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Eagle County commissioners’ review of El Jebel-area Tree Farm project delayed

Staff report
Proposed land use for the tree farm in Basalt.
Anna Stonehouse/The Aspen Times |

The Eagle County commissioners planned to dive back into the details of the Tree Farm development proposal and hear public comment Monday night, but the developer is asking for a delay in the hearing.

Eagle County announced Monday morning the applicant sent an email asking for a postponement so they can address “several loose ends.” A new date for the hearing and public comment is expected to be set at Monday night’s tabling.

“We feel that there are still several loose ends that need to be addressed. We had hoped to have all materials to the Board today in order to give them adequate time for review prior to the hearing, but that is not possible,” the email request from the developer states. “Out of respect for everyone’s time, we believe it is prudent to table at this point.”

Land owner Ace Lane and his Woody Ventures LLC are proposing 340 residences and about 135,000 square feet of commercial space, including a hotel. Lane’s property is on the north side of Highway 82, across from Whole Foods Market.



The commissioners plan to continue discussions on two essential pieces of the project: affordable housing and traffic impacts.

The project has been controversial. The Roaring Fork Valley Regional Planning Commission and town of Basalt are urging denial because of the size and impacts. Some members of the public because of the affordable housing component support the project, but opposition has been widespread.