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History: A master plan?

As reported in the Oct. 19, 1978 issue of The Aspen Times, the newly formed town of Snowmass Village adopted a master plan meant to guide them in the development of the town. The plan focused on 11 major goals and objectives to govern policies including the first goal to “preserve the unique natural resources, scenic quality and ecological balance of community.” The other goals mention development of employee housing, transportation systems, open space preservation, ski area expansion, water conservation, and a comprehensive year-round community. A map was also developed that included areas affected by constraints that would exempt them from development activities because of steep slopes, surface geology, hydrology and wildlife. And finally, five general policies were specified to mitigate the increase in automobile impact which included: “Development of an effective economical and convenient Aspen-Airport-Downvalley-Snowmass transportation system; Development of a road and bridge capital improvements to the existing road network; Development of an integrated trail system to provide a pedestrian alternative for both recreation and daily commuting; Development of a competent intra-area collector bus system; and take measures to make public transportation and pedestrian movement comparable or better alternatives than the auto for visitors.” While many of the issues and goals remain the same, when looking at the many systems put into place over the years in Snowmass Village, it appears the master plan was a driving factor. Photograph by John Smith, circa 1970.

Snowmass


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