Briefs: Crested Butte

By Mark Reaman

Utility extension parameters

The Crested Butte town council passed an ordinance on second reading on February 20 to allow extension of utilities outside town boundaries if the request meets certain criteria. It would be allowed for emergency services such as the proposed Crested Butte Fire Protection District campus planned for north of town, for affordable housing projects like the proposed Whetstone development south of town and for accessory dwelling units that provide some public benefit to town. 

Arts Fest back to Elk Ave. in 2024?

Council received word that the Crested Butte Arts Festival has submitted an application for the 2024 Arts Festival event proposed for August 2–4. The event has been held at the Crested Butte Community School the last several years but this summer the school expansion will be underway. The festival is hoping to set up on Elk Avenue from Second to beyond Fifth Streets. Organizers will be meeting with community stakeholders like the fire department and Mountain Express, and then the council will discuss the plan at a future meeting.

GreenDeed update

In 2023, 18 local households participated in the town’s GreenDeed program that provides free energy assessments and upgrades for deed-restricted homes in town. The idea is that the effort cuts both utility costs and carbon emissions.

Stuff:

—Councilmember Gabi Prochaska said the Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority has received several very qualified applicants to take the open executive director position. “We are feeling optimistic,” she said. Julie Baca has been named interim director.

—Council agreed to a letter of support for a federal grant that could pay for a proposed roundabout with a pedestrian underpass near the proposed Whetstone affordable housing project.

—Council agreed to apply for a $38,703 state grant for an alleyway and outbuilding survey. The town would provide a 25% match.