Johanna writes

The Estes Park Economic Development Corporation (EPEDC) is patting itself on the back because "the award for 'Small Community of  the Year' was presented" to them by the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) "on behalf of a town that sets its sights on building a more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant community and economy after recovering from the devastating Colorado floods in 2013."

How has the following economic development been beneficial to Estes Park?

• The Estes Park Event Center, completed in spring 2014, has not brought all the big events expected from outside of our community.  It is not profitable.
• The Estes Park Medical Center (i.e., Park Hospital District) did not have the money to build the EPMC/Anschutz Wellness Training Center within the two years specific in the "Contract for Sale of Lot 4" to John Cullen, owner of the Stanley Hotel (i.e., Grand Heritage Hotel Group, LLC).  Since the money was not raised, according to the "contract", John Cullen can build his own wellness center or use the land for "open space".  The 2018 draft budges of the EPMC indicates this issue is on hold.  It is not known at this time if a "Wellness Center" will be built, or who will own it if is is.
• The "Loop" - An application was made to the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) for changing our roads to increase access and speed to and from Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).  I expect this project to cause a bottleneck when two lanes of traffic merge going west to the south entrance of RMNP.  Traffic time will decrease minimally, if at all.  The new traffic configuration will remove the most beautiful 1/3 of Baldwin Park and remove trees that are hundreds of years old on West Riverside Drive.  Citizens and merchants were outrages that the town board voted to approve this project.  Some of the money to be used to repair flood damage in town does not apply for access to RMNP.  This should have come from other sources.  This is not an inclusive community project.
• The "Community Center", to be operated by the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District, has battled with various groups about how our community would be best served, and who will use it.  The community is divided, and it is likely this project will not be profitable.
• There was not enough money from grants to build the new, award-winning parking garage.  The increment sales tax money the voters approved for the purpose of road repairs was taken to supplement the money from grants to pay for the parking garage.  The voters' approval of these funds did not apply to parking garages.  The town is restricted from charging those who park in this facility.  Visitors are getting a "free parking ride" at the expense of the voters.
• Estes Performance, Incorporated (EPIC) has not raised enough money to build the performing arts venue that has been the works with location changes for decades.  Recently, they downsized, because the "big plans" were no longer thought to be feasible.  A great deal of time and money has been spent on different designs and work to attract donors.  I don't believe this project will be built, or if built, will be profitable.

Economic development, which is driving an increase in vacation rentals, lack of affordable housing, increase in density (especially in residential neighborhoods), etc., is not good for our community.  Our natural views, feeling of spaciousness, and love of wildlife are all threatened by economic development in a place that is bounded by rivers and mountains.

Johanna Darden
Estes Park