Tuesday, Basalt Town Council decides if Aspen Skiing Company can build affordable housing in Willits.
Last month, council advanced the plan with a four-two vote. If the measure passes Tuesday evening, SkiCo will build 43 units of employee housing.
Basalt's residents and mayor have criticized the plans, which originally included several six-bedroom units and was reserved exclusively for SkiCo employees. The new plan has a maximum of four beds per unit, and 150 beds total. However, it only includes 46 parking spaces. That has Basalt Mayor Jacque Whitsitt worried.
“I'm really concerned about parking because once this is done, you can’t go back and do underground parking," said Mayor Whitsitt.
Whitsitt, along with councilmember Ryan Slack, opposed the development, citing a lack of first floor commercial space. Proponents argue it puts employees near shopping and public transportation.
Council member Auden Schendler, who works for SkiCo, recused himself last month.
Eight units would be reserved for non-SkiCo employees, with priority given to childcare workers.
Tuesday’s vote, which is expected to give the go-ahead to the development, will allow SkiCo to build on block nine of Willits Town Center.
