Hunt Answers Aspen Questions at Sold Out Event
Downtown developer Mark Hunt made his first public appearance last night, aside from city public hearings, in front of an audience of nearly one-hundred concerned residents. They peppered him with questions, curious about the man that controls 15 buildings in the commercial core. Members of the business community, long time local residents, and newcomers sipped wine at BB’s Kitchen in downtown Aspen. They asked about Hunt's intentions for his real estate portfolio. In a mostly jovial environment, attendees also asked about how Hunt’s plans could change the character of this historic town.
A recent transplant from Chicago, Hunt said he is not in Aspen to ruin the town, but to enhance it. He proposes to do that through new development at some properties and what he characterized as “spit shining” other ones. Hunt explained some aspects behind his affordable lodge project on Cooper Avenue across from city market. He believes that providing public amenities like an underground bowling alley is better than parking spaces. And that’s why he’s asking for exceptions from the City of Aspen land use code.
Aspen Public Radio learned yesterday that Hunt wants to separate out a second affordable lodge. The two had been proposed simultaneously.
“Well, listen, first of all I’m not pulling it. I’m putting it on ice so to speak. You know, listen, I got excited. I’m out there trying to be part of the solution of providing additional beds and affordability, designing something for the next gen and you know, quite frankly I think that putting both out there was too much.”
Hunt is scheduled to go before City Council on Monday to ask for that extension. Council is expected to also review the Cooper Avenue lodge proposal.
Pitkin County Cites a Drone Pilot
Law enforcement in Pitkin County responded to their first ever-incident yesterday of drones being flown in an area where they’re not allowed.
Two people were flying a drone near the Winter X Games venue around 3:30 in the afternoon. The drone was within the general flight path of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, which is illegal. The operator of the drone was charged with reckless endangerment and the drone was confiscated.
Meanwhile, ESPN was granted special permission by the FAA to fly drones for the X Games in a specified area, away from spectators.
Aspen Local and X Games
One competitor in this year’s Winter X Games is Alex Ferreira. The 20-year-old Aspen local who hopes to continue his positive streak. Last year, the freeskier took home bronze.
Ferreira competes in freeskiing halfpipe. This is his third X Games. Earlier this season, he scored in the top five in two separate events. He says competing in the X Games is a unique experience.
“It’s the mecca of freeskiing and there’s a vibe to it. When you get your first X Games invite, it’s like a dream come true. It’s a crazy feeling, it’s really cool.”
Ferreira trained with the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club and will compete against one of his best friends, another valley local, Torin Yater-Wallace. Ferreira’s first event is Friday evening. If he does well there, he’ll move onto the finals on Sunday afternoon.
Sixth Pot Shop Opens in Aspen Core
Aspen’s sixth pot shop is opening in time for the X Games. Stash used to be located in the Aspen Business Center. Now, it is opening right next to City Market. Co-owner Garrett Patrick says the new spot was supposed to open with the beginning of the New Year. Patrick says it’s taken longer than expected to set up the new location, largely because of requirements from state and local government.
“You know, all the rules and regulations, we have to get our landlords to approve stuff, and get insurance that they want for our business.”
There were also complications from a dispute over a rental agreement in another building. Previously Stash had been a medical marijuana shop until it went recreational last March.
