The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Public hearing to be held Sept. 6
Scarp Ridge LLC continues to seek county approval for a master plan that could result in the development of property in the Irwin area, 12 miles west of Crested Butte.
In an August 23 work session, Scarp Ridge LLC came before the Gunnison County Planning Commission to answer questions and provide the commissioners with additional information about the master plan. Representatives from the United States Forest Service, Gunnison County Public Works and the county wildlife office also spoke to the plan and the impact it might have on the surrounding area and community.
The master plan calls for the use of the existing lodge for weddings and events and as a conference center; six new single-family residences on adjoining mining claims; one storage structure, one elevated overlook structure, and two alpine huts; expansion of the existing maintenance barn; the addition of a roof deck to the existing parking barn; an outdoor pavilion that would seat approximately 170 people; new mountain bike trails; zip lines; kids’ village to include playground equipment; and reroute of the existing Scarp Ridge trail.
The proposed structures and facilities will comprise a year-round commercial resort.
Marlene Crosby, director of Gunnison County Public Works, said she attended the meeting specifically to address issues of road access and road ownership in relation to the plan.
“The Lake Irwin access road is only a county road to the Irwin town site. Beyond that the roads are private,” said Crosby. “The biggest impact on the public I see is if [Scarp chooses] to gravel the proposed roads. That would require an increase in heavy construction traffic up Kebler.”
Other issues discussed at the work session included construction standards, water availability, and the possible reroute of the Scarp Ridge trail. No action was taken at the meeting; however, a public hearing focusing on the proposal will be held September 6 at the Blackstock Commercial Center in Gunnison.
