contains numerous references to preserving water. On page 49, Section 7 Water: ltem
#1: "Water is essential to all life in the watershed. Potential threats to the water supply include, but are not limited to, climate change and
drought cycles, development pressure including residential and industrial/commercial, and reservoirs" Section 7.3: "Protecting local water
resources is essential to the vitality of Garfield County." Page 49, Section 7.5: "significant benefits to growth where SUFFICIENT WATER
exists". This is the real kicker. With wells going dry in this area, the faot is that there is NOT A SUFFICIENT WATER for this type of high
density development. Page 50, Policy l-ii: "New development should be clustered around existing watei'. Locating the Ascendigo
development far away from an existing water source (like the Roaring Fork River) is irresponsible. Page 52, Policy 5: "Plan for water
conservation and drought conditions". With the fact that nearby wells have run dry, the density of the White Cloud Ridge residential area
should be REDUCED to no more than three residences from the current zoning of 13 homes. The Ascendigo proposal goes against all of
these above items in the Comprehensive Plan.
Also in the "Comprehensive Plan" on page 52, Policy 5 vi: "Planning for increased probability for drought conditions should include
expanded requirements for wildland fire mitigation". Land Use Codes 7-109 and 7-206 both call for adequate fire protect¡on against
wildfires. The \Mite Cloud Ridge area was under mandatory evacuation during the 2018 Lake Christine fire. That fire burned 12,588 acres
and several homes dirêctly to the west of this proposed development.
Please help ut seve our limited water and vote "No" on the Aeoendigo propoeal! \lVhilc thig þ a worthwh¡lc cause, this development is
inappropriate in a rural residential neighborhood, defies existing land use codes and, most importantly, will overburden the limited supply of
water. The Ascendigo development would be more appropriately sited near a plentiful source of water in a nonresidcntial area that is currently
zoned for this type of intensive development.
Thank you,
Lynne Uhl
1455 County Road 102, Carbondale CO 81623
On a personal note:
We purchased our home in east Missouri Heights in 2013. The Ascendigo proposed development is 1 .2 miles south of our house" We
contracted with Rick Holub of J & M Pump of Glenwood Springs to test our well that first year. He told us that multiple wells had been running
dry south of our place. ln 2018 an article was published in the Sopris Sun about wells going dry in eastern Missouri Heights
(https://www.soprissun.com/2018/03/28lwhen{he-well-runs-drv/). We had the water rights to build a 4,500 square foot pond, but didn't
because it would have been irresponsible.
Several years ago, we had an engineer from the NRCS visit our property. He classified this area of eastern Missouri as "High Desert". The
initial plans call for a two-acre lake (87,000 square feet), irrigated horse pastures, irrigated playing field (20,000 square feet) and irrigation
ianciscaping. Much of this water would be lost to evaporation or seepage. This property has junior water rights to an irrigation ditch. The
irrigation ditches typically run with water two months a year (less in drought years when Spring Park Reservoir is low). When the ditch is not
running, water will be pumped from the aquifer to fill the lake and irrigate all of their many facilities. Pouring water onto this land to create a
park-like atmosphere in a desert is extremely irresponsible.
During the 2018 Lake Christine fire, as the fire on Basalt Mountain raged westward toward our neighborhood, we had less than one hour
between the voluntary evacuation notice and the mandatory evacuation notice. With over 100 employees and children at the proposed
development, wildfire evacuation should be a concern.
Some time ago, Ascendigo applied for a permit to build a similar "camp" in a residential neighborhood in Emma. The Pitkin County
Planners/Commissioners did not approve their proposal. What is the logic of targeting this type of intensive development in a residential
neighborhood? "lf this doesn't work in Pitkin County, let's try it in Garfield County"?
2
The scale of this water-intensive project may deplete an already damaged aquifer. The Ascendigo organization is top-notch and I truly support
their mission, but this developmeht needs to be in an area where there is adequate long-term water. Please help us save our limited water and
vote "No" on the Ascendigo proposal!
Thanks,
Lynne
Lynne Uhl
970-948-2888 Cell
1455 County Road 102
Carbondale CO 81623
3
EXHIBIT
li0oDg 4f"Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
3t1t2021
Lynne A < lynne.uhl2@gmail.com>
Monday, March 1,2021 1 1:1 1 AM
Angela Martell
lExternal] Ascendigo Proposed Development in Missouri Heights
Dear Garfield County Representat¡ve,
Since my last correspondence to the Planning Department, I have had a chance to read the Garfield County "Land Use Code" and
,,Compréhensive plan 2030" documents. Thã proposed Ascendigo development is in violation of Land Use Codes 7-103,7-104,7-109 and 7-
206. The proposal is in violation of the following items in the "Comprehensive Plan": Page 49, Section 7 Water, Section 7.3, Section 7.5, Page
50, policy 1-ii, page52, policyS, policy5vi. Lãnd UseCode 7-104and all of theabovementioned itemsfromthe"Comprehensive Plan"
revolve áround thJ need for adequate water. This proposed development is 1 .2 miles south of my home. ln 201 3 water wells started running
dry in this area - par¡cula¡y soutir of my home. Tlris has been documented and is real. The scale of this water-intensive project may deplete
an already damaged aquifér. The Ascendigo organization is top-notch and I truly support their mission, but this development needs to be in an
area wheie there is adequate long-term water. The following is my updated letter with the information from the County's documents:
please vote "No" on the proposed Ascendigo development ("\Â/hite Cloud Ridge", Garfield County permit applications PLVA-01 -21-8827 &
LlpA-O,l-21-gg26). Ascendþo has a propoled water-intensive development in a rural residential neighborhood of eastern Missouri
Heights. Their proposal devélops a 125 aue parcel currently zoned for 13 rural residential homes and two ADUs. \Mat is troubling is that this
is a-water-intensive development surrounded by rural residential housing in an area where wells have been running dry. Some time ago,
Ascendigo applied for a permit to build a similai "camp" in a residential neighborhood in Emma. The Pitkin County Planners/Commissioners did
not appróve iheir proposal. This type of land use is inappropriate for Missouri Heights, threatens the already overstressed water supply and
sets a dangerous precedent for future water-intensive commercial developments.
Ascendigo is proposing to change the character of this portion of Missouri Heights from that of rural residential (Residential Low Density -
.nl, ¡. rÏis is'¡n àireaî¡olation óf the Garfield County Land Use Code 7-103. The nature, scale, and intensity of the proposed use is NOT
compatible with adjacent rural residential land uses. Áscendigo proposes developing the combined tracts into a non-residential summer and
wintär organized dêvelopment. Full-time residences in a hotel-like structure with a commercial kitchen, multiple housing units, administrative
buildingJand a conference center for fund raisers are proposed (37,800 square feet of buildings). ln addition, plans are for an "activity barn",
equestiian center, maintenance barn, hay barn, care taker's home, guesUrental cabins and 80 parking spaces. This "Phase l" plan calls for a
two-acre lake (87;OO0 square feet), irrigaied horse pastures, irrigated playing field (20,000 squalg feet) and irrigation landscaping. The
proposal has morphed into a full-tíme, year-round camp. While Ascendigo's goal is admirable, this location and intensive use of water is
not. Ascendigo pians: https://sci-prod-public-pdfs.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mxdYEdCdZUzh9uZrVtDzzTMlz4A.pdf
Most importan¡y, this proposal is in violation of Garfield County Land Use Gode 7-104 which states "all applications for Land Use Change
permits shall have an adequate, reliable, physical, long- term, and legal water supply". Eastern Missouri Heights does not have the bountiful
access of the Roaring Fork River, but insteaà relies upon aquifer recharge from rain and nearby snow pack. Water wells tap the underlying
basalt rock reservoir. Since 2013, nearby water wells have gone dry (source 3/2018 Sopris Sun: https://www.soprissun.com/2018/03/28lwhen-
the-well-runs-dry/). lt is very concerning ihat a concentrateddevelopment like this proposed project will put increased pressure on an already
stressed systenn lt would be better sited in the valley floor where there is a plentiful source of water.
The Garfield County "Gomprehensive Plan 2030" contains numerous references to preserving water. On page 49, Section 7 Water: ltem
#1: ,,Water is esseñtial to áll l¡fe in the watershed. Potential threats to the water supply include, but are not limited to, climate change and
drought cycles, development pressure including residential and industrial/commercial, and reservoirs" Section 7'3: "Protecting local water
resources is essential to the vitality of Garfield Óounty." Page 49, Section 7.5: "significant benefits to growth where SUFFICIENT WATER
exists". This is the real kicker. With wells going dry in this area, the fact is that there is NOT A SUFFICIENT WATER for this type of high
density development. page 50, Policy 1-iì: "Ñewdevelopment should be clustered around existing water". Locating the Ascendigo
develópment fär away froñr an existing water source (like the Roaring Fork River) is irresponsible. Page 52, Policy 5: "Plan for water
conservation and drought conditions". With the fact that nearby wells have run dry, the density of the White Cloud Ridge residential area
should be REDUCED tò no more than three residences from the current zoning of 13 homes. The Ascendigo proposal goes against all of
these above items in the Comprehensive Plan.
Also in the ,,Comprehensive plan" on page 52, Policy 5 vi: "Planning for increased probability for drought conditions should include
expanded requirements for wildland fire'miigation". Land Use Codes 7-109 and 7-206 both call for adequate fire protection against
w¡ldfires. The \Mite Cloud Ridge area was under mandatory evacuation during the 2018 Lake Christine fire. That fire burned 12,588 acres
and several homes directly to the west of this proposed development.
please help us save our limited water and vote "No" on the Ascendigo proposal! While this is a worthwhile cause, this development is
inappropriåte in a rural residential neighborhood, defies existing land use codes and, most importantly, will overburdenthe limited supply of
*"i"r. tf'" Ascendigo development ñoud be more appropriately sited near a plentiful source of water in a nonresidential area that is currently
zoned for this type of intensive development.
Thank you,
1
Lynne Uhl
1455 County Road 102, Carbondale CO 81623
On a personal note:
We purchased our home in east Missouri Heights in 2013. The Ascendigo proposed development is 1.2 miles south of our house. We
contracted with Rick Holub of J & M Pump of Glenwood Springs to test our well that first year. He told us that multiple wells had been running
dry south of our place. ln 2018 an article was published in the Sopris Sun about wells going dry in eastern Missouri Heights
(httos://www.soprissun.com/2018/03/28lwhen-the-well-runsdry/). We had the water rights to build a 4,500 square foot pond, but didn't
because it would have been irresponsible.
Several years ago, we had an engineer from the NRCS visit our property. He classified this area of eastern Missouri as "High Desert". The
initial plans ooll fora two-acre lake (87,000 squarc fcct), irrigated horse pastures, irrigatecl playirrg fielcl (20,000 squar-é feet) urrd irriguliurr
landscaping. Much of this water would be lost to evaporation or seepage. This property has junior water rights to an irrigation ditch. The
irrigation ditches typically run with water two months a year (less in drought years when Spring Park Reservoir is low). When the ditch is not
running, water will be pumped from the aquifer to fill the lake and irrigate all of their many facilities. Pouring water onto this land to create a
park-like atmosphere in a desert is extremely irresponsible.
During the 2018 Lake Christine fire, as the fire on Basalt Mountain raged westward toward our neighborhood, we had less than one hour
between the voluntary evacuation notice and the mandatory evacuation notice. With over 100 employees and children at the proposed
development, w¡ldfire evacuation should be a concern.
Some time ago, Ascendigo applied for a permit to build a similar "camp" in a residential neighborhood in Emma. The Pitkin County
Planners/Commissioners did not approve their proposal. What is the logic of targeting this type of intensive development in a residential
neighborhood? "lf this doesn't work in Pitkin County, let's try it in Garfield Gounty"?
The scale of this water-intensive project may deplete an already damaged aquifer. The Ascendigo organization is top-notch and I truly support
their mission, but this development needs to be in an area where there is adequate long-tcrm watcr. Please help us save our limited water and
vote "No" on the Ascendigo proposal!
Thanks,
Lynne
Lynne Uhl
970-948-2888 Cell
1455 County Road 102
Carbondale CO 81623
2
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Michelle Ferguson < smichelleferguson@gmail.com >
Friday, February 26,2021 12:16 PM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Ascendigo Ranch I LIPA-01-21-8826
Glenn Hartmann.pdf
Good afternoon Glenn,
Attached please my letter as a full-time homeowner in Missouri Heights regarding the Ascendigo Ranch
application.
Thank you for hearing my voice and please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Best,
Michelle Ferguson-Cook
error, please destroy it and notify me immediately at 970-306-6996.
1
äT7(c"uf)
EXHIBIT
Michelle Ferguson-Cook
263 Caballo Street
Carbondale, CO 81623
970-306-6996
smichel leferguson@gmail.co m
February 25,2021
V¡A EMAIL AND USPS REGULAR MAIL
Glenn Hartmann
Garfield County Senior Planner
108 8th Street, Suite 101
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
ghartm an n@garfie ld-co unty.co m
RE: Ascendigo Ranch I LIPA-01-21'88261 PLVA-01-21-8827
Mr. Hartmann,
We spoke a few weeks ago and I thank you for your time'
As you knoq I am a full-time homeowner in Missouri Heights. I am reaching out to you
regãrding the Ascendigo Ranch application that we previously discussed. Although we
cannot physically see the educational facility from our home due to the dense trees and
brush, this is in our backyard and directly impacts our property.
I have spent countless hours reviewing the application process, zoning, land use code,
the subject application, comprehensive plan, together with daily conversations amongst
neighbors.
That said, I am writing to you in support of Ascendigo Ranch to call Missouri Heights home
for their educational facility. Here's why...
Upon learning of the proposed educational facility, lwas highly concerned! lwould like to
share with you that my list of concerns were promptly addressed by Dan Richardson and
peter Bell by meet¡ng me personally at the site. Walking the property, having my questions
answered and learning more of their "why' and vision was not only informative, but
refreshing coming from what some neighbors are calling the big bad wolf. Ïhey have
selflessly been available to mysçlf and all of my neighbors to meet, take phone calls and
even meet PersonallY.
I of2
I assure you they are far from being the b¡g bad wolf. This meeting prompted my own due
diligence and it is my opinion this educational facility should be approved:
. Children with autism are deserving to have a place thât fits their special needs vs a
traditional camp. Missouri Heights is a safe and serene setting for them to thrive.
. This is a meaningful use of the land. The conceptual plan displays low density use
and blends well with the character of our neighborhood. I would much prefer to
view a ranch with open space vs 21 homes and potential ADU's that would likely
impact our resources more than the subject application.
I feel Ascendlgo has gone above and beyond to take our neighborhood and
limited resources into consideration.
a
. ln my opinion, this educational facility is within the land use code and GARCO
Comprehensive Plan 2030.
a Ïhere are existing non-residential uses in Missouri Heights that our neighborhood
enjoys. I feel Ascendigo Ranch will enrich community spirit and gatherings. Like the
other non-residential uses that are already here, Ascendigo Ranch hes taken greot
care in respecting our natural environment and surrounding neighbors.
. The location for Ascendigo Ranch is ideal for the safety of all. Although some
improvements w¡ll be required - roads, fire protection, water, etc. are already in
place.
. Ïhis ls not some big investment group coming into our community to destroy our
rural way of life in Missouri Heights. Ascendigo has been in Carbondale for over a
decade proving their commitment not only for autistic support, but to our
community as a whole.
I respect the concerns of my neighbors; however, I feel it would be incredibly selfish to
not weleome Aseendigo Raneh with oBen arms and see their vision þenome a realitu.
lnvesting in our youth and community is a WlN for all.
With Gratitud g,
k
2ofZ
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
lo:
Subject:
noreply@formstack.com
Friday, February 26;2021 3:01 PM
Glenn Hartmann
[External] Garfield County website inquiry - Senior Planner
Subject: Ascendigo Ranch I LIPA-01-21-8826 I PLVA-O1-21-8827
Name: Michelle Ferguson-Cook
Email : smichelleferguson@gmail.com
Phone Number: (970) 306-6996
Message: Michelle Ferguson-Cook
263 Caballo Street
Carbondale, CO 81623
970-306-6996
smichelleferguson@gmail.com
February 25,2021
VIA EMAIL AND USPS REGULAR MAIL
Glenn Hartmann
Garfield County Senior Planner
108 8th Street, Suite 101
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
RE: Ascendigo Ranch I LIPA-01-21-8826 | PLVA-O1-21-8827
Mr. Hartmann,
I am a full-time homeowner in Missouri Heights. I am reaching out to you regarding the Ascendigo Ranch
application. Although we cannot physically see the educationalfacility from our home due to the dense trees
and brush, this is in our backyard and directly impacts our property'
I have spent coun¡ess hours reviewing the application process, zoning, land use code, the subject application,
comprehensive plan, together with daily conversations amongst neighbors.
That said, I am writing to you in support of Ascendigo Ranch to call Missouri Heights home for their educational
facility. Here's why...
Upon learning of the proposed educational facility, I was highly concerned! l_would like to share with you that
my tist of conóerns were promptly addressed by Dan Richardson and Peter Bell by meeting me personally at
thä site. Walking the property, having my questions answered and learning more of their "why" and vision was
not only informa,-tive, but'refrãshing coming from what some neighbors are calling the big bad wolf. They have
selflessly been available to myself and all of my neighbors to take phone calls, emails and even meet
personally.
1
+{
EXHIBIT
lÁooo
E
x
I assure you they are far from being the big bad wolf. This meeting prompted my own due diligence and it is my
opinion this educationalfacility should be approved:
> Children with autism are deserving to have a place that fits their special needs vs a traditional camp.
Missouri Heights is a safe and serene setting for them to thrive.
> This is a meaningful use of the land. The conceptual plan displays low density use and blends well with the
charaoter of our neighborhood. I would much prefer to view a ranch with open space vs 21 homes and
potentialADU's that would likely impact our resources more than the subject application.
> I feelAscendigo has gone above and beyond to take our neighborhood and limited resources into
consideration.
> ln my opinion, this educational facility is within the land use code and GARCO Comprehensive Plan 2030.
> There are existing non-residential uses in Missouri Heights that our neighborhood enjoys. I feelAscendigo
Ranch will enrich community spirit and gatherings. Like the other non-residential usesthat are already here,
Ascendigo Ranch has taken great care in respecting our natural environment and surrounding neighbors.
> Thê locatlon for Ascendigo Ranch is ideal for the safety of all. Although some improvements will be required
- roads, fire protection, water, etc. are already in place.
> This is not some big investment group coming into our community to destroy our rural way of life in Missouri
Heights. Ascendigo has been in Carbondale for over a decade proving their commitment not only for autistic
support, but to our community as a whole.
I respect the concerns of my neighbors; however, I feel it would be incredibly selfish to not welcome Ascendigo
Ranch with open arms and see their vision become a reality. Investing in our youth and community is a WIN for
ALL.
With Gratitude,
Michelle Ferguson-Cook
2
EXHIBIT
+1
Rebecca Chase 85 Kings RowSt. Carbondale, CO 81623
Glenn Hartman, Senior Planner
Garfield County Planning Dept.RECEIVED
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 GARFIELD COUNÏY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Dear Mr. Hartman,
I am a resident of the Kings Row Subdivision in Missouri Height (MOH) and am less than a mile from the
property now owned by Ascendigo Propefi Holdings, formerly White Cloud Ridge subdivision and
Harmony Ridge. And while Ascendigo's purpose to have a camp for autistic adults and children appears
admirable, I have several concerns about the proposal.
CHANGE OF LAND USE: The proposal is asking to vacate the plat for the property in question, White
Cloud Ridge subdivision and change the land use from rural residential to "educational use". I think that
designation for this proposal is not appropriate. ft is a non-profit but commercial-like camp for autistic
children and adults. Two of its primary purposes are recreation and enterta¡nment for attendees. The
proposal also includes renting out the property to other enterprises, which sounds like a commercial
endeavor. This camp is not a college or a school. There may be some therapy provided but that does not
mean it is for "educational use" in the same way CMC Spring Valley is educational. Not by a long shot.
This enterprise will be significantly different from both Wind Walkers and rental of the MOH school
house, neither of which have over-night accommodations or large numbers of people at one time.
The type of development Ascendigo is proposing is not in keeping with the surrounding area of rural
homes on large lots or acreâge or agricultural use. lt is higher density than the current plat in terms of
the number of people on the property during camps. And, the initialsite plan does not include
development of all the land, so this leaves the door open for additional commercial-like activity on the
property in the future. Vacating the plat and approving the site plan would set a worrisome precedent
for future developers wanting to build commercial enterprises in this rural setting.
WATER: As you know, wãter is the greatest concern of most residents living in Missouri Heights. We are
poised to have the worst drought since 2002 this summer. That means there will likely be no or very
little ditch water available to many of us. lt means that potable water will have to be conserved more
carefully in order to keep wells wet. lt means greater concern about wild fires.
The Ascendigo proposal, as I understand iq indicates the property has both A and B shares of ditch
water and that with the functioning wells already there, they have adequate legal and physical water.
The legal right to water is one thing; physical water is another. They have rights to water, as do other
residents, but if the water isn't there, then one's legal right means very little. The proposal would likely
result in greater water use than the current plat use, especially in the summer and during build-out. I
understand it is impossible to really know what the aquafer and water pockets on Missouri Heights look
like in terms of the amount of water available. lt is wise to ere on the side of caution. lt seems wrong
and unfair to current residents to allow a large development in the proposed location, knowing how dry
this area is normally and especially under the current drought conditions. Vulnerability to drought is not
gciing to improve given climate change. lt is critical to me and all my neighbors that our water supply be
. .,. .! i,r i'; .. ,-r
carefully managed. Why should we allow this type of development that requires land use change to go
forth knowing that development ¡n MOH always comes with serious water concerns?
WILDFIRE: All residents on this part of Missouri Heights know how quickly fire can spread, having
experienced the Lake Christine fire in 2018. While it is commendable that the developers have had the
property assessed by Carbondale Rural Fire District for ways to mitigate fire danger on the property,
mitigation is not prevention. Wild fires can start and spread quickly. The fire sometimes does not take
the "usual path" that predominant wind directions and ground contours imply. Such was the case with
the Lake Christine fire. And, consider the evacuations during a fire. When having to evacuate in 20L8,
the traffic was incredible and very slow with so many residents having to leave at the same time on a 2-
lane counry road, the only way out. The proposed camp will be hosting an est¡mated 82 people during
the highest risk of our wildfire season, which means evacuating people in the event of fire will be made
even more difficult. There is only one of two directions from which to leave the area and one will most
tikely be blocked by the fire.
TRAFFIC IMPACT: According to the proposal, Ascendigo's traffic study estimâtes that the busiest
morning travel period will be increased by 41 trips and the busiest afternoon/eve travel period will be
increased by 53 trips. Thafs a lot of traffic at the intersection of a county road and a private rural road
where current residents pick up their mail and walk their dogs. Also the slow crawl up Cattle Creek out
of ElJebel will be impacted significantly by that volume of additionaltraffic. The roads are regularly used
by bicyclists and pedestrians. There are no shoulders. Adding more traffic only increases the dangers for
non-auto users.
NOISE: MOH is typically pretty quiet. The traffic noise from Hwy 82 does reach the lower residential
areas but, all-in-all, it's a quiet place to live. A summer camp with 24 campers and 84 staff is going to be
a negative impact, especially for the closest neighbors. Sound carries far in MOH. I can hear someone 50
yards away and it sounds like they are 5 feet away. A steady run of noise will be hard to bear when one
is trying to enjoy their deck.
The quiet hours of L0 pm to 6 am, as proposed, will not affect the majority of time people are outs¡de
on the camp grounds. lt isn't much of a concession given that it is rare to hear big outdoor parties after
10pm up here. 5o, the estimated noise coming from the camp is much greater than what we experience
now. That is not fair to the current tax-paying residents who chose MOH because it is away from the
noise of the valley floor.
I am asking you to think about the impact this proposed development would have on current MCIH
residents. I am asking you to deny the proposal.
Sincerely,
WLLL&tw*--
Rebecca Chase
EXHIBIT
ÇoGIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
noreply@formstack.com
Saturday, February 27, 2021 1 1:02 AM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Garfield County website inquiry - Senior Planner
Subject: Ascendigo Playing Word Games
Name: Kirk Hartley
Email: kirkhartley@gmail. com
Phone Number: (970) 319-8625
Message: Good morning Mr. Hartmann,
As a resident of Missouri Heights, and a homeowner directly impacted by the proposed Ascendigo project, I'm
writing to voice my concern. Regardless of the potential strain on the limited natural resources in this area, I
believê the real isêue at hand is the application for limited impact review as an educational facility. As per
Garfield county's own guidelines, an educational facility is: Buildings and uses for instruction or research
activities associated wÍh an academic institution that has curriculum for technical or vocational training that
may be, but is not limited to, kindergarten, elementary, secondary, or higher education, including residential
facilities for faculty, staff, and students.
Ascendigo Ranch does not meet this standard. They are not associated with an academic institution, nor have
they eve-r been. They do not have a curriculum for technical or vocational training. ln their application they
staie, Summer camps would be offered between May 1 and September. 30.. the facilities may be made
available for... training groups of educators and/or employers.
The idea that Ascendigo "may" offer some educational courses, with no formal curriculum or academic
institution association, sometíme in the future, should not allow them to be approved as an educational facility.
They are a Summer Camp, and as referenced to in their application, they have visions for year-round
opeiations. ',There will be therapeutic services offered year-round. At some point, winter camp programming
that is currently housed near the ski areas in rental homes could be housed at the site".
Ascendigo Ranch is a commercial operation. This is no different than the Boy Scouts of America buying 200
acres off of panorama, starting a fee-for-service Summer Camp, and calling it a "school". I'm sure you would
never let that happen.
They also reference Strang Ranch as their main example of local land with non-residential use. Comparing a
wor[ing ranch that offers a few commercial operations and events the use their land is not the same as a
dedicated Summer Camp/Year-Round commercial operation. Ascendigo provides no agricultural offerings to
the community. Just because you put the word "ranch" in your title, does not make you one.
We spoke with Dan Richardson on the phone last week and he confirmed/admitted that during the busy
Summer months they plan to have weekly dinners, as the campers transition in and out. Parents, Caregivers,
Staff, around 100 pe-ople for dinner every week. (Dan's words) Catering, Rentals, etc. Maybe up to 500 daily
vehicle trips up and down Harmony Ln. Additionally, they have plans for large fund-raising events during the off
season.
1
x
Ascendigo is a commercial operation trying to slip by the planning and zoning department as a þenign
agricultural ranch and educational facility. Please take some time to carefully review the facts of this
application. I know you will see it clëärly for whât it is.
https://sci-prod-public-pdfs.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mxdYEdCdZUzhguZrVtDzzTMlz4A.pdf
Warmest Regards,
Kirk
2
EXHIBIT
5ltâ.c0od
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
lo:
Subject:
noreply@formstack.com
Saturday, February 27,2021 2:1 1 PM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Garfield County website inquiry - Senior Planner
x
Subject: SAY "NO" TO ASCENDIGO
Name. KARIN BANNEROT
Email : ksbannerot@gmail. com
Phone Number: (970) 379-5354
Message: From Karin Bannerot 212712021
TO: Garfield County Commissioners and Glenn Hartmann:
I am vehemently opposed to Ascendigo for many reasons:
* the huge increase in traffic and no¡se on El Jebel Road, Fender Lane and Catherine's Store roads
* this is ã ygnn ROUND "camp'land we will NOT have a peaceful, rural place to reside anymore
* our home/property values will decrease sharply...we moved here for the QUIET and SERENE atmosphere.
Ascendigo does NOT BELONG here.
*Ascendigo is NOT being fully transparent regarding how many square feet of structures they plan to build. To
date, we ñave only seen Dan Richardson's comments that approximately 37, 800 sq. feet will go up
..BUT !!! ........
They also want to build an Equestrian Center, a Guest Cabin and another house... NO SQUARE FOOTAGE
numbers are given for these structures !
PLEASE PLEASE say NO to Ascendigo's location up here in this quiet, rural neighborhood.
What would a traffic study demonstrate? How few cars/vehicles pass through Fender Lane today versus what
the development would mean. All the construction vehicles will destroy the asphalt. There will be huge impacts
on the sheer amount of cars/service vehicles/trucks going up Catherine's Store Road and El Roads from
Highway 82.
WE LIVE HERE in the quiet of residential Carbondale...wildlife is EVERYWHERE today on the road, and I
can't begin to fathom the impact of hundreds of daily vehicles during the building phases, then guests, staff,
parents, visitors adding to our current traffic.
Harmony Lane is a DIRT ROAD. The asphalt on the 2 access roads will be destroyed by construction trucks,
earth móvers, etc. Last year the traffic stops to put in new gas lines had us few (600 or so residents) backed up
for 20-30 minute wait times for months.
I believe Ascendigo can find more appropriate places to develop their ranch- Just the congestion 2 summers
ago to evacuate fór Lake Christine fires was horrific... .l never want to see Missouri Heights so congested for
an emergency evacuation.
1
Please allow our voices to be heard
Overwhelmingly we want to oppose this plan and
SAY NO TO ASCENDIGO RANCH DEVELOPMENT
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Karin S. Bannerot, RN MSN CCHC
Missouri Heights Resident and Homeowner since 2002
2
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Monday, March 1,2021 B:18 AM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: lExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Sherul L Bower, AICP
<,/
Community DeveloPment Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8L601
970-94s-L377 (t61sl
From: Tom Ja nkovsky <tja nkovsky@ga rfield-county.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 28,2O2t 7:49 AM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message
From: noreplv@formstack.com
Date: February 28,2O2L at 8:28:13 AM CST
To: tia nkovskv@ga rfield-cou ntv.com
Subject: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: AWenca rew@comcast. net
Subject: Ascendigo and TRAFFIC!!!
Name: Gwen Carew
Email: owencarew@comcast. net
Phone Number: (970) 379-5731
Message: Hello Tom,
My name is Gwen Carew and I live at 1111 Fender Lane, Carbondale, CO (in Missouri Heights).
l'v-e never really written a letter like this before, so I apologize iÍ I don't come across as sounding
very professional.
1
å 5?-
EXHIBIT
Garfteld County
I am writing to let you know that I am against the proposed development for Ascendigo's
Summer Camp along Harmony Lane. There are several reasons why I am opposed to this .
development (the land use change, water usage, etc.), (by the way - I don't believe this will be
used as educational - They will market lt as a place to send your child/adult to recreate). The
main reason I am against this development is because of the traffic!
As I mentioned, I live on Fender Lane. I live right as you turn onto Fender Lane off of Upper
Cattle Creek Road above El Jebel. l've lived here for 15 Tzyears. I can tell you first hand that
the traffic up here has probably doubled since I rnoved u¡r trere from clown on the valley floor. lt
honestly has gotten to the point that I rlon't feel comfortable bringing my dogs or my daughter
with me to the end of the driveway to check the mail box. There is already a traffic problem on
Fender Lane. I feel that this sort of development will only add to the problem. As you are
probably aware, Fender Lane is going to be the main road used to get to this camp. This is why
I am opposed to the Ascendigo Summer Camp. The amount of traffic on Fender Lane will
increase significantly.
I should mention that I have a daughter with severe autism. She is non-verbal and requires
assistance in all aspects of her life. (Feeding, dressing, bathing, meal prep, toileting, etc.) My
daughter is 30 years old and still lives with me and my husband. I know how important it is to
get breaks from the caregiving. I know how important it is for this population to have a safe
place to recreate. I just feel that Missouri Heights is not the place for this camp.
I ask that you please take this into consideration when reviewing this proposed facility. Missouri
Heights is not the place. lt has nothing to do with who the camp will be servicing, but how it will
impact the people that already live up here, Thank you for your time.
Gwen Carew
1111 FenderLane
Carbondale, CO 81623
970-379-5731
2
EXHIBIT
51
'ú.goo
E
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
backflow@rof.net
Saturday, February 27,2021 9:48 AM
Glenn Hartmann
Patrick Waller
[External] Ascendigo ProPosalSubject:
To:
GlennHartmann
Garfield County Planning Department
Your honorable sir,
My Name is Charles Bailey, and my wife, our daughter and myself reside at 1111 Fender Lane. Our daughter
Gwenie, is 30 years old, has Autism spectrum disorder and is non-verbal. I won't bore you with the negative
comment's supporters of this provide us because we oppose this development. V/ell, maybe just one. "you're
depriving rp.óid needs people of this wonderful opportunity...shame on you!!!' 'We care 2417 for our daughter and
*"11, "o--ents to us like this gets our blood boiling, I will tell you. But we remain calm..
We are ADAIyL\NTLY opposed to the Ascendigo Camp proposal, land use change and development. It is NOT
educational in nature as stated nor does it fit with current long standing historical zontng.
The development does not comport with the purpose of the Rural zoned district. From what I have leamed from Dan
Richardsonthe Chief Operating Officer with Ascendigo Autism Services is this absolutely is commercial in nature
veiled as non-profit andis not appropriate land use proposal for this area.I am open to all conversations, but this is not
an ..educational use" under the Land Use code. This is 'Recreational' after reading between the application lines and
conversing directly with the supporters. Even when I feel I get a straight answer it is again muddied by someone else
affiliated with the project saying something like: 'Oh they over exaggerated so it would pass or it won't impact
traffic'. The existing land uses and development pattem in this border area of Garfield County &Eagle County are
absolute rural in character, always have been and consist of open fields, agricultural operations and large lot single-
family residences. The only rural thing about this application is the Horses and even that aspect is conceming as that is
purely recreational use of the animals that will be transported to and from there. That is not educational.
This intensive land use of the development (yes, after reviewing the proposal I would say intensive and commercial
for this area) is not compatible with the current existing, rural development pattem and land use. The non-residential
nature of the proposed use will result in absolute increased traffrc use, noise, light, water and wastewater impacts. Dan
Richardson hãs told us there would be approximately 476 daily traffic trips to and from this Camp. Currently we
cannot cross Fender lane to retrieve our mail without concem of being struck by a vehicle. And walking our leashed
Dogs or assisting our daughter along Fender Lane? Can I say SCARY AF? And Dan said weekly estimated Monday
1g6-person drop ofß /welcome gathering and Friday 1 0O-person pickup /goodbye banquets requiring intense
transportation, ıatering, food deliveries, waste management etc? I am told that a Monday drop offwould be all day
and tiren a Friday pickup and party is all day and then a weekend fluny of cleaning I santizingl laundry /trash out /
maintenance/ incoming prearrival preparations not to mention daily weekly coming and going of a multitude of
contractors servicing "uê.¡nittg
from A to Z. AndMedical services. Current Roads to access the site are dirt, private
and residential in nature. Limited access is now permitted to existing and proposed residences. The proposed site is a
wildlife corridor. The proposed site is also in the "Very High" category of Garfield County's Wildfire Susceptibility
Index. 'We were evacuateã from our home during Lake Christine fire and two years later we were on the pre-evac for
Gnzùy Creek fire.
1
It troly bemoans one to compassionately ask: Seriously'/ A Camp? Up here? A development like this has been
proposed before in ppeater Missouri Heights and thank goodness our eleçted officials have recognized, 'Î.{ot
appropriate". 'We are concemed that better venues and properties with preexisting land use zoning have not been
considered when they acquired this property to seek approval. If the land is zoned for this type of development as
proponents have saicl it is why hasn't there been an embrace of it? Wc do expect zoning authorities will permit only
compatible uses with the existing character of adjacent and current land uses. This proposal is opposite to what we! as
residents of Eagle and bordering Garfield county expect from zoning and representative officials.
I very much appreciate your time in accepting this lettcr of opposition ofthe Ascendigo Catop into the Public Record
and considcring it in your dccision.
Charles O. Bailey
1111 FenderLane
Carbondale,CO 81623
970-963-348s
2
54þÃ.og
EXHIB IT
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subiect:
noreply@formstack.com
Tuesday, March 2,2021 2:27 PM
Glenn Hartmann
[External] Garfield County website inquiry - Senior Planner
Subject: Ascindigo camp
Name: Laena Walker
Email: laena_e@hotmail.com
Phone Number:
Message:
Good Afternoon,
I would like to express my concern over the proposed camp in Missouri Heights. The land they have set their
sights on is the wrong loiation. This is a quiet residential and rural area. A huge development like this camp is
cımpletely out of chairacter for Missouri Heights. I see they compare their proposed camp to Strang Ranch, the
schoolhouse, WindWalkers, CARE, and CMC. All of these other endeavors have direct access to paved county
roads. The location on Harmony lane does not.
With the exception of CMC, all of the above mentioned programs run regular business hours with under 10
staff members. None of them, (except CMC), have dining, recreation centers or housing for nearly 100 people.
There are so many other huge issues with an operation of this size going into such a quiet rural and residential
area. Noise pollution, lignt póllution, huge increase in traffic, strain on the already scarce water supply, and
there is a fire danger too.
Ascindigo is a wonderful program that does a lot of good for an underserved group. However, this is NOT the
place toi ¡t. Untortunately thið camp location will decrease the quality of life for all residents of Missouri Heights.
À de"rease in property value for the area of Missouri Heights near the camp is very likely as well.
Allowing a change of land use would be a HUGE mistake. lt will forever change Missouri Heights for the worse.
Please please please do NOT approve this camp proposal.
Sincerely,
Laena Walker
x
1
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Monday, March 8,2021 B:19 AM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
,-sherul L Bower, AlcP(-/
Comm un ity DeveloPment D¡rector
LO8 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
97O-94s-1377 (L6Osl
From: Tom Ja n kovsky <tja nkovsky@ga rfie ld-cou nty'com >
Sent: Sunday, March 7,20217:39 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwa rded message:
From: noreplv@formstack.com
Date: March7,2O2I at 3:32:39 PM MST
To: tia nkovskv@ga rfield-countv.com
Subject: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: nore plv@formstack.com
Subject: Ascendigo DeveloPment
Name: Kit Strang
Email:
,
Phone Number:
Message: lt seems to me tha the biggest issue with the proposed Ascendigo Development in
our "ruial atea" is WATER. We rely on our wells. As we have seen, the water table on Misouri
Heights is raising, wells are going dry. To add a development of this size with its dependence on
adequate drinking water makes no sense.
Thank you.
1
5lEXHIBIT
Garftetrd County
2
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Mark Cesark < mcstudio@sopris.net>
Monday, March 8,2021 10:40 AM
Glenn Hartmann
IExternal] Opposition to Ascendigo Application
Mark and Katherine Cesark
2130 CR 102 Carbondale, CO. 81623
970704L830
3.8.2021
Dear Mr. Hartmann,
We are writing to you to express our opposition to the proposed Ascendigo development in Missouri Heights / Harmony
Lane / White Cloud Ridge subdivision. We have been residents of this area for over 20 years. We raised our family here
because of the rural residential setting. We strongly oppose this transition to commercial / non profit use. ln
Ascendigo's application, they sited area "comps" that are not comparable. We are concerned that the impact of traffic,
excessive water usage, and change to a commercial facility will impact our quiet quality of life and our property values.
It is unrealistic and irresponsible to build a 2 acre pond on this property. While we support the mission and vision of
Ascendigo, we oppose this change of land use. We hope you will see how this will negatively impact the residents of the
a rea.
Sincerely,
Mark, Katherine, Niko and Owen Cesark
6b
EXHIBIT
oô.oú
1
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Vola Mercer
Wednesday, March 10,2021 2:10 PM
Sheryl Bower; Kelly Cave
Glenn Hartmann
RE: lExternal] Website inquiry - Administration
Thank you
From: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county'com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 10,20212:1-0 PM
To: Kelly Cave <kcave@garfield-county.com>
Cc: Glenn Hartmann <ghartmann@garfield-county.com>; Vola Mercer <vmercer@garfield-county.com>
Subject: FW: [External] Website inquiry - Administration
Hl Kelly, Can you ple3ase respond? Thanks!
.sherul L Bower, AICP<)
Community Development Director
LO8 8th Street , Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
s7o-945-r377 (t6}sl
From: Vola Mercer <vmercer@ga rfield-countv.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March LO,202L 2:08 PM
To: Glenn Hartmann <ghartmann@garfield-countv.com>; Sheryl Bower<sbower@garfield-countv.com>
Subject: FW: IExternal] Website inquiry - Administration
Please respond to the email below
Thank you
ó)/,î,9/6,",.
Executive Assistant
Garfield County Commissiorrers & Administration
108 8th. St., Suite 101
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
v m ercer@ garfi e I d -co unty. com
www.sarfi counfv.com
Direct: 970.945.5004 xl 040
Fax: 970.945.7785
Cell: 970.210.3161
Wellness Champion Committee Representative
County
COVID-,l9 Aworeness
Community support saves lives
Personal Responsibility and Safety:
HANDS - Wash them often
ELBOW - Cough into it
FACE - Don't touch it
FEET - Stay more than 6ft apart
FEEL. Sick? Stay home
Garfield Cou nty: www.qarfield-cou ntv. com
Garfield County Public Health: www.oarfield-countv.com/public-health/novel-coronavirus/
COVID-19 updates. www.qarfieldcountv.net - please subscrlbe ât uppêr right.
Register for Garfield County Emergency Notification System: www garcogl'1 com
COVID-l t help hotlines:
Aspen to Parachute COVID-19 community hotline 970-429-6186 (English/Espanol)
Garfield County Public Health call line: 970-945-1377 , ext.8120 (English/Espanot)
CO-H ELP 1 -87 7 -462-29 1 1 or COH ELP@RM P DC. orq (muttipte lan guages)
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT: This message and any attachments are confidential and intended solely for the use
of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. The infonnaticxl contained herein may inch.rde protected or otherwise
privileged infonnation. Unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, distributing, or other use of such infonnation
is sl.ricl.ly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this message in error, please notifu the sender by
replying to this message and delete the email without further disclosure.
From: noreplv@formstack.com <noreplv@formstack.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March IO,2O2L L:35 PM
To: Vola Mercer <vmercer@garfield-countv.com>
Subject: IExternal] Website inquiry - Administration
GnrJield Cttutrq,
Subject: Electronic Petitions
Name: Susan Sullivan
Email: sullisooz@gmail.com
Phone Number: (7031 597 -7 17 4
fVlpccaoa' l{alln l
Due to the pandemic, we want to create an electronic petition that will avoid face-to-face interactions with signors
This petition will be presented to the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners at the public hearing regarding
Ascendigo's application.
I'm writing to verify that you would accept, a consider valid, a petition that shows names, addresses, emails, etc. in a
spreadsheet format but no computer generated or hand drawn signature.
2
The petition we're testing works like this. ln completing the petition and hitting the "Sign" button, it creates the
signature record.
See a sample of the petition here
httos://www.i oetitio ns.com/oetitio n/oet n-to-o oDose-asce nd igo-ra se-act
The output from the petition shows as a spreadsheet. See our test output here:
https://drive.eoosle.com/file/d/lxYLKHexxoSf4ODN5vzYsC DsVsSCnlEf/view?usp=sharins
Let me know if you have trouble accessing any of these links. We'd appreciate your response ASAP, as we'd like to start
safely collecting signatures.
Please let me know if you have questions
Thank you, and be well,
Susan
3
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Michelle Bassi <mbbassi.bassi@gmail.com>
Wednesday, March 10,2021 2:32 PM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Ascendigo ProPosal
Hello Mr. Hartmann,
I am a resident in Missouri Heights and am writing to express my concern over the proposed Ascendigo project
west of the Garfield-Eagle county line. I am very worried about the impact on our environment and resources
and the increase in wild-fire hazards. Changing and expanding land use in this area is dangerous.
I have ABSOLUTELy NO issue with the potential campers on the autism spectrum. This is not about ASD in
my backyard - autism is in our home and hearts! We have a daughter on the autism spectrum, and I am a
.o*pusiottate educator and have worked with special needs populations. I value Ascedigo's mission to elevate
and empower people on the spectrum.
I am, however, VERy SCARED about the stresses and the strain that this project will place on our incredibly
dry and fragile environment. This project is vast. Water is a huge issue up here. The fire danger is very real. I
am worried about the fundraising, rentals, larger venues, and future resale as commercial. Do not change the
land use in the rural Missouri Heights area and open the doors to facilities that will further stress our
ecosystem.
The scope of this project lacks proper boundaries and safety measures. This is not a small "educational" or
.,agriculiur al" facllity. This project is too large. The plan does not seem to control the flow of traffic, nor the
number of people included in fundraising/rentals. It is not appropriate up here!
Thank you for your time,
Michelle Bassi
264 Sunrise Lane
Carbondale, CO 81623
EXHIBIT
3I0g 5l
1
5q
EXHIBIT
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
lo:
Subiect:
Karen Moculeski <kkis1 @aol.com>
Wednesday, February 24,2021 9:05 AM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Ascendigo Property Holdings Application Exhibits
Glenn,
I spoke with you on February 16,2021, requesting the Exhibits to the Ascendigo land use application and you stated that
it would take you a few days-. I still have not received them and they are public records. When do you anticipate sending
the documents to me?
Thanks.
Karen Moculeski
970-963-1286
I
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
x
noreply@formstack.com
Sunday, February 28,2021 7:39 AM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Garfield County website inquiry - Senior Planner
Subject: Ascedigo and TRAFFIC!!
Name: Gwen Carew
Email : gwencarew@comcast. net
Phone Number: (970) 379-5731
Message: Hello Glenn,
I've written once before regarding Ascendigo's summer camp facility. I didn't hear back, so not sure that you
received my message.
I am writing to let you know that I am against the proposed development for Ascendigo's Summer Camp along
Harmony Lãne. There are several reasons why I am opposed to this development (the land use change, water
usage, etc.), (by the way - I don't believe this will be used as educational - They will market it as a place to
senð your chiidiadult to recreate). The main reason I am against this development is because of the traffic!
As I mentioned, I live on Fender Lane. I live right as you turn onto Fender Lane off of Upper Cattle Creek Road
above El Jebel. l've lived here for 15 Tryears. I can tell you first hand that the traffic up here has probably
doubled since I moved up here from down on the valley floor. lt honestly has gotten to the point that I don't feel
comfortable bringing my dogs or my daughter with me to the end of the driveway to check the mail box. There
is already a traffic pioblem ın Fender Lane. I feel that this sort of development will only add to the problem. As
you are órobably aware, Fender Lane is going to be the main road used to get to this camp. The amount of
traffic on Fender Lane will increase significantly. Please try to picture it.
I should mention that I have a daughter with severe autism. She is non-verbal and requires assistance in all
aspects of her life. (Feeding, dressing, bathing, meal prep, toileting, etc.) My daughter is 30 years old and still
lives with me and my husband. I know how important it is to get breaks from the caregiving. I know how
important it is for this population to have a safe place to recreate. I just feel that Missouri Heights is not the
place for this camp.
I ask that you please take this into consideration when reviewing this proposed facility. Missouri Heights is not
the place. lt has nothing to do with who the camp will be servicing, but how it will impact the people that
already live up here. lt will turn my front yard into a highway!! Thank you for your time.
Gwen Carew
1111 Fender Lane
Carbondale, CO 81623
970-379-5731
1
EXHIBIT
LO
tàoo0o
From:
Sent:
¡o:
Glenn Hartmann
karin bannerot <ksbannerot@gmail.com>
Saturday, February 27,2021 10:23 AM
Subject:
G lenn Hartma nn; Tom Ja n kovsky; msam pson@ garfield-county.com;
jeanne.mcqueeney@eaglecounty.us
lExternall NO to Ascendigo
Keep Missouri Heights RURAL comment to share from Kirk Hartley
KH
Kirk Hartley3 DAYS AGO
Reply to Julie Kaufman - view message
Regardless of the potential strain on the limited natural resources in this area, I believe the heart of the issue is
the application for limited impact review as an educational facility. As per Garfield county's own guidelines, an
educationalfacility is: Buildings and uses for instruction or research activities associated with an academic
institution that has curriculum for technical or vocational training that may be, but is not limited to, kindergarten,
elementary, secondary, or higher education, including residential facilities for faculty, staff, and students.
Ascendigo Ranch does not meet this standard. They are not associated with an academic institution, nor have
they ever been. They do not have a curriculum for technical or vocational training. ln their application they
state, Summer camps would be offered between May 1 and September. 30.. the facilities may be made
available for... training groups of educators and/or employers'
The idea that Ascendigo "may" offer some educational courses, with no formal curriculum or.academic
institution association, sometime in the future, should not allow them to be approved as an educational facility.
They are a recreational Summer Camp funded and supported by a corporate entity, and as referenced to in
their application, they have visions for year-round operations. "There will be therapeutic services offered year-
round. At some point, winter camp programming that is currently housed near the ski areas in rental homes
could be housed at the site".
REPLY O 1
SHARE
FLAG
KH
Kirk Hartley3 DAYS AGO
Reply to Julie Kaufman
Ascendigo Ranch is a commercial operation. Their non-profit status has no bearing. This is no different than
the Boy Scouts of America buying 200 acres off of Panorama, starting a fee-for-service Summer Camp, and
calling it a "school". I am sure Garfield County would never let that happen.
a
a
1
LI
EXHIBIT
lô.co.og
They also reference Strang Ranch as one of their main examples of local land with non-residential use.
Comparing a working ranch that offers a few commercial operations and events to use their land is not the
same as a dedicated Summer Campf/ear-Round commercial operation. Ascendigo provides no agricultural
offerings to the community. Just because you put the word "ranch" in your title, does not make you one.
I would encourage all who are interested and affected by this proposal to visit https://keepmohrural.com/
Ascendigo is trying to slip by the Garfield County planning and zoning department as a benign agricultural
ranch and educational facility. They are "helicoptering" into the middle of a rural, residential neighborhood. The
consequences of this sleight of hand will cause future land use disputes and conflicts that will reverberate well
into the future of our quiet communities.
2
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subiect:
susan sullivan <sullisooz@gmail.com>
Saturday, February 27,2021 7:20 AM
Glenn Hartmann
[External] Keep Missouri Heights Rural
Hello:
The truth is that those of us who have chosen to live in Missouri Heights have our own stories and reasons why
we need to live in a peaceful rural, quiet community.
For example: I've had Cerebral Palsy since birth and worked 25 years in the hustle and bustle of Washington
D.C. We saved our whole lives, and lived WAY below our means so that we could retire in peace.
people with Cp have an enhanced "startle" reflex that bright lights, sirens, gunshots and other such things
serve to place us into fear, seizures and spasms.
How can a camp for autistic children be considered more important than MY NEEDS after I have worked SO
HARD to conquer my disability my whole life... only to find the home of my dreams and have it turned into a
hostile environment ior me to iive in, so that others may shatter my serenity. Changing rules that I depended on
when I moved here.
Autism seems to be the cooldisability now. I guess CP is old news and nobody cares about us. Feeling very
ignored by my beloved valleY,
Thank you,
Susan
EXHIBIT
1/b
tá0ôo
E
1
L7
EXHI BIT
To: Garfield County Commissioners
From: Katherine Reppa
Re: Ascendigo proPosal
Date: March 13,2021
It's not WHAT the Ascendigo proposal is, it's WHERE ¡t ¡t.
At this point you have received letters which designate the
numerous violations included in the submitted application and,
although extremely important, I will not repeat here. Once you
are familiar with these violations, there is no question that the
proposal will be denied.
This enormous project, which would include a large lake and
many irrigated fields, will decimate our water supply. Each year
the fire danger increases due to Colorado's extreme (exceptional)
drought and our last evacuation, due to the Lake Christine fire in
July 2018, was a nightmare. I had only to evacuate myself, which
in itself was difficult, but imagine evacuating many children who
would be frightened and who would potentially hide due to fear
and misunderstanding.
During the Panorama Fire of 2002, initially the 911 operator said,
"\A/e are aware of this. Hold tight" and then the sheriff came to
our house with a bullhorn. "You need to evacuate NOW. Not in
15 minutes, but now." Consider this with a large group of autistic
campers and their counselors.
This project was originally submitted for the Emma area and was
denied by Pitkin County. Of course it was denied! Developers
present rainbows and lollipops plans and this one is misleading in
a number of ways. lt is a huge enterprise that is entirely
inappropriate for our rural area where we enjoy quiet and star-
filled skies. For it to be compared to other "businesses" like the
Missouri Heights Community Center (an old schoolhouse), Strang
Ranch (a sod farm) or Wind Walkers (equine assisted therapy) is
laughable.
Missouri Heights is not zoned for a pop-up city and changing
zoning opens up an ugly can of worms.
Ascendigo is an admirable project but is much better suited to
land west of Glenwood Springs which is closer to the river and
safer in the event of an emergency.
itf/"j .f à.* "iÞi_¿*-* c"l"taÊ:.7.t/4*.¡."*"¡"', ","¡.Pou , ,,'tIDrought intensityAbnormaltydrybri.:r-'1. *:. Jnri*il 5täi*5 )rnuçht i"'.$t'tit*rMpderate fsevere lËxtreme !ExceptionalËTGTH
åb+EXHIBIT
To: Ms. Sheryl Bower, Garfield County Community Development Director
From: Joyce Woltman, Missouri Heights Homeowner
Re: Ascendigo Autism Services Application
Date: March 75,202L
The Ascendigo Autism Services Project is admirable. My concern is not about the concept of
the project, but the proposed location. There are a number of reasons why this physical
location is the wrong choice, as noted below.
a The Ascendigo Develooment Plan and Violations : This plan is in violation of
the following items in the Garfield County Land Use Codes 7-t03,7-LO4,7'LO9,7'206.
The proposal is also in violation of the following items in the "Comprehensive Plan
2O30"= Page 49, Section 7 Water, Section 7.3, Section7.5, Page 50, Policy f-ii, Page 52,
Policy 5, Policy 5 vi.
FIRE: lf you look at the attached drought map posted by the US Geological Society in
March 202I, Missouri Heights is located in the Exceptional (Dark Red) section. This
indicates increased wildfire threats on the heels of 2020, the biggest season in the
history of Colorado fires. I had to evacuate my home in 2018 due to the Lake Christina
fire which burned L2,588 acres and several homes directly to the west of this proposed
development. My home was the next street to be evacuated from the 2002 fire in
Missouri Heights, and I was on stand-by to be evacuated with the 2O2Ofire.
a
Climate change has increased the threats of out of control wildfires in our area. Due to
our unpredictable and often 40-50 mph winds in Missouri Heights during the spring,
summer and autumn months, if a fire broke out, the only way to stop it would be by
using aircraft, per Fire Chief Rob Goodwin'
The line of traffic evacuating this area during the Lake Christina fire in 2018 was very
significant, with the Upper Cattle Creek Road closed to traffic due to the fire. Evacuating
1L0 + staff in an emergency would increase the danger of enabling all residents to get to
a safe location.
ln reviewing Garfield County's current "Comprehensive Plan 2030", Pag€ 52, Policy 5 vi:
"planning for increased probability for drought conditions should include expanded
requirements for wildland fire protection against wildfires'
o WATER: Ascendigo's stated use of water seems to ignore that over the past three yeers,
neighborhood water supplies have been adversely impacted by low pressure, mud/sand
infiltration into wells, and zero lack of water pressure during the Lake Christina fire.
How will their increased water needs impact the 2O-year drought and diminished
snowfall western slope Colorado are suffering from due to climate change?
Missouri Heights does not have the bountiful access of the Roaring Fork River, but
instead relies upon aquifer recharge from rain and nearby snow pack.
Water wells tap the underlying basalt rock reservoir. Many nearby water wells have
gone dry in recent years: {source 3/2018 Sopris 5un)
httos ://www. soo rissu n.com / 2o / 03 / 28 / whe n-th e-we I l-ru n s-d rvl
Land Use code 7-104 and allof the above mentioned items from the "Comprehensive
Plan 2030" revolve around the need for adequate water. This proposed project will put
increased pressure on an already stressed rural water system.
Change of Existins Zonins & Land Use: Ascendigo is proposing to change the character
of this portion of Missouri Heights from that of rural residential to commercial. Their
proposal calls for developing their combined tracts into a non-residential summer and
winter organized camp, which includes activity buildings, residences for full time
employees, guest quarters, staff quarters, activity buildings, commercial kitchen, etc.
This is a large year-round commercial venture, and is not suitable for the rural
residential zoning of this area. The proposed Ascendigo development is in violation of
of land Use Codes 7-LO3.
A while ago, Ascendigo applied for a permit to build a similar "camp" in a residential
neighborhood in Emma. The Pitkin county Planners/Commissioners did not approve
their proposal. This type of land use is inappropriate for Missouri Heights, threatens the
overstressed water supply and sets a precedent for future water-intensive commercial
developments.
Ascendigo is a worthwhile endeavor, but its commercial development is inappropriate in
Missouri Heights' rural residential neighborhood. lt is non-compliant with our existing zoning,
and threatens to overburden the limited water resource. A more suitable location would be within the
commercial confines of the Highway 82 valley floor where zoning would not need to be changed, and
concerns less impactful. Please vote "No" on the proposed Asendigo development ("White Cloud
rroge , trarTlelo LounÏy permlt appllcatlons PLVA-Ul-11-óó¿l ót LIPA-U1-2l-ðEZb.)
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Woltman, Missouri Heights
a
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subiect:
noreply@formstack.com
Wednesday, March 17,2021 8:56 AM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternal] Garfield County website inquiry - Senior Planner
Subject: Proposed Ascendigo Ranch Development
Name: Susan Cuseo
Email : scoutqzo@gmail.com
Phone Number: (970) 618-9676
Message: 0226 Kings Row
Carbondale CO 81623
March 17,2021
Glenn Hartmann
108 8th Street
Suite 101
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Dear Glenn,
The proposed Ascendigo project for Harmony Lane on Missouri Heights is of great concern to me as a resident
of thís immediate area ðince 1980. I feel this proposed land use change and a larger scale development is
inappropriate for an agricultural and residential area that has no current allowed commercial development. For
the following reasons, I strongly oppose the camp development and ask you to do the same.
WILDFIRE
Since residing here, my home has been threatened 3 times by wildfire and I have been evacuated twice. I
would not coñsider fire to be a casual threat to our well-being as residents but very real and inevitable. The
incidence of wildfires is increasing rapidly throughout the west and we are sure to endure more actual threats
to life and property without adding a significant, very concentrated danger of a comrnercial camp facility. Our
recent combination of drought and steadily increasing winds multiply the threat considerably and both wind and
fire danger are very likely to increase, not decrease, in the coming years.
WATER
As a resident and participant on our Kings Row HOA Board, I am very well aware of changes and difficulties
regarding our water supply which is already threatened. The scope of the Ascendigo plan shows an ignorance
regarding both domestic supply and irrigation water. Although the Ascendigo property has irrigation rights, I
seé a lack of understanding regarding that water supply's use in that neither A or B Shares can be stored, as in
a pond, A shares not at all and B shares only during the actual water call. My 40 years of experience with
irrìgation water encompasses availability of summer water from a couple months to 6 days during drought. 6
days!? Does that work for a pond? And the trend is for less and less available days of water, not any increase.
PREVIOUS WATER CONCERNS
During the 1990s, a large subdivision was proposed on neighboring Hunt Ranch and Missouri Heights
residents voiced these same concerns. The ultimate resolution of the development proposal was achieved by a
1
a(
EXHIBIT
group of concerned residents in a Water Court case that agreed with our concerns and issued a very restrictive
water decree that was unsatisfactory to the developers and they sold the entire property.
During my reading of our local neighþorhood website and in news, I have read numerous comments about the
need for such a camp to service the autistic community as well as the credentials of those proposing the camp.
Neither of these concepts are relative to our finite water supply. The camp proponents are ignoring a fact that
they may consider irrelevant but is instead crucial. Please note that in my reading, not one of the proponents
live on Missouri Heights. I am concerned with not only water coming from my tap to drink but the rising fire
danger where we rely on that water to save our homes. Without water, our long held property values drop
immediately to $0. lgnoring that fact puts all your Missouri Heights constituents at risk.
ln one comment I read, a camp proponent accused "trophy home" owners of NIMBY. My small neighboring
home is my only home, the only home I have ever been able to afford, to raise my children, remain for 40 years
and live peacefully in a rural setting. I feel the Ascendigo Ranch would threaten any peace or value my
property has through danger to water supply and fire mitigation.
I ask that you attend to the needs of the Garfield County citizens who are already residents of Missouri Heights
and not change zoning or issue a permit to an incoming entity that would endanger all our property and
perhâps lives.
Very Sincerely,
Susan Cuseo
2
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Wednesday, March 17,202110:33 AM
laena_e@hotmail.com
Tom Jankovsky; Glenn Hartmann
FW: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Hi Laena, Commissioner Jankovsky forwarded your comments on Ascendigo to me. We appreciate your comments and
will make sure that they are included in our analysis, along with becoming part of the packet that we send to the BOCC
prior to their consideration of the application.
Thank you and have a great day!
.Sherul L Eower, AIC?
<-/
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8L601
97O-94s-L377 (t61sl
From: Tom Ja nkovsky <tja nkovsky@ga rfield-co u nty.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 17,2O2L 9:34 AM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: noreplv@formstack.com
Date: March L7,2O2'J. at 9:13:41 AM MDT
To: tia nkovskv@garfield-countv.com
Subject: [Externall Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: laena e@hotmail.com
Subject: Ascindigo Camp
Name: Laena Walker
Email: laena e@hotmail.com
Phone Number: (970) 379-8928
1
EXHIBIT
LL
Garfteld County
Message: Good Afternoon,
I would like to express my concern over the proposed camp in Missouri Heights. The land they
have set their sights on is the wrong location. This is a quiet residential and rural area. A huge
development like this camp is completely out of character for Missouri Heights.
I see they compare their proposed camp to Strang Ranch, the schoolhouse, WindWalkers,
CARE, and CMC. All of these other endeavors have direct access to paved county roads. The
property they have purchased for the camp does not have accees to a paved county maintained
road. This means all their traffic would be on small, private dirt lanes past homes in a quiet
neighborhood. Ugh, so much noise and dust. With the exception of CMC, all of the above
mentioned programs run regular business hours with under 10 staff members. None of them,
(except CMC), have dining, recreation centers or housing for nearly 100 people. Ascindigo is an
overnight, 24 hours a day operation with housing and dining and activity center designed to
house and feed over 100 people. They will need catering and food delivery, laundry service,
trash service and statf coming in and out all day everyday. I have heard they need emergency
vehicles up to 4 times a week! lmagine how long it willtake an ambulance to get to them. lt is
not a safe location.
There is also the huge issue of water. Missouri Heights is dry dry dry. Some existing wells are
drying up already. A gíant operation like Ascindigo is proposing would need massive amounts of
water that just doesn't exist in Missouri Heights. The fire danger is also very real up here. There
is no way such a large camp could be safely evacuated in a hurry with only one way out.
Ascindigo is a wonderful program that does a lot of good for an underserved group. However,
this is NOT the place for it. Unfortunately this camp will decrease the quality of life for all
residents of Missouri Heights. A decrease in property value for the area of Missouri Heights
near the camp is very likely as well.
Allowing a change of land use would be a HUGE mistake. lt will forever change Missouri
Heights for the worse. Please please please do NOT approve this camp proposal.
Sincerely,
Laena Walker
2
A226 Kings Row
Carbondale CO 81623
March L7 ,2021,
Commissioner Tom JankovskY
108 8th Street
Suite 101
Glenwood Springs, CO 8160L
Dear Tom,
The proposerJ AscenrJigo proiecl for Harmorry I ane Õn Missotrri Heip.hts is of great
concern to me as a resident of this irnmediate area since 1980. I feel this
proposed !;:nd use r:hange ¿¡nd a larger scale developrnent is inapprcpriate for an
agricultural and residential area that has no current allowed cornmercial
developnnent. For the following reasons, t strongly oppose the eamp develeprnent
and ask you to do the same.
WILDFIRE
Since residing here, my home has been threatened 3 times by wildfire and I have
beerr ev.icllated twice. I woulcl not consider fire to be a casual threat to our well-
being as resldents but very real and inevitable. fhe incidence of wildfires is
increasing rapidly tl'rroughout the west and we are sure to endure more actual
threats to life and prope:rty witliout adding a significant, very coneentrated
danger of a conrmercial camp facility. ûur recent eornbination of drought and
steadily inereasing winds multiply the threat considerably and both wind and fire
danger are very likely to increase, not deerease, in the eoming years.
WATER
As a r¡--sicjent anrJ part¡c¡pant ot¡ or-¡r Kings Row l-lOA ßoarrl, I arn vr?ry well aware
of changes and difficulties regarciirrg our water suppiy which is alrcady
threateneel= Ti"le seof:l€r of tÍic: F,s;r:r.:ncii¡ier plar¡ sïiows AIi ¡P.!'!oi'ailcq: Í'ei'.¿lltiiäP, t-rr-rtit
domestie supply and irrigation water. Although the Ascendigo property has
il.:.igati<:n i"lglrts, I ser: a lar:k of r¡nclcr:;tanding r^cgarcling that watei'supply's use in
that neitherA cr t] Shares can ke storeti, as in a ponci, A shares not at ail and B
shares only dur!ng the ar:t-ua! r¡.rater ea!1. My 40 years; of expe:'ience with irrigation
w;¡ter enL-(lrîlitasses ;lv;rilabiiitV crf sr-¡tttine r wat<lr froln a (:ot-!il¡{l montirs to 6 days
3 t1.ıPrasv6
EXHIBIT
during drought. 6 days!? Does that work for a pond? And the trend is for less and
less availahrle days of water, not any increase.
PREVIOUS WATER CONCERNS
During the 1990s, a large subdivision was proposed on neighboring Hunt Ranch
and Missouri Heights residents voiced these same concerns. The ultimate
resolution of the development proposal was achieved by a group of concerned
residents in a Water Court case that agreed with our concerns and issued a very
restrictive water decree that was unsatisfactory to the developers and they sold
the entire property.
During my reading of our local neighborhood website and in news, I have read
numerous comments about the need for such a camp to service the autistic
community as welt as the credentials of those proposing the camp. Neither" of
these concepts are relative to our finite water supply. The camp proponents are
ignoring a faet that they may eonsider irrelevant but is instead crucial. Please note
that in my reading, not one of the proponents live on Missouri Heights. I am
concerned with not only water coming from my tap to cJrink but the rising fire
danger where we rely on that water to save our homes. Without water, otrr long
held property values drop immediately to $0. lgnoring that fact puts all your
Missor-¡ri Heights constitr-¡r:nts at risk.
ln One comment I read, a camp proponent attacke:d "trophy home" owners of
NIMBY. My small neighL,oring home !s n'ry only home, the onlY lromr: i h¡ive e:ver
been ablc to afforel, to raise my children, remain for 40 years and live peacefully
in a rur;:l sr:iting. I fecl the Asccndigo Ranch wor-lld th¡'eaten any peace or value
my proper-iy has throrigit danger ic¡ water suprpiy anel fire mitig,ation.
I ask that you attenrj to thc neerls of the Garfield eounty eitizens who are already
resirjents of Missor¡ri l-ieights anci not change zoning or issue a perntit to an
incoming entity that would endanger all our property and perhaps lives.
Very -Sincerely,
Susan Clrsco
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Monday, March 29,2021 2:18 PM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: lExternal] Gar-field County website inquiry
FYI
.sherul L Bower, AICP('/
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8L601
97O-94s-1377 (7605l.
From: M i ke Sa mso n <msamso n @ga rfield-co u nty'com>
Sent: Monday, March 29,202112:55 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message
From: noreplv@formstack.com
Date: March 29,2O2tatI2:43:5L PM MDT
To: Mike Samson <msamson @ea ld-countv.com>
Subject: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: peggvmeve19 @gmail.com
Garfield Coaniy
Subject: Ascendigo development
Name: Peggy Meyer
Email: pegqvmeverg@qmail.com
Phone Number: (630) 877-3756
Message: I fully support this development I think it is the best use of this land. I am directly
impacted as I am the closest Garfield county resident to this property and think it is a better
1
EXHIBIT
L{&oog
outcome then housing development
2
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sherul L Bower, AIC?(-/
Community Development Director
l-08 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8L601-
970-94s-1377 (L6Os)
From: Mike Samson <msamson@garfield-county.com>
Sent: Monday, March 29,202L 1:18 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
FYI
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
Sheryl Bower
Monday, March 29,2021 2:18 PM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
From: noreplv(ôformstack.com
Date: March 29,2O2L at 1:01:05 PM MDT
To: Mike Samson <m samson@ga ld-countv.com>
Subject: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: blissvT9@smail.com
Garfield County
Subject: Ascendigo
Name: Brooke walls
Email: blissvT9@qmail.com
Phone Number: (907) 978-0309
Message: Dear Commissioners Jankovsky, Martin and Samson:
I am writing to you today with serious concerns that the Ascendigo change in land use
applicationwill negatively impact our neighborhood area of Missouri Heights and that the
1
EXHIBIT
LA
tt
.coD
&
application fails fundamentally to meet the land use standards for change in use in several
relevant and important respects as detailed below.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. Compatibility with adjacent land uses and fails to comply with the
Garfield County Comprehensive Plan 2030 Future Land Use Plan which designates this area as
Rural single-family "Residential Medium". The development is a high intensity commercial use
and includes a dining room area that seats 75 diners and a deck that seats an additional 25
dinere; lodging, inoluding housing and guest cottages that sleep near a total of 100 guests and
staff.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. More than 50,000 sq ft of buildings, plus, barns and maintenance
buildings are proposed. The uses, activities and improvements are nowhere close to being
compatible with the single family rural residential neighbors in either size, scale, or use.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-104 and Comprehensive Plan. Ascendigo's stated use of water seems to
ignore that over the past three years, neighborhood water supplies have been adversely
impacted by low pressure, mud/sand infiltration into wells, and zero lack of water pressure
during the Lake Christina fire. lts stated plans for ponds and a greater daily population can only
negatively affect the available water resources.
Missouri Heights does not have the bountiful water access of the Roaring Fork River, but
instead relies upon aquifer recharge from rain and nearby snow pack. Water wells tap the
underlying basalt rock reservoir. Many nearby water wells have gone dry in recent years:
(source 312018 Sopris Sun) https:/iwww.soprissun.com/2018/03/29iwhe_n-the-w_ell-runs-dry
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103 and the Future Land Use Plan. Activities are stated as year-round
with proposed high intensity or heavy use for eleven out of twelve months. The "summer Camp"
runs from May 1 through September 20 and includes 100 campers, counselors, maintenance
and kitchen staff, administrative staff and other support staff on site daily. Camper "Turn over
day" will see even higher numbers of people present, and again during its Winter Camp which
runs from January 1 through March 30. Non-camp months will welcome seminars with guests
housed at the lodge and dining facilities open and use for other programs. These high
concentrations of people and activities is not compatible with the rural single family residential
neighborhood that has a low daily population dispersed over large homesites.
Fails to meet LUDC-7-103 and Future Land Use Plan. The resulting enormous increases in
tratfic is not compatible with the current Rural Residential Medium designation and is not
compatible with the single-family residential neighborhood.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-1OT. "All roads shall be designed to provide for adequate and safe
access". Of serious concern is that Ascendigo has requested a waiver from the usual Garfield
County road standards. The road is, quite simply, a wreck. Harmony Road is a barely improved
farm road with little or no road base. The planned grading of a section of the road by Ascendigo
a few weeks before the site visit represents a mere band aid and was done only to disguise the
completely degraded surface and road base. Their proposed "chip and seal" improvement is not
adequate for the extent of planned use.
The proposed development site is located in Garfield County's "Very High" susceptibility index
forwildfire. The two roads which are the evacuation corridors from the site, CR 1O2to,
Katherine Store Road and Fender to Upper Cattle Creek, have blind spots and right angle turns
that impede traffic and do not permit any sort of an efficient evacuation. The Lake Christine
evacuation was chaotic and witnessed bumper to bumper vehicles and trailers all in a slow
parade out of this area in July 2018. Add another 100, plus people concentrated in one area to
this mix and there is only disaster in its wake. Accordingly, it fails to comply with
"Comprehensive Plan 2030', page 52, Policy 5 vi.
2
Does not meet the definition of "Educational Use" under the Land Use Code. "Buildings and
uses for instruction or research activities associated with an academic institution (Emphasis
added).. . " Ascendigo is not, and has never claimed to be, an academic institution or associated
with one.
This development does not comply with "Comprehensive Plan 2030" that strives to preserve
rural land and character and encourage more intense development in towns and already
developed commercial areas that have adequate established infrastructure.
All told, Ascendigo is proposing to change the character of this portion of Missouri Heights from
that of rural residential
Sincerely,
Brooke Walls
3
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
lo:
Subiect:
-sherul L Bower, AICP<)
Community DeveloPment Director
LO8 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 81-60L
97O-94s-L377 (L6Os)
From: M i ke Sa mso n <msa mson @ga rfield-co u nty.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 21,2O2I6:09 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
FYI
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message
Sheryl Bower
Monday, March 22,2021 8:24 AM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: lExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
From : noreplv@fo stack.com
Date: March 2I,2OZI at 4:02:09 PM MDT
To: M ike Samson <msa mson @garfield-countv.com>
Subject: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To:ksba nnerot email.com
Garfield Coanty
Subject: A "Heads-Up" from Karin Bannerot and Mike Ballard
Name: KARIN BANNEROT
Email: ksbannerot@gmail.com
Phone Number: (970) 379-5354
Message: Hi Mike,
I am wórking with Karen Mokuleski and several neighbors in Missouri Heights regarding the
proposed Ascendigo Autism development up here.
1
10
EXHIBIT
I am reaching out to let you know that my Mike and I along with many others up here are
organizing to have our opinions heard by you and the other commissioners as well as Glenn
Hartmann in Planning.
Mike, it is just not compatible to have this ABcendigo camp, lake and equestrian center be built
in our quiet, rural neighborhood. I am carefully reading the Land Use Application/standards.
Whew- I don't know how you all get through these ,but thank you when you have to do sol
You may remember that I have been a pediatric nurse for 39 years, so the issue is NOT that
children with special needs deserve a camp. lt is the PLACEMENT of this development that
alarms us. Period.
Thank you for taking time to read our letter, and letters that will be arriving to you all. My hope is
that you will take into account the tremendous, longterm negative impact an Ascendigo
development will have on those of us who love and appreciate the quiet, peaceful feel of
Missouri Heights today. We love living here and want to preserve our quiet, serene
environment.
Karin
2
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
bshettel < bshettel@ me.com >
Monday, March 29,2021 3:47 PM
Glenn Hartmann
IExternal] Ascendigo Ranch development
Mr. Hartman,
I am writing this emailto you in opposition to the planned Ascendigo Ranch development along Harmony Lane on the
eastern edge of Garfield County in Missouri Heights. I believe the development should be denied for several pertinent
and important reasons.
First, Ascendigo is attempting to broaden the definition of acceptable land use by claiming this development falls under
Garfield County's definition of 'educational'. Garco's own land use code defines 'educational use' as "Buildings and uses
for instruction or rpsearch activities a ated with an academic institut iÕn ---"Ascendigo admits that they are not an
educational institution or associated with one. I believe this is a clear and obvious violation of the wording an d intent of
the local land use code. The correct word should be 'recreational.'
Secondly, while Ascendigo touts water attorneys and engineers approving their plans, a deeper look at their planned
water usage raises red flags. They plan to irrigate 8.6 acres with well water and some potentially ephemeral ditch
water, along with sporting fields and filling several lakes. This is a massive water demand, in my opinion. Using the
standard figure of 1 acre-foot of water for one family's annual use, the original approved L3 dwellings would have used
L3 acre-feet of water annually. (That is assuming all those families remained living here year round. The reality is that
typically a third of the homes in this area are 2nd homes, with only partial annual use.) Back of the envelope calculations
show Ascendigo's water usage to be at least triple that. The hay fields alone will consume L6 to 32 acre-feet annually'
As a homeowner whose well has started pumping muck several years ago for an entire season, I am genuinely
concerned. I've queried well drillers, pump engineers, and geologists, and I've come away with the realization that water
work is an inexact science at best. Our well is but 50 yards from our neighbors, yet we had to drill to 300 ft. vs' 200 for
theirs to hit water. The year we pumped muck, I had to change filters 2-3 times weekly just to keep some kind of water
flowing. ln discussions with the engineer that came and retested our well, the only coincidental explanation for the
increaseinsolidswasanewwellbeingdrilled overlzmileaway. lf apurelyagriculturaloperation,evenmeetingtheland
use code, were to apply for operation and planned to use this much water, I would likewise oppose it for the same
reason.
Finally, Ascendigo is using a tried and true method to save money. Buy residential land at residential prices, and then
apply for a variance or code change to commercial and, violá, commercial land at residential prices' There go our
property values. We create land use codes to ensure that c¡tizens can settle in a place where they can live and there will
be no subsequent surprises. Those of us who bought up here, typically did so after years of earning, scrimping and
saving. To have this development dropped in on us after the fact invalidates the entire concept of zoning. I've already
been through one such mess in my life, and, frankly, would prefer never to have to again.
I urge you to deny approval of the Ascendigo Ranch development.
Sincerely,
Bob Shettel
1
EXHIBIT
1t
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Jennifer Bruno <jenbh4@gmail.com>
Monday, March 29,2021 1 1:51 PM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Ascendigo in Missouri HeightsSubiect:
Dear Mr Hartmann,
I know you have heard from many of my neighbors and the residents of Garfield and bordering Eagle County about
allowing Ascendigo to build a HeadQuarters in Missouri Heights. We are concerned voters and tax paying citizens' By
now you have read countless letters about the violation of land use codes, the traffic, the dust, the roads, water
resources, non-rural nature and fire danger. I agree, the volume is simply too much, and it is unsafe for all residents and
visitors to create something of this magnitude in a dirt road community with limited resources and access in an
emergency. We allfelt it when we had to sit in "ruraltraffic" during the emergency evacuation of the Lake Christine
Fires. lt will haunt me for the rest of my life.
This is an extreme environment and can not sustain the likes of 456 additionalcars daily, for-profit sub-rentals when not
in use, vendors, deliveries, campers, drops offs/pickups, emergency vehicles and 100 person dinners on a weekly basis
(admitted bv Dan Richardson himselfl, etc. The water needed for an equestrian center, playing fields and a pond is
absurd up here. The list goes on, but it ends for me in the change of land use codes. This is a "can of worms" that will
change everyth¡ng - not only for Missouri Heights, but all of rural Garfield County.
Although a wonderful cause that my family holds (very) near and dear, it is a commercial land use that is unfounded,
inappropriate and unsafe. I agree that this production is a way to create an important experience for very special and
deserving people. lt's hard for me to leave the tugged heartstrings out of it, but I must, to make sure my community
does not head down a rabbit hole that we can not recover from.
Ascendigo's website states iLis "covered by most insuronce". Does insurance pay for education now? We all know this
is not educational use. lt is important to think about the future when Ascendigo realizes it is too harsh of an
environment to sustain? Who will be allowed to commercialize in our rural neighborhood then?
To be frank, it feels like a back door deal with the Mayor of Carbondale - A.K.A' The COO of Ascendigo - and his Garfield
County elected officials. I mean, how else can a 3 step approval process go down to 1 step process? Can someone
please explain how this happened with allof the pushback in the community?
I am looking forward to hearing your response, and thank you for your consideration.
Concerned Citizen,
Jennifer Bruno
(970) 30e-3066
'llzEXHIBIT
1
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sue Craver < sue3340@gmail.com >
Monday, March 29,2021 9:30 PM
Glenn Hartmann
[External] Ascendigo Proposal
I am writing you to oppose a land use change application submitted to Garfield
County by Ascendigo Autism Serv¡ces. The purpose of the application is to allow
Ascendigo to operate a year-round camp with lodging, dining, and indoor/outdoor
recreational facilities and includes such uses as fund raising events, short term rentals
and seminar space on 126 acres of land in Missouri Heights. I oppose this project
because the development will mark a drastic change from the rural, agricultural, and
residential uses in the immediate neighborhood of Missouri Heights and will pave the way
for other non-residential uses to infiltrate the area.
In addition, our natural resources are limited, especially in this severe drought which we
are currently experiencing. Water is already dangerously scarce and becoming worse
every year due to climate changes change. Muddy wells and rationing are already a
reality throughout Missouri Heights.
Fire is a constant threat in our area, especially with the notorious winds we have in
Missouri Heights. Evacuation was stressful enough during the Lake Christine fire and
more recently from the threat of evacuation from the Grizzly Creek fire. Evacuating 100+
staff and children from a remote area accessed by dirt roads is not comparable to
evacuation from more easily accessible areas. Everyone agrees that Ascendigo's mission
is worthwhile and that their clients deserve a special facility. But this is simply the wrong
location for the reasons provided above, and for many more which are too numerous to
list here. Another rural residential community has rejected a previous proposal. We
believe finding a location on the valley floor with better access to water and emergency
services, and with better egress is more appropriate as well as safer for everyone
involved.
i will add that I have also been dismayed at the disingenuousness of the proposers of this
development. Please do not allow this blatantly commercial enterprise to encroach upon
the fragile environment that is Missouri Heights.
Sue Craver
861 Green Meadow Drive
Missouri Heights
Carbondale
970-963-7036
1
EXHIBIT
1 j
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Peter Gilbert < peterl gilbert2@gmail.com >
Tuesday, March 30,2021 10:00 AM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Ascend igo Proje-ct
Dear Mr. Hartmann,
I am very concerned about the Ascendigo Project and its effect on the rural nature of the western part of Missouri
Heights.
The intense use with 24 residents, 50 plus staff and events with up to L00 guests will dramatically increase traffic and
noise with perhaps 450 round trip vehicles per day.
I live off of County Road 100 and have already been subjected to increased traffic over recent years with many vehicles
greatly exceeding posted speed limits. The intersection of CR 100 and Rt 82 already sees many accidents each year. The
Ascendigo Project will certainly increase the number of safety issues.
There are so many other reasons to reject this project, including excess water use and its precedent for other
commercial development in this area and loss of tax revenue due to the projects non profit status.
Missouri Heights is the wrong location for this project
Sincerely,
Peter Gilbert
4480 CR 100
''l+EXHIBIT
boog
1
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
lo:
Subiect:
Sheryl Bower
Tuesday, March 30,2021 10:42 AM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
.sherul L Bower, AlcP
<-/
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
97O-94s-L377 (L6Osl
From: Tom Ja n kovsky <tja n kovsky@ga rfield-county.com >
Sent: Tuesday, March 30,202110:39 AM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: FW: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
From : no re plv(Ðformstack.com <no re p lv@fo rmsta ck.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30,2O2L 10:38 AM
To: Tom Ja n kovsky <tia n kovskv@ga rfie ld-co u ntv'com>
Subject: lExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Subject: Missouri Heights - Please keep it residential
Name: Madeline Bailey
Email : madieraebailev@qmail.com
Phone Number: (970) 319-0084
Message: Dear Commissioners Jankovsky, Martin and Samson:
I am writing to you today with serious concerns that the Ascendigo change in land use application will
negativelyìmpáct our neighborhood area of Missouri Heights and that the application fails fundamentally to
meet tre land use standaids for change in use in several relevant and important respects as detailed below
1
U .-t./E" lb
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. Compatibility with adjacent land uses and fails to comply with the Garfield County
Comprehensive Plan 2030 Future Land Use Plan which designates this area as Rural slngle-family
"Residential Medium". The development is a high intensity commercial use and includes a dining room area
that seats 75 diners and a deck that seats an additlonal 25 diners; lodging, including housing anã guest
cottages that sleep near a total of 100 guests and staff.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. More than 50,000 sq ft of buildings, plus, barns and maintenance buildings are
proposed. The uses, activities and improvements are nowhere close to being corrrpratible with the single family
rural residential neighbors in either size, scale, or rlse
Fails to meet LUDC 7-104 and Comprehensive Plan. Ascendigo's stated use of water seems to ignore that
over the past three years, neighborhood water supplies have been adversely impacted by low pressure,
mud/sand infiltration into wells, and zero lack of water pressure during the Lake Christina fire. lts stated plans
for ponds and a greater daily population can only negatively affect the available water resources.
Missouri Heights does not have the bountiful water access of the Roaring Fork River, but instead relies upon
aquifer recharge from rain and nearby snow pack. Water wells tap the underlying basalt rock reservoir. Many
nearby water wells have gone dry in recent years: (source 31201a Sopris Sun)
https://www. soprissu n. com/20 1 8/03/28/when-the-wel l-ru ns-d rv/.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103 and the Future Land Use Plan. Activities are stated as year-round with proposed
high intensity or heavy use for eleven out of twelve months. The "summer Camp" runs from May 1 through
September 20 and includes 100 campers, counselors, maintenance and kitchen staff, administrative staff and
other support staff on site daily. Camper "Turn over day" will see even higher numbers of people present, and
again during its Winter Camp which runs from January 1 through March 30. Non-camp months will welcome
seminars with guests housed at the lodge and dining facilities open and use for other programs. These high
concentrations of people and activities is not compatible with the rural single family residential neighborhood
that has a low daily population dispersed over large homesites.
Fails to meet LUDC-7-103 and Future Land Use Plan. The resulting enormous increases in traffic is not
compatible with the current Rural Residential Medium designation and is not compatible with the single-family
residential neighborhood.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-107. "411 roads shall be designed to provide for adequate and safe access". Of serious
concern is that Ascendigo has requested a waiver from the usual Garfield County road standards. The road is,
quite simply, a wreck. Harmony Road is a barely improved farm road with little or no road base. The planned
grading of a section of the road by Ascendigo a few weeks before the site visit represents a mere band aid and
was done only to disguise the completely degraded surface and road base. Their proposed "chip and seal"
improvement is not adequate for the extent of planned use.
The proposed development site is located in Garfield County's "Very High" susceptibility index for wildfire. The
two roads which are the evacuation corridors from the site, CR 1O2to, Katherine Store Road and Fender to
Upper Cattle Creek, have blind spots and right angle turns that impede traffic and do not permit any sort of an
efficient evacuation. The Lake Christine evacuation was chaotic and witnessed bumper to bumper vehicles and
trailers all in a slow parade out of this area in July 2018. Add another 100, plus people concentrated in one
area to this mix and there is only disaster in its wake. Accordingly, it fails to comply with "Comprehensive Plan
2030', page 52, Policy 5 vi.
Does not meet the definition of "Educational Use" under the Land Use Code. "Buildings and uses for instruction
or research activities associated with an academic institution (Emphasis added)..." Ascendigo is not, and has
2
l,,i,lri:
never claimed to be, an academic institution or associated with one.
This development does not comply with "Comprehensive Plan 2030" that strives to preserve rural land and
character and encourage more intênse development in towns and already developed commercial areas that
have an adequate established infrastructure.
Please consider our residential homes in your decision. This is incredibly saddening'
Kind regards,
Madeline Bailey
3
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subiect:
Jennifer Bruno <jenbh4@gmail.com>
Tuesday, March 30,2021 11.,22 AM
Sheryl Bower
Glenn Hartmann
Re: [External] Ascendigo Please Read ASAP
Thank you for your time. I know you have a LOT of emails to go through about this, but as you can tell there
are a lót of people and policies to consider beyond Ascendigo. I really appreciate you letting me be heard:
I have just one more thing to add about your comment "rUtOST LIKE an Educationalfacility with overnight
sfays".
As per Garfield county's own guidelines, an educational facility is'. "Buildings and uses for instruction or
research activities associated with an academic institution that has curriculum for technical or vocational
training that may be, but is not limited to, kindergarten, elementary, secondary, or higher education, including
residential facilities for faculty, staff, and students."
Ascendigo Ranch simply does not meet this standard. They are not associated with an academic institution,
nor havãthey ever been. They do not have a curriculum for technical or vocational training. ln their
application they state, "summer camps would be offered between May 1 and September. 30.. the facilities mav
be made avaitable for... training groups of educators and/or employers."
This Operation does wonderful things 5 months out of the year, but education is not one of them! ln addition,
the other 7 months of the year it will be a full blown commercial operation renting the space to whomever
tney ptease anO aOding winter camps. Camps are not educational; they are a @LtlKE a commercial
operation.
The idea that Ascendigo "may" offer some educational courses, with no formal curriculum or academic
institution association,-sometime in the future, should not allow them to be approved as an educational
facility. They are a Summer Camp, and as referenced to in their application, they have visions for year-round
operãtions.
-Stated
in their words: "There witt be therapeutic services offered year-round. At some point, winter
c'amp programming that is currently housed near the ski areas in rental homes could be housed at the site".
Again, thank you for your time
Sincerely,
Jen
On Tue, Mar 30, 2O2L at 10:30 AM Jennifer Bruno <ienbh4@gmail.com> wrote:
Well, I am concerned after hearing about the quick nature of this decision process. lt certainly seems pushed through
without major consideration for the land use change MOST LIKE a commercial operation. jeopardizing other neighbors
resource depletion, fire safety and complete life interruption. The applicant certainly knows the channels to get that
done.
Thank you for your time, please keep our rural neighborhood and residents in mind
Sincerely,
Jen
1
1b
EXHIBIT
tâ
-c.ooô
On Tue, Mar 30, 2O2L at L0:19 AM Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-countv.com> wrote
Oh geez. The proposed land use is most like an institutional educational facility with overnight stays, This is a limited
impact review (that includes a public hearing) which is the process we are taking this through. The choice for how it is
being reviewed has noth¡ng to do with who the applicant is.
,shergl L Bower, Alcp
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8L601
970-94s-L377 (L60s)
From: Jennifer Bruno <ienbh4@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30,2A2L 10:L6 AM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-countv.com>
Cc: Glenn Ha rtmann <ghartmann@earfield-countv.com>
Subject: Re: IExternal]Ascendigo Please Read ASAP
I was told yesterday by another Missouri Heights resident that the 3 step process to approval has been changed to a L
step process without a valid reason. There is, of course, speculation it is because of the relationship the COO of
Ascendigo/Mayor of Carbondale (Dan Rlchardon) has with the County Officials. I want to believe there is
another reason and this will be a fairtrialthat allsides are heard and considered. Can you give me some intelas to
what this could pertain to?
On Tue, Mar 30, 202L at 10:09 AM Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-countv.com> wrote:
Hello Jennifer, l'm not sure what you are talking about? There will be a public hearing prior to any votes.
.shergl L Bower, AtC"
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
2
97O-945-L377 11605l
From: Jennifer Bruno <ienbh4@email.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30,2O2t 9:55 AM
To: Sheryl Bowe r <sbower@ga rfie ld-co u ntv.com>
Cc: Glenn Ha rtmann <gha rtmann@garfield-countv.com>
Subject: Re: [External] Ascendigo Please Read ASAP
ls it possible to answer how the process went from 3 steps to 1 step without a vote/consideration for those trying to
be heard?
on Tue, Mar 30, 2O2t at 9:51 AM Jennifer Bruno <ienbh4@gmail.com> wrote:
Thank you very much!
On Tue, Mar 30, 2O2L at 9:L0 AM Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-countv.com> wrote
Hello Jennifer, I appreciate your comments and we will take them into consideration as we go through our review
of the application.
Regards,
.shergl L Bowec AlcP
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8160L
97j-94s-t377 (L6Os)
From: Jennifer Bruno <ienbh4@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, March 29,202111:53 PM
To: Sheryl Bowe r <sbower@ga rfield-co u ntv'com >
Subiect: [External] Ascendigo Please Read ASAP
3
Dear Mrs. Bower,
I know you have heard from many of my neighbors and the residents of Garfield and bordering Eagle County about
allowing Ascendigo to build a HeadQuarters in Missouri Heights. We are concernecl voters ancl tax paying
citizens. By now you have read countless letters about the violation of land use codes, the traffic, the dust, the
roads, water resources, non-rural nature and fire danger. I agree, the volume is simply too much, and it is
unsafe for all residents and visitors to create something of this magnitude in a dirt road community with limited
resources and access in an emergency. We all felt it when we had to sit in "rural traffic" during the emergency
evacuation of the Lake christine Fires. lt will haunt me for the rest of my life.
This is an extreme environment and can not sustain the likes of 456 additional cars daily, for-profit sub-rentals
when not in use, vendors, deliveries, campers, drops offs/pickups, emergency vehicles and i.00 person dinners on a
weekly basis (admitted bv Dan Richardson himself), etc. The water needed for an equestrian center, playing fields
and a pond is absurd up here. The list goes on, but it ends for me in the change of land use codes. This is a "can of
\ /orms" that will change everything - not only for Missouri Heights, but all of rural Garfield County.
Although a wonderful cause that my family holds (very) near and dear, it is a commercial land use that ¡s
unfounded, inappropriate and unsafe. I agree that this production is a way to create an important experience for
very special and deserving people. lt's hard for me to leave the tugged heartstrings out of it, but I must, to
make sure my community does not head down a rabbit hole that we can not recover from.
Ascendigo's website states iLis "covered by most insuronce". Does insurance pay for education now? We all
know this is not educational use. lt is important to think about the future when Ascendigo realizes it is too harsh of
an environment to sustain? Who will be allowed to commercialize in our rural neighborhood then?
To be frank, it feels like a back door deal with the Mayor of Carbondale - A.K.A., The COO of Ascendigo - and his
Garfield County elected officials. I mean, how else can a 3 step approval process go down to 1 step process? Can
someone please explain how this happened with all of the pushback in the community?
I am looking forward to hearing your response, and thank you for your consideration.
Concerned Citizen,
4
Jennifer Bruno
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 1 1:23 AM
Jennifer Bruno
Glenn Hartmann
RE: lExternal] Ascendigo Please Read ASAP
Jennifer, This is not being pushed through. There are extensive studies and reports that the applicant provides for staff
to analyze and make a recommendation to the BOCC. The level of documentation required is the same regardless if it is
a major or limited impact review. Staff and the BOCC will have the benefit of everyone's comments prior to the meeting
and the comments during the public hearing portion of the meeting. The land use table does not have a category called
,,commercial operation". And none of the commercial uses listed under the commercial category are similar to what is
being proposed. The closest use (based on the nature of the impacts: traffic, water, intensity , types of uses being
proposed, etc...) is an educational facility (the definition of educational facility includes residential facilities for staff and
students). yes I understand that there are those that argue that this is not affiliated with a school, therefore it can't be
treated as an educational use. That is not how the code works. We need to look at the impacts and nature of the use
and determine which category it is most like and in this case it is operating most like an educationalfacility. However,
having said that regardless of how it is classified we will not discount impacts to roads, water, wastewater, community
character, fire etc...The same as we would if it fell into some commercial classification'
Hope that helps.
.sherul L Bower, AlcP<)
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8160L
97O-94s-L377 (L6Osl
From: Jennifer Bruno <jenbh4@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30,2021-10:31- AM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Cc: G lenn Ha rtma nn <ghartmann@ga rfield-county.com>
Subject: Re: [External] Ascendigo Please Read ASAP
Well, I am concerned after hearing about the quick nature of this decision process. lt certainly seems pushed through
without major consideration for the land use change MOST LIKE a commercial operation. jeopardizing other neighbors
resource depletion, fire safety and complete life interruption. The applicant certainly knows the channels to get that
done.
Thank you for your time, please keep our rural neighborhood and residents in mind.
Sincerely,
Jen
On Tue, Mar 30, 2O2t at L0:L9 AM Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-countv.com> wrote
1
Oh geez. The proposed land usc is most like an institutional educational facility with overnight stays. This is a linrited
impact review (that includes a public hearing) which is the process we are taking this through, The choice for how it is
being reviewed has nothing to do with who the applicant is.
shergl L Bower, A\CP
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 8160L
970-94s-L377 (t6O5)
From: Jennifer Bruno <jenbh4@g-mail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30,202'1,10:16 AM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@ga rfield-countv.com >
Cc: G le nn Ha rtma nn <sha rtma n n @ea rf¡eld-cou ntv.com>
Subject: Re: [External] Ascendigo Please Read ASAp
I was told yesterday by another Missouri Heights resident that the 3 step process to approval has been changed to a 1
stepprocesswithoutavalidreason. Thereis,ofcourse,speculationitisbecauseoftherelationshiptheCOOof
Ascendigo/Mayor of Carbondale (Dan Rlchardon) has with the County Officials. I want to believe there is
another reason and this will be a fair trial that all sides are heard and considered. Can you give me some intel as to
what this could pertain to?
on Tue, Mar 30, 2o2'J. aï 10:09 AM sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-countv.com> wrote:
Hello Jennifer, l'm not sure what you are talk¡ng about? There will be a public hearing prior to any votes.
.SherUl L Bower, AlcP
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
2
970-94s-L377 (t60s)
From: Jennifer Bruno <ienbh4@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30,zOZt 9:55 AM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@earfield-countv.com>
Cc: G le n n Ha rtma nn <gha rtma nn @ea rf¡e ld-co u ntv'com>
Subject: Re: [External]Ascendigo Please Read ASAP
ls it possible to answer how the process went from 3 steps to 1 step without a vote/consideration for those trying to
be heard?
On Tue, Mar 30, 2O27 at 9:51- AM Jennifer Bruno <ienbh4@email.com> wrote
Thank you very much !
On Tue, Mar 30, 2O2I at 9:10 AM Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-countV.com> wrote:
Hello Jennifer, I appreciate your comments and we will take them into consideration as we go through our review of
the application.
Regards,
,shergl L Bower, AlcP
Community DeveloPment Director
108 8th Street, Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 8L601
970-94s-r377 (L6Osl
From: Jennifer Bruno <ienbh4@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, March 29,202111:53 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-countv'com>
Subject: IExternal] Ascendigo Please Read ASAP
3
Dear Mrs. Bower,
I kr¡ow yr.ru have heard from many of my neighbors and the residcnts of Gartield and bordering Eagle County about
allowing Ascendigo to build a HeadQuarters in Missouri Heights. We are concerned voters and tax paying
citizens. By now you have read countless letters about the violation of land use codes, the traffic, the dust, the
roads, water resources, non-rural nature and fire danger. I agree, the volume is simply too much, and it is unsafe for
all residents and visitors to create something of this magnitude in a dirt road community with limited resources and
access in an emergency. We all felt it when wé had to sit in "rural traffic" during the emergency evacuation of
the Lake Christine Fires. lt will haunt me for the rest of my life.
This is an extreme environment and can not sustain the likes of 456 additional cars daily, for-profit sub-rentals when
not in use, vendors, deliveries, campers, drops offs/pickups, emergencyvehicles and i.00 person dinners on a
weekly basis (admitted bv Dan Ri etc. The water needed for an equestrian center, playing fields
and a pond is absurd up here. The list goes on, but it ends for me in the change of land use codes. This is a "can of
worms" that will change everything - not only for Missouri Heights, but all of rural Garfield County.
Although a wonderfulcause that myfamily holds (very) nearand dear, it is a commercialland use that is unfounded,
inappropriate and unsafe. I agree that this production is a way to create an important experience for very special
and deserving people. lt's hard for me to leave the tugged heartstrings out of it, but I must, to make sure my
community does not head down a rabbit hole that we can not recover from.
Ascendigo's website states itis "covered by most ínsurance". Does insurance pay for education now? we all
know this is not educational use. lt is important to think about the future when Ascendigo realizes it is too harsh of
an environment to sustain? Who will be allowed to commercialize in our rural neighborhood then?
To be frank, it feels like a back door deal with the Mayor of Carbonda le - A.K.A., The COO of Ascendigo - and his
Garfield County elected officials. I mean, how else can a 3 step approval process go down to l- step process? Can
someone please explain how this happened with all of the pushback in the community?
I am looking forward to hearing your response, and thank you for your consideration.
Concerned Citizen,
Jennifer Bruno
4
(e70) 30e-3066
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Jennifer Bruno <jenbh4@gmail.com>
Tuesday, March 30,2021 11:27 AM
Sheryl Bower
Glenn Hartmann
Re: lExternal] Ascendigo Please Read ASAPSubject:
Ok this does help. lt seems more fair thank you for explaining and keeping our fragile nature up here in
consideration! tt simply does not belong up here, but if you are truly reviewing all of that and not just a study that
Ascendigo paid for, I think you will see that! I did hit send at the exact same times as you in the email above. This
answers a lot.
Thank You.
on Tue, Mar 30, 2o2t ar 1"1:22 AM sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-countv'com> wrote:
Jennifer, This is not being pushed through. There are extensive studies and reports that the applicant provides for staff
to analyze and make a recommendation to the BOCC. The level of documentation required is the same regardless if it is
a major or limited impact review. Staff and the BOCC will have the benefit of everyone's comments prior to the
meeting and the comments during the public hearing portion of the meeting. The land use table does not have a
category called "commercial operation". And none of the commercial uses listed under the commercialcategory are
similar to what is being proposed. The closest use (based on the nature of the impacts: traffic, water, intensity , types
of uses being proposed, etc...) is an educational facility (the definition of educational facility includes residential
facilities for staff and students). Yes I understand that there are those that argue that this is not affiliated with a school,
therefore it can,t be treated as an educational use. That is not how the code works. We need to look at the impacts and
nature of the use and determine which category it is most like and in this case it is operating most like an educational
facility. However, having said that regardless of how it is classified we will not discount impacts to roads, water,
wastewater, community character, fire etc...The same as we would if it fell into some commercial classification.
Hope that helps.
.shergl L Bower, A|CP
Community DeveloPment Director
108 8th Street, Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 8L601
1
97Ù-94s-r377 (r60sl
From: Jennifer Bruno <ienbh4@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2021 10:3i. AM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@gaffield-county.com>
Cc: G lenn Hartmann <ghartmann@ga rfield-countv.com>
Subject: Re: IExternal] Ascendigo Please Read ASAp
Well, I am concerned after hearing about the quick nature of this decision process. lt certainly seems pushed through
without major consideration for the land use change MOST LIKE a commercial operation. jeopardizing other neighbors
resource depletion, fire safety and complete life interruption. The applicant certainly knows the channels to get that
done.
Thank you for yourtime, please keep our rural neighborhood and residents in mind
Sincerely,
Jen
on Tue, Mar 30, 2o2t at 10:19 AM sheryl Bower <sbower@garfleld-countv.com> wrote:
oh geez. The proposed land use is most like an institut¡onal educational facility with overnight stays. This is a limited
impact review (that includes a public hearing) which is the process we are taking this through. The choice for how it is
being reviewed has nothing to do with who the applicant is.
,-sherptl L Bower, Alcp<-/
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
970-94s-1377 (160s)
From: Jennifer Bruno <ienbh4@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30,2021- 10:1_6 AM
To: She ryl Bower <sbowe r@ga rfie ld-co u ntv.com>
Cc: Glenn Hartmann <ghartmann@garfield-countv.com>
Subject: Re: IExternal] Ascendigo Please Read ASAp
2
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
,shergl L Eower, AlcP
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 8160L
970-94s-L377 (L6Osl
From: M ike Sa mson <msa mson @ga rfield-cou nty'com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 30,202L9:22 AM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county'com>
Subiect: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
FYI
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message
Sheryl Bower
Tuesday, March 30,2021 1 1:49 AM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
From: noreplv@formstack'com
Date: March 30,2O2t at 9:08:36 AM MDT
To: M i ke Sa mso n <msa mson @ga rfie ld-cou ntv.com>
Subject: [Externall Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: tvfinn @hotmail.com
Gørfield County
Subject: Proposed Development in Missouri Heights
Name: Tyler Finn
Email : tvfinn@hotmail. com
Phone Number. (301) 520-2452
Message: Dear Commissioner Samson,
This communication is in regards to the proposed development of property in Missouri Heights
for a commercial operation camp among other activities. I grew up in Missouri Heights and
finally(now that we can barely afford) my wife and I are just finishing the build of our dream
11
EXHIBIT
home nearby this proposed development. We have put our lives and soul into this house and
we chose to move back to Missouri Heights because of the rural, quiet and low traffic
atmosphere the residential community provides.
We are very concerned about allowlng development of commercial (non agricultural) operations
in Missouri Heights as this will set a precedent for additional development. A few years back on
Fender property someone built a huge building to host weddings at. Ultimately thé neighbors
blocked that group from those functions however we now have an eyesore of a bullding that is
basically doing nothing. Please prevent this proposed development from going that far and stop
it before anything starts. Commercial operations rlo not belong in the middle of the Mlssourl
Heights residential area.
Missouri Heights has the best views in the Valley, best location in the valley and is the best
place to live in the valley. Please help us keep it that way.
Thank you for your time!
Tyler and Lindsay Finn
2
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Lori Brandon <lori@rlbrandon.com>
Tuesday, March 30,2021 3:20 PM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternall Please do NOT approve Ascendigo's application
Dear Mr. Hartmann,
I am writing again to register my opposition to the Ascendigo proposal in Missouri Heights, where I and my husband
reside.
I continue to learn more about this plan and the more I learn the more I am against it...and the more Ascendigo's
arguments and statistics seem to changelThere are others who have analyzed the plan relative to specific code and
detailed guidelines as it relates to land use and I will leave those details to their letters and comments. Those are of
critical importance, and I know you will consider those carefully.
Rather I will share just some of my overall concerns.
L. Like everyone, I am concerned about the fire safety in terms of fire danger, fire mitigation and evacuation. We
have all experienced the stress of evacuation during the Lake Christine fire and then seen the threat of last
summer,s horrible fires here and elsewhere in CO. This has to be a huge concern, especially with our notorious
winds here in Missouri Heights. lt's very different to evacuate a 100+ facility with campers and staff and animals
vs. residents of homes, not allof which will have been built, some built on double lots, and not allwould be full-
time and occuPied.
Z. Water is already an extreme issue - rationing and muddy wells are already a reality. We see, again this year, our
moisture is below average. lt's hard to believe that this proposed facility with dorms turning over weekly
(laundry/ cleaning) and a commercial kitchen plus equestrian facility, pond, ball fields and ice skating rink would
use less water than 13-L5 homes - again not all fully occupied or built yet.
3. And let's be clear, the Ascendigo proposal compares the¡r impacts to 2L or more homes. That is NOT what is
currently approved for these combined properties, so Ascendigo's comparisons are simply not valid.
4. What about property tax revenue for Garfield County? As a non-profit, they surely will (may already have)
submitted a request for a tax waiver. l-3+ homes would generate revenue to the local government in the range
of g j-00,000 or more PER YEAR - depending on how quickly the lots get improved and homes are built. I hope
that is a serious consideration and it is certainly an issue that voters will care about.
5. lf we have deer killed on the roads now? Just imagine many 1.00s of extra cars that are not as familiar with the
area driving here. Our deer are often just by the road's edge and totally camouflaged. We will surely see more
casualties to say nothing of the other wildlife impacts.
6. Finally, I am quite concerned about a perceived conflict of interest. Mr. Dan Richardson, who is the COO of
Ascendigo is also the mayor of Carbondale and had been in government in Glenwood Springs. While I imagine he
is a true professional (l do not know him), he simply cannot be objective. So to the extent Carbondale
municipality has any formal submission, I respectfully request it be disqualified or at least viewed as biased.
I could go on, but will leave it at this. ln summary, I am very concerned about the change in character to our very rural,
quiet neighborhood and believe this would open the door to future commercial endeavors as well as leave the
possibility of expansion on this property with little oversight. As everyone who is opposed to this agrees, the mission and
program that Ascendigo represents is admirable and needed, but they should find a location on the valley floor with
better access to all services needed that will not bring significant negative impacts to a rural residential neighborhood'
1
1{
EXHIBIT
t¡üôog
I urge you NOT to approve Ascendigo's application
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Brandon
405 Skipper Drive
Carbondale, CO 81623
9L4-924-2225
2
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Daniel Bayer <dphotobayer@yahoo.com>
Tuesday, March 30,2021 3:48 PM
Glenn Hartmann
[External] Building a business in a future Superfund Site???Subject:
Hi,
I guess it is time to introduce my self. I am Daniel Bayer, a relatively new resident of Missouri Heights. ln20L7 my wife
and I lost our housing in Aspen and had to make a choice in terms of a long term solution. So even though I was hesitant
from the start due to fire danger and water issues as known quantities even at this early stage, we purchased a home in
the neighborhood.
ln less than a year it became very apparent to me that we might have made a mistake. Within one month of moving in, I
installed a weather station that feeds data to a big data project on precipitation and wind. The outlook by the end of
2Ot7 was not good and only got worse from there. The increase in wind events exceeding 40mph went up like a rocket.
And while the Winter snows seemed decent in 2OI7 , that also did not last.
The Lake Christine Fire was a relatively minor fire on rapidly increasing scale, we were evacuated as we were less than
t/2 a mile from it at its closest range'
Now we are in sustained exceptional drought, a scale that will likely see a more severe category added within 3-5 years.
Unlike the valley floor, we rely tOO% on wells for our water, this is not only outdated but is simply not sustainable as the
regional climate makes a permanent shift to a highly arid arrangement of weather patterns'
My wind data from 2020 was INCREDIBLY distressing and it's why I now know we have made one colossal mistake in
buying a home up here. With red flag warnings going from the Canadian to the Mexican border and from the Kansas
state l¡ne all the way to the Central Valley of California, well sir I really don't how big the god damned font the writing on
the wall has to be to get it but we had all better get it and fast!!
What we will be discussing as neighbors in Missouri Heights is either how to get federal funding to get water up here
from the valley floor or when to sell our homes, because it is drying the hell up | !l I
And we will also be looking at buying our own fire hoses and nozzles for when the crews can not reach our area because
it is too dangerous.
And for me personally, lwill be looking at at expanded area of potential Ecologicalsuperfund Sites asthis new reality
grips the West, permanentlY.
Oh and by the way, please vote sensibly regarding Asendigo who never reached out to us to see what we think of their
enormous and misplaced proposal, it's not happening here, period.
They are not building tens of thousands of square feet of commercial buildings, a water wasting pond on land that is
square in the bullseye of what would be out of control flames driven by 40-70mph winds out of the South West when
someone on the valley floor decides to not use a spark arrestor on a grinding wheel on a 92 degree day.
Feel free to pass this on to your colleagues to make the job easier, Asendigo Ranch is NOT happening here, ok?
I
1q
EXHIBIT
!oÃd
Dan
From Dan's iPhone
2
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ReCent storms barely improve West Slope's snowpackdid very little 16 imFrove trhe mountain At that time, the Colorado River*o*påd" Aod tle near-term predie-_. Bas_in was at 84,% of median snowpacþtion fãr measurable precipitation isnf and just 7f7q of last ye4r's snowpackpromising. . Statewide't'hemedian-snowpackat' Th¿t's äcoriling to several sources of that time was 85"h, nd only 7t% ofBelow-normal amountof precipitation is beingpredicted into AprilJohn StroudPost lndependent"Every little bit heþs" is tbephrase these daYs, as anY amount ofsnow ot rain the clouds can squeezeout through the reinainder of thismonth and into earþ APril willhelp with the perslstent drought .situation.Unfortunately, recent snov¡itorlnsdat¿i and predictive models tracked bythe USDANatural Resources Conser-v¿tiou Service Colorado SnoVv SUF¡eyProgram.NRCS ffydrologist Karl Wetlaufernoted in his monthly snoqpark reportissued March 5 tlat, 'While FebruarYsnov¡ accumulations did improve thesnowpack in manY Parts of the state,snowpack still remains below normiùlevels in all majorbasins excepttle Riolast year.lben c¿me the big one - sort of.A rnajor snowstorm the weekend ofMa¡di ra that mostly blanketed thefoothills and eastern Colorado withup to 2 feet of snow in places did have .some impact onthe high countrYsno.wpaclc llhen it comes to \t'est-enr Slope water, thât's where it mostlym¿tters.sNowPAcK A1oeiliott Audette reads a tour or "ääìilijiåif -*measurement site on McClure Pass in February 2020.iÊ;l+tq+:!G¡ande."fnqfd^ åo^t.SNOWPACKFrompaq.eAl .' Just before that stor¡n hit" on March10, the Colorado River Basin was ataS%of mediari snowpackLikewise, one ofthe Colorado's majordrainages, the Roaring Fork River, witåits headwaters on Independence Passeast of Aspen, was at 84ô/o of median.Afterwards, the a¡ea basin snow-packhad improvedto gtYo aÐd9o%,respectiveþAs ofThesday, with morelocalizedsnowfall in recent days, the RoaringFork drainagehad improved tn94% ofmedia¡.The National \il'eatåer Service forecastfor the remainder of this week is for a60% to 8O% cha¡.ce of snow east of As-pen through Thursday, and then 9O% on" Friday, but with snow accumulations ofonly a few inches.And, aciordingto'the NWS ÕlimæePrediction Centeq the eight- to r*-dayoutlook from late March through earlyApril is for temperatures to be abovenormal throughout Colorado, with be-lour-normal precipitation."Taking that into account and thecurrent percent ofnormal snowpacþwe could estimate that the currentnumbers could go down 1-5%, if theforecast pans out," Brian Domonkos,Colorado Snow Survey supervisoç saiilTbesday.How much of that dwindling snowpackwill ultimately translate to water in riveisand reservoirs come spring has to do withthe droughtthatwas alreadywell in placebefore snowbegan to aecumulate thisyear, he said.The summer andfall of 2Q2o wasone ofthe d¡iest periods on record inColorado."This led to dry soil moisture condi-tions, and the expectation is that snow-melt runoffwill produce lower voh¡mestÉan would courmonly be observed with asimil¿¡' sasq/pacþ Wetlaufer observed inhis Ma¡ch 5 reporlBefore winter even started, snowforecaste¡s were saying Colonrdo wouldneed multipleyeais of 15o%'to 2ooí'ofnormal snowpack to improve the droughtsituation-Added Dononkos, "The biggest rolesoil moisture currently has i5 in the .signifieant deficits that exist aerossColorado."There is currently a sigaificant soilmoisture drought that wíll consnme agreater-than-average a¡nount of snow-rnelt runofi and leave less to stre¡mflowrunof," he saiù *Io add to the com-plqdty, low soil moisture means lowerbase flows in rivers and strearns, ulhieihmer¡,ns more precipitation is neededto bring stre"m flows back to normallãvels."j stroud, @p o stí:ndøp end,enl.cøm
pmposed
:; ing tQ arèas in rental homes could be
the ftgúre.of our; quiet
SoouÈp ôf
.sur.ê
recre-
Ascendigo thelicopteiinglinto
rural M¡ssouri Heights
Despite blizard¡statet critical :
mountain snowpack shl.in k
Despite the recent.history-making
bllzzard 0n Colorado's Front Range;
statewlde snowpackslts al 92Vo ıf' ave¡age aÉ of March-l9, dowri from
105% of àverage at täe end,of Februa.ry,
according to the Natüräl Resources ' i
Conservation Servlce.
Just two rlver baslns, the Arkansas and
the Rio Grande, are registerlng above
average at 101% and.l06% respec,tlvely.
Arnóng the driêst'arq thêGUnri¡soñ,
Basin, at 86% ofaverago and the San
Juan/Dolores, at 83%, both ln the south.
weistern,par,t of the state.
"TlresfiOwpack numbers are stlll below
normal though they !on,t look that
bad,o said Peter Goble, a speclalli;t with
the CÒloradocltrnaté eenter at Colörado'State "þuqbase{: on h.olrrr dry
goinçitolóok
-FreshWaterNewsa lzazt
We, can act now to fight wildf¡resin the Westor the 2O:21 füe se:rson,thewriting is ontle waILThe Vlest, despite a fewdays of iatense winter, iså¡ drier tha.n itwzs lèadingup tolast ¡æar's recordå,reaking fires.As ahotshot crervmembeg there.ality ofwhat's to come fills mewitå two distinet thougþæ: moneya¡d dread. \{ith myfinancial sta-bility tied to overtirme pay, I knowtåat mypoekets lrill be ft¡ll when Ia¡n laid offhext wi¡rter. But the un-releotingfires th,lr stand betweennowandthen make me nenrous.I also knowthat.t am not alone.Ac¡oss the West, people in homesand communities are filledwithanxiety as they looliat d¡-ytim-ber and brown hilìsfdçs 1foa¡ ¿¡'susuallywhite this tihe ofyear.For them, when the air fills withsmokg there wont be any fire pay-checks,just a prolo:aged sense ofuncertainþ.Droughtlerrcls offen serr¡e as a'good indicaøroftb,efiæs to come,and thinç are farworse nos,tban they were in the build-up to2O2O. Rich Tinke.r, :ur author qfthe U.S. Drought lvfrnitor at theClimaæ Prédiction (bnter, toldme, "Tn 2O2O, the highest we gotto anywhere, was af)2 - SevereDrought Now we are looking.at D3to Dr* - E:¡t¡eme ard E:r¡æp$lonalDmught ad¡psg much ofthé¡trest ,and alinoót all oftþe SlOutnua{\4/hen Nick Nausla¡, aûremeteorologþt at the NationalInteragency Fire Center, talksaboutthe fire seasonto come, he'sparticularly blun*'The deck isstacked against us. I firlly errpect abusier season thannormal across tå.eSouthwestiForTinker andHarrisonRaineWritersontheRarEe\¡¡ildfires and tbeir manage-ment a¡e known by gorire re.searchers as a lnticked problem,"where no optimal solution exists.For decirdes, forest managerswere convineed that suppressingall fires q¡as th.eànsweL Butwe'veknournfor awhileuow.hqw'nis-placed those beließJOHil COLSO¡{ OFFRegular Monday columnist wilrefurn nextweekThese bills are exciting for sev-eral reasons such as: allocation ofmíllio¡15 for forest hea.lth projectsand grants for communities a¡dindividuat homeowners to carryout their on'n haza¡d reductionpr.ojects. Also there is an aftemptto seek out incentives for marketsto address fuel mitigation through.biomasÈ energr.Ihe millions the state spendsnow on restoring forests andhardeninghomes pale in com-pãrison to the costs offirefightingand rebuildinghomes. Every dol-lar spent on preventisn sar¡es $17. in suppressio¡l cosÎs, according toa rElort commissioned. byfo:rnerIJtah Gov. Gaxy R. HerberlThere also is abill to allowformer inmates with firefightiogerFerience to seekfuture em-ployment with the state, whichwill help enzure a consistentwnrldorce-I hope the federal governmentis taking notes.Hanhon Rahu ís a conlríbu.tor toWritss ontîæ Range, anonprofitd¿dícatedto"sputridslry.Ig ;conaereøtí,on o,bout tlt¿ West. Hesnræd, fuhtjng w't ld,fires in z o I 6ønå lioes ín Colorad,o.Nauslar, the a¡easof concern primarily encom-pass the Four Corne¡s states ofUtah, Colorado, New Mexico andArizona- When you put togetåerlight snovpacþ dryfuels and hightemperatures, every wildland fire-ûghter knows what tåat means.. In mytíme as awildland fire.fighter, lhe question l.get askedagain and again is whether I "mever scâred. the answe¡ to thisquestion is "yes," but not in thelife-or-death sense in which it's.asked.There a¡e far more consta.ntthreats than the fla¡nes them-selves. Smoke, for one. Carbonemissions, for another.I ttihk t'mworried mostbythe knowledge that damage fromthese wildfires afects tåe healthof people, and tlat theoftoda)¡ a¡e ensur-ones i¡ the future.be concernedwere, even asmanyagencies dingto thatfailedstrates¡ ofa century480." JerryWillia^ms,formerfireand ¿liation direstor for the U.S.,ForesÈ Service, pirts it best aboutour stubborn wrongheadedness :"Every year ure set a new record,we inræst more in (fire) suppres-sion, iavest less in mitigation andwolrder wþ wdre not getting ontop of itl If someone lvho directedfhe largest wüdland firefighriagforæ i¡ the world makes thisstatement itk probably time totry something else.Whatwe need are policies andprograrns that address wildfiresin ways beyond just putting firesaul This spring, Colorado showedthat it's v¡illing to learn from lastseason's pain when Gov. Ja¡edPolis and støtelegìslatons fromboth sides ofthe aisle releaseda series of bills aimed at wild-füe mitigation, not only wildfiresuppression,line.notjust those ðfW^ Ào>'t
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Doug Graybeal <graybeal@sopris.net>
Thursday, April 1, 2021 11:35 AM
Glenn Hartmann
lExternal] Ascendigo traffic study comments
contact list of officials.docx
Dear Glenn Hartmann,
I recently reviewed the McDowell Engineering Traffîc Study dated March 18,2021for the Ascendigo Ranch project and
found the following information to be missing or incorrect in the study. 1) The project intends to provide food service for
up to 100 people on site and the study does not account for any delivery trucks. How do they get the food to the
siìe? There is no accounting for food trucks, trash trucks, UPS, Fed Express, DHL, Utility service vehicles, etc. The
project as proposed will require all of these services adding that traffic on to the local roads. Table I Trip Generation
Ànätyris on pàg" 65 list no delivery vehicles at all. How can that be? 2) Sunset Lane is a private road and should not be
used-by this prıject. In fact they are proposing to design their entry road to encourage traffic to proceed north on
Harmony when exiting the project. So why is there a 50%o increase of traffic on Sunset Lane a private road? This is
unaccepiable! 3) The Traffic Report makes no mention of fire vehicle access. I assume this project will require two
access þoints for such vehicles. Þlear" be aware if Sunset Lane is acting as one of those access points that it is a private
road and the road has been closed in the past. Should Sunset Lane be closed in the future that access point would be lost
and the traffic account for the increase on Sunset Lane would shift to Harmony. 4) The report mislabels Sunset Lane as a
gravel road, it is currently a dirt road, though the homeowners have had gravel added when doing maintain on the road in
the past, which tends to quickly disappear from the surface. It also states there is no speed limited posted. The speed
limit is ôlearly posted ur iS -ph on both the west and east end of the road and has been posted for some time. Most of the
photos used in the report label Sunset Lane as Paseo.
Thank you,
Doug Craybeal
EXHIBIT
tiItooa ît
EXHIBIT
E, 3'Ì/Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subiect:
Thanks for your consideration
Caral,,Da^rw
Blisswood Bed & Breakfast
Carol's at Cat Spring Restaurant
Cat Spring, Texas 78933
713-301-3235
carol@ blisswood.net
Thursday, April 1, 20212:29 PM
'Morgan Beryl'
Glenn Hartmann; Tom Jankovsky; Sheryl Bower;jeanne.mccqueeney@eatlecount.us;
bjacobson@ postindependant.com; pbaumann@ postindependent.com
RE: lExternal] lnappropriate land use
E
www.blisswood.net
www.catspringtexas. net
All Border Collie Rescue
Foster Mom and Volunteer
Fosters of BlissWood
A Safe Haven Ranch for ABCR Foster Dogs
Fosters of BlissWood Facebook
It's not what we gather but what we scatter that is a true reflection of who we are
From: Morgan Beryl <morgan.beryl@eaglecounty.us>
Sent: Thursday, April 7,ZOZL 3:13 PM
To: carol @blisswood.net
Cc: ghartmann@garfield-county.com; tjankovsky@garfield-county.com; Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>;
jeanne.mccqueeney@eatlecount.us; bjacobson@postindependant.com; pbaumann@postindependent.com
Subject: Re: lnappropriate land use
Thank you, Carol. We received your comment and will consider it when Eagle County provides referral
comments on the application.
Best,
We hsue arrrew Eagle County COVID-t7 websíte!
For the most recent ínformatíon, please uísit wtuw.eaglecountAcouid.org
1
ßLI SS1,!'t)
One VaIIeU Voice on Facebook
Stay Informetl! Sígnupfor the Cotn¡nuníty Deucloprncnt ll[onthlg E-Ncusletter here.
Morgøn Beryl
Eagle County Government
Communþ Developrnent Director
(o) 97o.3z8.8ZSo
(c) gZo-+Zt-gsgg
On Thu, Apr 1, 202I at 7:00 AM <carol@blisswood.net> wrote
Dear Sirs and Madams,
I own a house at321 Mountain View Road, Carbondale, CO. Of course, I bought the property because of the
restrictions that were in place for the area and because it is in a rural area. I expected that it would stay that
way.
I would respectfully point out that the proposed Ascendigo development is asking for inappropriate land use
(educational and commercial) and respectfully point out that it is in violation of Garfield County Land Use
Codes 7-103 (scale of project), 7-104 (adequate water), 7-109 (fire) and 7-206 (fire). The proposal is in
violation of the following items in the Garfield County "Comprehensive Plan": Page 49, Section 7 Water,
Section 7.3, Section 7.5, Page 50, Policy 1-ii, Page 52, Policy 5, Policy 5 vi. Land Use Code 7-104 and all of
the above items from the "Comprehensive Plan" revolve around the requirement for adequate water for
development approval. ln 2013 water wells started running dry in this area. This has been documented and is
real. The scale of this water-intensive project may deplete an already damaged aquifer. The Ascendigo
organization is top-notch and I truly support their mission, but this development needs to be in located an area
where there is plentiful long-term water.
Again respectfully ask that this group would reject any such proposed development.
CaroItDa^tw
2
Certified Court Reporter
Carol Davis Reporting, Records & Video, lnc
lnnkeeper Blisswood Bed & Breakfast
713-301-3235
E
www.blisswood.net
www.catspri ngtexas. net
All Border Collie Rescue
Foster Mom and Volunteer
Fosters of BlissWood
A Safe Haven Ranch for ABCR Foster Dogs
Fosters of BlissWood Facebook
It's not what we gather but what we scatter that is a true reflection of who we are.
tTrr ssw L)
3
t;EXHIBIT
March 30,202L
Tom Janovsky
District I Board of County Commissioner
108 8th Street, Suite 101
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Dear Mr. Janovsky,
This letter is being written in opposition of the proposed Ascendigo Autism Camp. This is a nobel cause and
the people at Ascendigo are top notch. However, the scope, scale and the fact that it is a commercial
undertaking in this rural setting make it inappropriate. They will exchange monetary value for services.
While I do not live in Garfield County I do live Tz mile away and almost every bit of that traffic generated by this
high density development will go directly by my house here on Fender Lane. While the management team at
Ascendigo claim that it will be used for 2 - 6 week programs in the summer months they also plan to hold
fundraising events and rent the facility out during every other month. Seeing that the proposed camp is about
the size and scope of the Element Hotel in the Willits area in El Jebel I fully expect the camp to be run like a
hotel under the guise of fundraising when not in use as a camp.
There is very lit¡e water available here. When I moved to Missouri Heights in the year 2000. I was told that our
aquifer was about 120 feetdeep and our subdivision has 3 wells. Since the year 2000 through the effects of
drought and other developmental pressures the water table has dropped by 60 feet in 20 years. We have to
continue to drill deeper and deeper wells to keep our subdivision in water. I am told that Ascendigo wants a 3
acre pond fed solely out of well water. That doesn't seem right.
My other concern is that if this is approved that it will set a precedent for other developers to attempt to follow.
When I purchased my home up here it was for the rural type setting that this area provided. I would like to be
assured that I can count on the PUD and the zoning in place to protect the rural atmosphere that we all enjoy
up here.
While Ascendigo is a worthwhile endeavor, its commercial development is inappropriate in Missouri Heights'
rural residential neighborhood and is non-compliant with our existing zoning and threatens to overburden the
limited water resource. A more suitable location would be within the commercial confines of the Highway 82
valley floor where zoning would not need to be changed and concerns less impactful.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
A"
' fiürflitttt ^
(larshallWalker
39 Sierra Vista
Carbondale, CO 81623
970-61 8-9532
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Monday, April 5, 2021 B:14 AM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
sherul L Bower, AlcP(J
Community DeveloPment Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8160L
97O-94s-L377 $6Os)
From : To m Ja n kovsky <tja nkovsky@ga rfield-co u nty.com >
Sent: Saturday, April3,ZOZL 6:55 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwa rded message:
From: noreplv@formstack'com
Date: April 3,2O2I at 4:13:24 PM MDT
To: tiankovskv@ga rfield-countv.com
Subject: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: atk.dipaolo@smail.com
Subject RE: Ascendigo Property Holdings Change in Land Use Application; file no. LIPA-O1-21-
8826 & PLVA-o1-21-8827
Name: Andrew DiPaolo
Email: atk.dipaolo@qmail.com
Phone Number: (720) 347-7235
Message: Dear Commissioner Jankovsky:
Your vote on this issue will impact my vote in the future'
I am writing to you today with serious concerns that the Ascendigo change in land use
1
îrl
EXHIBIT
Garfield County
application will negatively impact our neighborhood area of Missouri Heights and that the
application fails fundamentally to meet the land use standards for change in use in several
relevant and important respects as detailed below.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. Compatibility with adjacent land uses and fails to comply with the
Garfield County Comprehensive Plan 2030 Future Land Use Plan which designates this area as
Rural single-family "Residential Medium". The development is a high intensity commercial use
and includes a dining room area that seats 75 diners and a deck tlrat seats an additional 25
diners; lodging, including housing and guest cottages that sleep near a total of 100 guests and
staff.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. More than 50,000 sq ft of buildings, plus, barns and maintenance
buildings are proposed. The uses, activities and improvements are nowhere close to being
compatible with the single family rural residential neighbors in either size, scale, or use.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-104 and Comprehensive Plan. Ascendigo's stated use of water seems to
ignore that over the past three years, neighborhood water supplies have been adversely
impacted by low pressure, mud/sand infiltration into wells, and zero lack of water pressure
during the Lake Christina fire. lts stated plans for ponds and a greater daily population can only
negatively affect the available water resources.
Missouri Heights does not have the bountiful water access of the Roaring Fork River, but
instead relies upon aquifer recharge from rain and nearby snow pack, Water wells tap the
underlying basalt rock reservoir. Many nearby water wells have gone dry in recent years:
(source 312018 Sopris Sun) https://www.soprissun.com/2018/03/28lwhenthe-well-runs-drv/.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103 and the Future Land Use Plan. Activities are stated as year-round
with proposed high intensity or heavy use for eleven out of twelve months. The "summer Camp"
runs from May 1 through September 20 and includes 100 campers, counselors, maintenance
and kitchen staff, administrative staff and other support staff on site daily. Canrper "Turn over
day" will see even higher numbers of people present, and again during its Winter Camp which
runs from January 1 through March 30. Non-camp months willwelcome seminars with guests
housed at the lodge and dining facilities open and use for other programs. These high
concentrations of people and activities is not compatible with the rural single family residential
neighborhood that has a low daily population dispersed over large homesites.
Fails to meet LUDC-7-103 and Future Land Use Plan. The resulting enormous increases in
traffic is not compatible with the current Rural Residential Medium designation and is not
compatible with the single-family residential neighborhood.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-107. "All roads shall be designed to provide for adequate and safe
access". Of serious concern is that Ascendigo has requested a waiver from the usual Garfield
County road standards. The road is, quite simply, a wreck. Harmony Road is a barely improved
farm road with little or no road base. The planned grading of a section of the road by Ascendigo
a few weeks before the site visit represents a mere band aid and was done only to disguise the
completely degraded surface and road base. Their proposed "chip and seal" improvement is not
a¡laaI ra{a fa¡ tha a-+a^+ ^¡ ^l^ñÂ^l .,^^qveyuqte tvt ]t t9 ç^Lçt ll vt vtÉil il tçu uùE.
The proposed development site is located in Garfield County's "Very High" susceptibility index
for wildfire. The two roads which are the evacuation corridors from the site, CR 102 to,
Katherine Store Road and Fender to Upper Cattle Creek, have blind spots and right angle turns
that impede traffic and do not permit any sort of an efficient evacuation. The Lake Christine
evacuation was chaotic and witnessed bumper to bumper vehicles and trailers all in a slow
parade out of this area in July 2018. Add another 100, plus people concentrated in one area to
this mix and there is only disaster in its wake. Accordingly, it fails to comply with
"Comprehensive Plan 2030", page 52, Policy 5 vi.
2
1 ,'' :
Ilr,ii iri i
Does not meet the definition of "Educational Use" under the Land Use Code. "Buildings and
uses for instruction or research activit¡es associated with an academic institution" Ascendigo is
not, and has never claimed to be, an academic institution or essociated with one.
For these reasons I implore you to Please Vote "No" on the proposed Ascendigo development.
Regards,
Andrew
3
EXHIBIT
lâoo0É 8lGlenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
David Aguilar < daguila12020@gmail.com >
Saturday, April 3, 2021 12:19 PM
sbower@garfiled-county.com
Glenn Hartmann
Subject:lExternal] Ascendigo being classified as an "educational institution"
Dear Ms Bower:
After reading recent correspondence between you and concerned neighbors here in Missouri Heights regarding the
difficult position of GARCO on trying to fit the Ascendigo Organization into an educational classification category, I can
sympathize with your dilemma. A county government's duty is to work with developers guaranteeing that proposed
developments do not alter or impact existing communities or land use laws and yet at the same time improve their
communities and raise tax revenues to support other county needs. Sadly, in this instance, classifying Ascendigo as an
,'educøtional organizøtÍon" AND a non-profit corporation makes them what many angry taxpayers today might classify
as "takers,,...They make money but contribute nothing back to the community which seems so typicalof corporations
today.
Let's clarify WHy categorizing Ascendigo as an educational organization is so egregious. Upon closer examination, the
answer becomes obvious.
Asecendigo, on all their advertising media, web sites, etc. proudly promote their services as "an Adventure, Camping,
Life-Enrichment Camp". There is no mention of accredited EDUCATION being offered and that is missing for a very good
legal reason. They are not an established or participating Autism/Spectrum educational organization recognized
or affiliated with any professional state or federal aut¡sm group. They are not educators offering educational services.
As stated by the Council for Education Accreditation in 2008:
Educationol occreditation is o quatity assuronce process under which services ond operations of prìvate or stote
educationql orgonizations or progroms ore evoluated and verified by o professionol externol body to determine whether
oppticobte and recognized stondards ore met. tf stondards qre met, accredited status is granted by the oppropriote
otgtency recognized by the Nationot Advisory Committee on tnstitutional Quality ond lntegrity (NACIQI)-an odvisory body
of the U.S. Secretary of Educotion'
Apparently, Ascdendigo has failed to complete this critical educational requirement since a "LIFE ENRICHMENT
(purposely undefined) CAMP
does not dppeør to føll under this educøtionøl category.
. Ascendigo does not currently list the employment any degreed professional special needs educators conducting their
programs. They employ numerous "managers", young "volunteers" but no educators.
. And most revealing and concerning, Ascendigo does not demonstrate that they are a member or supported
by ANy recognized professional autism educational organization including the Top 9 National Special Needs
Organizations:
The Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Society
The National Autism SocietY
Autism Research lnstitute
Autism/Spectra I Society
1
1,,,i
Organization for Autism Research
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Society
National Association of Special Education Teachers
The Center on Technology and Disability
National Professional Development Center on Autism and Sper:trrrm Disorders
US Departrrrent of Education
li;ii
Sadl¡ WHAT Ascendigo lS is what they SAY they are: A non-profit corporate enterprise offering un-
measurable "adventure, camping and life enrichment sen ¡ces" to familics in need. They are not in any legal sense, nor
do they advertise in any way, a licensed, accredited, established educational organization
providing approved educational programs for those on the spectrum.
Classifying them as such is a BIG MISTAKE by GARCO. Upon further re-consideration, this application should, in all
good conscience, be denied untilAscendigo can demonstrate they meet state and national requirements and receive
certification that they are truly educational organiation offering critical seruices to people on the spectrum.
Sincerely, David A. Aguilar
2
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
.sherul L Eower, AlcP(J
Community DeveloPment Director
L08 8th Street, Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 81"601
970-94s-L377 $6Os)
From : M i ke Sa mson <msa mson @ga rfield-co u nty.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 4,2O2L L2:37 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
FYI
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message
Sheryl Bower
Monday, April 5, 2021 B:35 AM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
From: noreplv@formstack.com
Date: April 4,2021attl:26:44 AM MDT
To: M ike Samson <msamson @ga rfield-countv'com>
Subject: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: tac3302 @ mac.com
Garfield County
Subject: RE: Ascendigo Property Holdings Change in Land Use Application; file no. LIPA-01-21-
8826 & PLVA-01-21-8827
Name: Tate Cardin
Email: tac3302@mac. com
Phone Number: (323) 632-2499
Message: Dear Commissioner Samson,
I am writing to you today with serious concerns that the Ascendigo change in land use
1
xa
EXH¡BIT
l,'!rr:
application will negatively impact our neighborhood area of Missouri Heights.
My wife and I purchased our home in Missouri heights in 2014. This has always been a
residentialarea, and a commercial enterprise has no place up here,
The water use, the increased noise, the nighttime light pollution, the fire hazard increase, and
the traffic (50% more on our road?!?! ls that a joke??) These are all unacceptable effects that
this property will have on this neighborhood.
This change in land use application fails to meet the land use standards for change in use as
detailed below:
1. Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. Compatibility with adjacent land uses and fails to compty with the
Garfield County Comprehensive Plan 2030 Future Land Use Plan which designates this area as
Rural single-family "Residential Medium". The development is a high intensity commercial use
and includes a dining room area that seats 75 diners and a deck that seats an additional 25
diners; lodging, including housing and guest cottages that sleep near a total of 100 guests and
staff.
2. Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. More than 50,000 sq ft of buildings, plus, barns and maintenance
buildings are proposed. The uses, activities and improvements are nowhere olose to being
compatible with the single family rural residential neighbors in either size, scale, or use.
3. Fails to meet LUDC 7-1}4and Comprehensive Plan. Ascendigo's stated use of water seems
to ignore that over the past three years, neighborhood water supplies have been adversely
impacted by low pressure, mud/sand infiltration into wells, and zero lack of water pressure
during the Lake Christine fire. lts stated plans for ponds and a greater daily population can only
negatively affect the available water resources.
Missouri Heights does not have the bountiful water access of the Roaring Fork River, but
instead relies upon aquifer recharge from rain and nearby snowpack. Wãter wells tap the
underlying basalt rock reservoir. Many nearby water wells have gone dry in recent years:
(source 312018 Sopris Sun) https://www.soprissun.comi2018l03i28/when- the-well-runs-dry/.
4. Fails to meet LUDC 7-103 and the Future Land Use Plan. Activities are stated as year-round
with proposed high intensity or heavy use for eleven out of twelve months. The "summer Camp"
runs from May 1 through September 20 and includes 100 campers, counselors, maintenance
and kitchen staff, administrative staff and other support staff on site daily. Camper "Turn over
day" will see even higher numbers of people present, and again during its Winter Camp which
runs from January 1 through March 30. Non-camp months willwelcome seminars with guests
housed at the lodge and dining facilities open and use for other programs. These high
concentrations of people and activities is not compatible with the rural single family residential
neighborhood that has a low daily population dispersed over large homesites.
5. Fails to meet LUDC-7-103 and Future Land Use Plan. The resulting enormous increase in
tratfic is not compatible with the current Rural Residential Medium designation and is not
compatible with the single-family residential neighborhood.
6. Fails to meet LUDC 7-107. "All roads shall be designed to provide for adequate and safe
access". Of serious concern is that Ascendigo has requested a waiver from the usual Garfield
County road standards. The road is, quite simply, a wreck. Harmony Road is a barely improved
farm road with little or no road base. Their proposed "chip and seal" improvement is not
adequate for the extent of planned use.
7. The proposed development site is located in Garfield County's "Very High" susceptibility
index for wildfire. The two roads which are the evacuation corridors from tñe site, CR 102-to,
2
I i! |
Katherine Store Road and Fender to Upper Cattle Creek, have blind spots and right angle turns
that impede traffic and do not permit any sort of an efficient evacuation. The Lake Christine
evacuation was chaotic and witnessed bumper to bumper vehicles and trailers all in a slow
parade out of this area in July 2018. Add another 100, plus people concentrated in one area to
ihis mix and there is only disaster in its wake. Accordingly, it fails to comply with
"Comprehensive Plan 2030', page 52, Policy 5 vi.
8. Does not meet the definition of "Educational Use" under the Land Use Code. "Buildings and
uses for instruction or research activities associated with an academic institution
g. This development does not comply with "Comprehensive Plan 2030" to preserve rural land
and encourage more intense development in towns and already developed commercial areas
For these reasons I implore you to Please Vote "No" on the proposed Ascendigo development.
3
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subiect:
.sherul L Bower, AICP
<-/
Community DeveloPment Director
L08 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8160L
97O-94s-L377 (L6Os)
From : M i ke Sa mson <msa mson @ ga rfie ld-cou nty.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 4,2O2t 3:13 PM
To: She ryl Bower <sbower@ ga rfield-cou nty.com>
Subject: Fwd: lExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
FYI
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message
Sheryl Bower
Monday, April 5, 2021 B:34 AM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
From: nore olv@fo stack.com
Date: April 4,2O2L at 2:39:08 PM MDT
To: M i ke Sa mso n < msa mson @ga rfie ld-co u ntv.com>
Subject: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To:caot ron777 l@vahoo.com
Garfield County
Subject: Ascendigo
Name: ron razzore
Email: capt ron777@vahoo.com
Phone Number: (970) 948-5150
Message: As a long time resident and tax payer in MH I respectfully re quest that you deny this
application. I believe you have heard from the majority of the residents about the numerous
concerns we have and I will not reiterate. Please respect our wishes' This is not nor has it ever
1
EXHIBIT
!ôôg {l
l' l,i
been the type of enterprise that the residents would consider compatible with the area. Thank
you for your consideration. Respectfully, Ron Razzore, MD.
2
ttl
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Sheryl Bower
Monday, April 5, 2021 B:34 AM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: lExternal] Garfield County website inquirySubject:
,sherul L Eower, AlcP<J
Commu nity Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
97O-94s-L377 (L6Osl
From : Tom Ja nkovsky <tja nkovsky@ga rfield-cou nty.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 4,2OZL 6:0L PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: noreolv@formstack.com
Date: April 4,2O2t at 11:20:13 AM MDT
To: tia n kovskv@ ga rfie ld-cou ntv.com
Subject: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: chaseca rter@ mac.com
Subject: RE: Ascendigo Property Holdings Change in Land Use Application; file no. LIPA-01-21-
8826 & PLVA-o1-21-8827
Name: CHASE CARTER
Emai I : chasecarter(ômac. com
Phone Number: (310) 259-7360
Message: Dear Commissioner Jankovsky,
I am wñting to you today with serious concerns that the Ascendigo change in land use
applicationwill negatively impact our neighborhood area of Missouri Heights.
I was born and raiéed in this Valley and purchased my home in Missouri heights in 2014. This
has always been a residential area, and a commercialenterprise has no place up here.
1
EXHIBIT
ç(
Gørfield County
The water use, the increased noise, the nighttime light pollution, the fire hazard increase, and
the traffic (50% more traffic on our road?l?l ls that a joke??) These are all unacceptable effects
that this property will have on this neighborhood.
This change in land use application fails to meet the land use standards for change in use as
detailed below:
1. Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. Compatibility with adjacent land uses and fails to comply with the
Garfield County Comprehensive Plan 2030 Future Land Use Plan which designates this area as
Rural single-family "Residential Medium". The development is a high intensity commercial use
and includes a dining room area that seats 75 diners and a deck that seats an additional 25
diners; lodging, including housing and guest cottages that sleep near a total of 100 guests and
staff.
2. Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. More than 50,000 sq ft of buildings, plus, barns and maintenance
buildings are proposed. The uses, activities and improvements are nowhere close to being
compatible with the single family rural residential neighbors in either size, scale, or use.
3. Fails to meet LUDC 7-104 and Comprehensive Plan. Ascendigo's stated use of water seems
to ignore that over the past three years, neighborhood water supplies have been adversely
impacted by low pressure, mud/sand infiltration into wells, and zero lack of water pressure
during the Lake Christine fire. lts stated plans for ponds and a greater daily population can only
negatively affect the available water resources.
Missouri Heights does not have the bountiful water access of the Roaring Fork River, but
instead relies upon aqr.rifer recharge from rain and nearby snowpack. Water wells tap the
underlying basalt rock reservoir. Many nearby water wells have gone dry in recent years:
(source 312018 Sopris Sun) https://www.soprissun.com/2018/03/28lwhen- the-well-runs-dry/.
4. Fails to meet LUDC 7-103 and the Future Land Use Plan. Activities are stated as year-round
with proposed high intensity or heavy use for eleven out of twelve months. The "summer Camp"
runs from May 1 through September 20 and includes 100 carnpers, counselors, maintenance
and kitchen staff, administrative staff and other support staff on site daily. Camper "Turn over
day" will see even higher numbers of people present, and again during its Winter Camp which
runs from January 1 through March 30. Non-camp months will welcome seminars with guests
housed at the lodge and dining facilities open and use for other programs. These hlgh
concentrations of people and activities is not compatible with the rural single family residential
neighborhood that has a low daily population dispersed over large homesites.
5. Fails to meet LUDC-7-103 and Future Land Use Plan. The resulting enormous increase in
traffic is not compatible with the current Rural Residential Medium designation and is not
compatible with the single-family residential neighborhood.
6. Fails to meet LUDC 7-107. "All roads shall be designed to provide for adequate and safe
access". Of serious concern is that Ascendigo has requested a waiver from the usual Garfield
County road standards. The road is, quite simply, a wreck. Harmony Road is a barely improved
farm road with little or no road base. Their proposed "chip and seal" improvement is not
adequate for the extent of planned use.
7 . The proposed development site is located in Garfield County's "Very High" susceptibility
index for wildfire. The two roads which are the evacuation corridors from the site, CR 1O2to,
Katherine Store Road and Fender to Upper Cattle Creek, have blind spots and right angle turns
that impede traffic and do not permit any sort of an efficient evacuation. The Lake Christine
evacuation was chaotic and witnessed bumper to bumper vehicles and trailers all in a slow
parade out of this area in July 2018. Add another 100, plus people concentrated in one area to
+hi^ *¡., ^-.I rL^-^ i^ ^-1.,l:--^¡--:- :a-.---l-- ^ ------r!--I ta t ttr.¡ilÐ ililà cilrL¡ urnrË 15 uilry urüaürsl rf r il.s waKe. É\Gcoratngty, tIIallsIo complywlln
"Comprehensive Plan 2030', page 52, Policy 5 vi.
8. Does not meet the definition of "Educational Use" under the Land Use Code. "Buildings and
uses for instruction or research activities associated with an academic institution
9. This development does not comply with "Comprehensive Plan 2030" to preserve rural land
and encourage more intense development in towns and already developed commercial areas
For these reasons I implore you to Please Vote "No" on the proposed Ascendigo development.
2
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Monday, April 5,2021 8:33 AM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: lExternalj Garfield County website inquiry
.sherul L Bower, AlcP<J
Community Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8160L
97j-94s-r377 (L6Osl
From : M i ke Sa mson <msa mson @ga rfield-cou nty.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 4,2O2L 9:19 PM
To: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Fwd: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
FYI
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message
From: noreplv@formstack.com
Date: April 4,2O2t at7:56:49 PM MDT
To: M i ke Sa mson <m samson @ga rfield-co u ntv.com>
Subject: lExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Reply-To: evensel @gmail.com
Gørfield County
Subject: Ascendigo. This is an insane proposal for Missouri Heights.
Name: Eric Vensel
Email: evensel@gma¡l.com
Phone Number: (239) 777 -0437
Message: Dear Commissioner Martin,
There are many reasons listed below for why the Ascendigo application should not be
1
EXHI BIT
approved. Frankly, this is a camp that is being bankrolled by well healed Aspenites and valley
residents. They know that we are sparsely populated in the Heights and as such are an easy
target to shove this down our throats. Any rcasonable person can see that this camp does not
belong in Missouri Heights and dramatically changes the character of this wonderful area.
Those of us who live in the Heights did not choose this area by accident. lt is, in my opinion, a
derelication of dt-tty to allow such a dramatic change in usage. Those of us who own property in
Missouri Heights have rights and our government officials need to protect those rights.
I am writing to you today with serious concerns that the Ascendigo change in land use
application will negatively impact our neighborhood area of Missouri Heights and that the
application fails fundamentally to meet the land use standards for change in use in several
relevant and important respects as detailed below.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. Compatibility with adjacent land uses and fails to comply with the
Garfield County Comprehensive Plan 2030 Future Land Use Plan which designates this area as
Rural single-family "Residential Medium". The development is a high intensitycommercial use
and includes a dining room area that seats 75 diners and a deck that seats an additional 25
diners; lodging, including housing and guest cottages that sleep near a total of 100 guests and
staff.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103, More than 50,000 sq ft of buildings, plus, barns and maintenance
buildings are proposed. The uses, activities and improvements are nowhere close to being
compatible with the single family rural residential neighbors in either size, scale, or use.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-104 and Comprehensive Plan. Ascendigo's stated use of water seems to
ignore that over the past three years, neighborhood water supplies have been adversely
impacted by low pressure, mud/sand infiltration into wells, and zero lack of water pressure
during the Lake Christina fire. lts stated plans for ponds and a greater daily population can only
negatively affect the available water resources.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103 and the Future Land Use Plan. Activities are stated as year-round
with proposed high intensity or heavy use for eleven out of twelve months, The "summer Camp"
rung from May 1 through September 20 and includes 100 carrrpers, counselors, maintenance
and l<itchen staff, administrative staff and other support staff on site daily. Camper "Turn over
day" will see even higher numbers of people present, and again during its Winter Camp which
runs from January 1 through March 30. Non-camp months willwelcome seminars with guests
housed at the lodge and dining facilities open and use for other programs. These high
concentrations of people and activities is not compatible with the rural single family residential
neighborhood that has a low daily population dispersed over large homesites.
Fails to meet LUDC-7-103 and Future Land Use Plan. The resulting enormous increases in
traffic is not compatible with the current Rural Residential Medium designation and is not
compatible with the single-family residential neighborhood.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-107. "411 roads shall be designed to provide for adequate and safe
access". Of serious concern is that Ascendigo has requested a waiver from the usual Garfield
County road standards.
The proposed development site is located in Garfield County's "Very High" susceptibility index
for wildfire. The two roads which are the evacuation corridors from the site, CR 102 to,
Katherine Store Road and Fender to Upper Cattle Creék, have blind spots and right angle turns
that impede traffic arrd do rrol pelrnit any sort of an efficient evacuation.
Does not meet the definition of "Educational Use" under the Land Use Code. "Buildings and
uses for instruction or research activities associated with an academic institution (Emphasis
added)..." Ascendigo is not, and has never claimed to be, an academic institution or associated
with one.
This development does not comply with "Comprehensive Plan 2030" that strives to preserve
rural land and character and encourage more intense development in towns and already
developed commercial areas that have adequate established infrastructure.
Thank you very much for your consideration of this very serious matter
2
GIenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Monday, April 5, 2021 2:32 PM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
sherul L Eower, AlcP<)
Commu nity Development Director
108 8th Street, Suite 40L
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
e7o-94s-t377 (L6Osl
From: Tom Ja nkovsky <tja nkovsky@ga rfield-co u nty.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5,2O2t2:L4PM
To: She ryl Bowe r <sbowe r@ga rfield-co u nty.com>
Subject: FW: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
From: no re plv@fo rmstack.com <noreplv@fo rm stack.com>
Sent: Monday, April 5,2O2L 2:13 PM
To: Tom Ja n kovsky <tia n kovskv@ga rfield-co u ntv.com>
Subject: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
Subject: No on Ascendigo
Name: Zoe Herreid
Email: zoeherreid@gmail. com
Phone Number: (970) 948-7454
Message: Dear Commissioner Jankovsky,:
I am wñting to you today with serious concerns that the Ascendigo change in land use application will
negativelyìmpáct our neighborhood area of Missouri Heights and that the application fails fundamentally to
meet tneland use standaids for change in use in several relevant and important respects as detailed
betow.Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. Compatibility with adjacent land uses and fails to comply with the Garfield
County Comprehensive Plan 2030 Future Land Use Plan which designates this area as Rural single-family
,,Resid'ential Medium". The development is a high intensity commercial use and includes a dining room area
that seats 75 diners and a deck that seats an additional 25 diners; lodging, including housing and guest
cottages that sleep near a total of 100 guests and staff. Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. More than 50,000 sq ft of
1
1o
EXHIBIT
&oôg
Garfield County
l¡,,r1!,!l
buildings, plus, barns and maintenance buildings are proposed. The uses, activities and improvements are
nowhere close to being compatible with the single family rural residential neighbors in either size, scale, or use
Fails to meet LUDC 7-104 and Comprehensive Plan. Ascendigo's stated use of water seems to ignore that
over the past three years, neighborhood water supplies have been adversely impacted by low pressure,
mud/sand infiltration into wells, and zero lack of water pressure during the Lake Christina fire. lts stated plans
for ponds and a greater daily population can only negatively affect the available water resources. Missouri
Heights does not have the bountiful water access of the Roaring Fork River, but instead relies upon aquifer
recharge from rain and nearby snow pack. Water wells tap the underlying basalt rock reservoir. Many nearby
water wells have gone dry in recent years.Fails to meet LUDC 7-103 and the Future Land Use Plan. Activities
are stated as year-round with proposed high intensity or heavy use for eleven out of twelve months. The
"Summer Camp" runs from May 1 through September 20 and includes 100 campers, counselors, maintenance
and kitchen staff, administrative staff and other support staff on site daily. Camper "Turn over day" will see
even higher numbers of people present, and again during its Winter Camp which runs from January 1 through
March 30. Non-camp months will welcome seminars with guests housed at the lodge and dining facilities open
and use for other programs. These high concentrations of people and activities is not compatible with the rural
single family residential neighborhood that has a low daily population dispersed over large homesites.
Fails to meet LUDC-7-103 and Future Land Use Plan. The resulting enormous increases in traffic is not
compatible with the current Rural Residential Medium designation and is not compatible with the single-family
residential neighborhood.Fails to meet LUDC 7-107 . "All roads shall be designed to provide for adequate and
safe access". Of serious concern is that Ascendigo has requested a waiver from the usual Garfield County
road standards. The road is, quite simply, a wreck. Harmony Road ie a barely improved farm road with little or
no road base. The planned grading of a section of the road by Ascendigo a few weeks before the site visit
represents a mere band aid and was done only to disguise the completely degraded surface and road base.
Their proposed "chip and seal" improvement is not adequate for the extent of planned use.The proposed
development site is located in Garfield County's "Very High" susceptibility index for wildfire. The two roads
which are the evacuation corridors from the site, CR 102 to, Katherine Store Road and Fender to Upper Cattle
Creek, have blind spots and right angle turns that impede traffic and do not permit any sort of an efficient
evacuation. The Lake Christine evacuation was chaotic and witnessed bumper to bumper vehicles and trailers
all in a slow parade out of this area in July 2018. Add another 100, plus people concentrated in one area to this
mix and there is only disaster in its wake. Accordingly, it fails to comply with "Comprehensive Plan 2030", page
52, Policy 5.Does not meet the definition of "Educational Use" under the Land Use Code. "Buildings and usei
for instruction or research activities associated with an academic institution" Ascendigo is not, and has never
claimed to be, an academic institution or associated with one. This development does not comply with
"Comprehensive Plan 2030" that strives to preserve rural land and character and encourage more intense
development in towns and already developed commercial areas that have adequate established
infrastructure.All told, Ascendigo is proposing to change the character of this portion of Missouri Heights from
that of rural residential to commercial. This is a la large year-round commercial venture, not suitable for the
rural residential zoning of this area. The proposed Ascendigo development is in violation of LUDC 7-103. For
these reasons i am asking you to vote "no"
2
lt:t l,i;i¡
Glenn Hartmann
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sheryl Bower
Monday, April 5, 2021 2:32 PM
Glenn Hartmann
FW: lExternalj Garfield County website inquiry
shergl L Eower, AlcP
Community Development D¡rector
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 8160L
970-94s-r377 (t61s)
From : Tom J a n kovsky <tja n kovsky @ ga rf ie ld-co u nty.co m >
Sent: Monday, April5,202L 1:5L PM
To: Sheryl Bowe r <sbower@ga rfie ld-cou nty.com>
Subiect: FW: [External] Garfield County website inquiry
From: noreplv@formstack.com <noreplv@formstack'com>
Sent: Monday, April 5,2021L:48 PM
To: Tom Ja n kovsky <tia n kovskv@ga rfie ld-co u ntv.com>
Subject: IExternal] Garfield County website inquiry
Subject: Ascendigo Ranch Traffic and Public Safety Concerns
Name: Kirk Hartley
Email: kirkh@cohvperbarics. com
Phone Number: (970) 927-4950
Message: Good afternoon,
I'm writing regarding the current land use application on file with Garfield County, in Missouri Heights. RE.
Ascendigã property ¡toldings Change in Land Use Application; file no. LIPA-01-21-8826 & PLVA-01-21-8827
Regardless of the numerous land use development codes that Ascendigo is in violation of, just a few being'..
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. Compatibility with adjacent land uses and fails to comply with the Garfield County
Comprehensive Plan 2030 Future Land Use Plan which designates this area as Rural single-family
1
EXHIBITqítâUôôd
Garfield County
','il
"Residential Medium". The development is a high intensity commercial use and includes a dining room areà
that seats 75 diners and a deck that seats an additional 25 diners; lodging, including housing anã guest
cottages that sleep near a total of 100 guests and staff.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-103. More than 50,000 sq ft of buildings, plus, barns and maintenance buildings are
proposed. The uses, activities and improvements are nowhere close to being compatible with the single family
rural residential neighbors in either size, scale, or use.
Fails to meet LUDC 7-104 and Comprehensive Plan. Ascendigo's stated use of water seems to ignore that
over the past three years, neighborhood water supplies have been adversely impacted by low pressure,
mud/sand infiltration into wells, and zero lack of water pressure during the Lake Christina fire. lts stated plans
for ponds and a greater daily population can only negatively atfect the available water resources.
Today, I want to make you aware of the attached traffic study, performed by Mcdowell Engineering on bchalf of
Ascendigo. According to Page 12, Table 4:Traflic is expected to increase almost 40o/o onthe local roads, daily.
ln accordance with Ascendigo's ongoing misleading of government officials, you will notice Table 1 on page 65
of the traffic study shows a zero count for delivery vehicles and therefor it appears they are not includeO ¡ñ tne
traffic count. There will be delivery vehicle trips of food service to feed the 100 people daily, Caterers, UpS,
Fed Express, DHL, Hay delivery vehicles, etc. Most of this traffic increase will take place on Garfield County
roads with vehicles and trucks en-route to the proposed site.
This traffic study also shows a 5}o/o increase in traffic on Sunset Ln.(a private road in Eagle County). ln
response to this egregious, corporate encroachment, the owners of Sunset Ln intencl to close this road to
through access. This will further increase traffic impact on the quiet roads of Garfield County/Missouri Heights.
The closure of Sunset Ln. will also leave Ascendigo Ranch with a single egress point, (Harmony Rd.) in cãse a
natural disaster or wildfire. Ascendigo is already in violation of GARCO's "Comprehensive Plan 2030", page
52, Policy 5 vi;
The proposed development site is located in Garfield County's "Very High" susceptibility index for wildfire. The
two roads which are the evacuation corridors from the site, CR 1O2to, Catherine Store Road and Fender to
Upper Cattle Creek, have blind spots and right angle turns that impede traffic and do not permit any sort of an
efficient evacuation. The Lake Christine evacuation was chaotic, and we witnessed bumper to bumper vehicles
and trailers all in a slow parade out of this area in July 2018. Add another 100+ people concentrated in one
area to this mix and there is only disaster in its wake. Accordingly, it fails to comply with "Comprehensive Plan
2030', page 52, Policy 5 vi.
Does the Roaring Fork Fire & Rescue Authority or Carbondale Fire Department have any interest in this
extreme public safety concern?
Does Garfield County County Road and Bridge have anything to say about th,e 4OVo increase (conservative
estimate) on their roads that access the sitei
Please say NO to Ascendigo.
Thank you,
2