Chandler, Wingate: Schwartz leaves behind a lasting legacy
Gail Schwartz’ announcement of her intent to retire as leader of Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley (The Aspen Times, Jan. 4) should draw attention to an important legacy of her leadership that is just now coming into being: the creation of a Habitat-led manufactured housing plant in Rifle to build high-quality, low cost, net-zero modular units to address shortages in our valley. This plant will not only help meet housing needs but is a double win-win through skills training for its employees and benefits for other local vendors.
The land for the facility is in place, construction is ready to start, workforce training plans have been developed, and commitments taken for the first several years’ output. Financing of construction costs through a pending bond issuance is also in process. This project can be a model for efforts to address housing shortages across Colorado and the country. We urge those in the valley with workforce-housing needs to step up now and bring this project to fruition.
The Rifle plant will be a tribute to Gail’s vision, practicality, and tenacity. As a member of the CU Board of Regents, as our State Senator for eight years and with her leadership at Habitat, she has rendered a lifetime of extraordinary public service. We should all be grateful.
Mark Chandler and Laurie Wingate
Snowmass Village
Mountain retreat near Ruedi Reservoir accused of permit misuse
Pitkin County Commissioner Patti Clapper said that Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners regular meeting will address the COVID ordinance and subsequent sunset date, but that the permitting process that Beyul is currently going through cannot be discussed until the permit application is complete.
