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Carbondale will prosper with Village at Crystal River

Dear Editor:

As a resident of Carbondale for over two years and a native of Steamboat Springs, I greatly appreciate mountain living. From the majestic presence of Mount Sopris to the First Friday art walks, the 5-Points Film Festival, the farmers markets and the wonderful restaurants, this town is a special place. I frequent the amazing dog park and appreciate the sense of community here. But as you drive into Carbondale along Highway 133, there is a strong feeling that things are in need of an improvement. Carbondale is desperate for a new economic opportunity – this is crucial for its survival.

The town of Carbondale is predominantly funded through sales tax revenue. If we had an expanded and improved City Market and additional retail options that attracted residents and visitors, we could bring in increased revenues. When hearing that 76 cents to every dollar spent by Carbondale residents goes outside of the town, it is clear something has to change now. This is resulting in loss of funding and deteriorating infrastructure.



The wonderful things we all love about this community rely on sales tax dollars for survival – without them there will be no dollars to fund community buildings (Third Street Center), events, charming additions, nonprofits and all the reasons people choose to make their lives here.

The new Village at Crystal River development is that opportunity. A developer willing to work with the needs of the community in a socially and environmentally responsible way is a gift to Carbondale. Having the “greenest” full-service grocery store in the state (a pledge City Market has made) is starting a long-overdue commitment to changing building standards. The noncompete stance with Main Street businesses means the Village at Crystal River is committed to keeping the heart of Carbondale alive, which is outstanding. The benefits for improvements to Highway 133 will be far reaching. Taking responsibility (one penny to every dollar) for these improvements extends to the entire community. Plus, the road will be much safer road drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.




It’s time to nourish this amazing community, to take responsibility for the continuing prosperity of Carbondale. Vote “yes.”

Natalie Fisher

Carbondale