Business opposition to Brush Creek proposal

Chamber poll shows 62-24 split against

By Mark Reaman

The Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey of its business members concerning the proposed Brush Creek development. Fewer than a quarter of those who responded are in favor of the current plan.

The simple five-question survey asked each member where their business was located (the majority in Crested Butte), where they lived (most north of Crested Butte South), how informed they felt they were about the issue (51 percent said “very informed”).

The survey showed that 24 percent of those who participated were in favor of the development plan. Sixty-two percent of the respondents said they were opposed, while six percent indicated they were neutral and seven percent clicked on the “other” button.

When asked if they felt their “opinion may negatively impact your business,” 48 percent of respondents said no while 31 percent said yes. Just over 20 percent indicated they were not sure.

Comments submitted with the poll seemed to reflect much of the public comment that while that parcel of land is appropriate for an affordable housing project, the 240-rental unit number was too dense in most people’s eyes.

“I think the basic idea and location is good, but it is too big and should have some potential for ownership,” summarized one.

“We are in favor of it,” wrote one business owner. “We need affordable, available housing now!”

“We need affordable housing, just not in the magnitude this particular design proposes. We have employees that need housing,” stated another.

The results were distributed to the Gunnison county commissioners and planners at the public hearing and results can be seen on the chamber’s homepage at cbchamber.com.