After listening to a variety of comments from the public last night on how to develop a key piece of property along the Roaring Fork River, the Basalt Town Council agreed to scale its plans back.
Two questions will be put on this November’s ballot to decide how the Pan and Fork property should be developed. One will ask Basalt voters if they want to buy a parcel currently owned by a development corporation that the town is eyeing for $3 million. The other question will ask voters to approve $4 million in park improvements. If both questions are approved, it will require about $7 million in bonding.
The park improvements are part of what is being called “a base level” design, and is dramatically less than what was originally planned. The plan includes a band shell and public restrooms.
The bonds would be paid back with property and sales tax revenues. Council is hoping take advantage of historically low interest rates on bonds. Additionally, open space funds from Pitkin and Eagle counties also may be used.
Council is scheduled to formally approve the ballot language at its Sept. 6 meeting.