Gustafson: Engage in the vital discussion on Snowmass Village’s Draw Site development

On May 19, the residents of Snowmass Village are invited to participate in a pivotal decision that stands to shape the character and landscape of our beloved community for generations to come. Join us in voicing your opinions on what could be the single largest and most expensive project the town has ever undertaken: the proposed workforce housing development on the Draw Site.

This is not simply about numbers; it’s about our identity, our values, and our vision for the future.

This project is poised to ask our community to commit the last major undeveloped parcel of town-owned land, take on 30 years of debt, as well as years of impactful construction to build 63 rental units. These units would undeniably help address some of the pressing workforce housing challenges of today.

While we all agree that there is an urgent need for more housing, it is crucial to emphasize that the design and construction of this project will profoundly impact the aesthetic and emotional fabric of our village.

We are fortunate to live in a valley which is blessed by nature — a magnificent ski hill, the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Daly, and a horizon adorned with stunning mountains, rolling hills, and open space all embracing our village. Our instinct to protect and cherish this beauty has allowed it to thrive. Therefore, the essential question we must ask ourselves is: Can our human-made structures be made to co-exist with this beauty, or will they detract from or begin to erode it?

As we engage in this conversation, we can try to convince one another that this project harmonizes with the natural allure of our surroundings and that it reflects a careful consideration of how we can best meet our human needs in a respectful way. As we have reached 96% buildout, we owe it to ourselves and future generations to ensure that we will continue to gaze in awe at the beauty of our landscape while we navigate the complex realities of housing supply. And that we, here in Snowmass Village, will love what we may build and can live with its consequences.

As one local columnist once cautioned, “There are only so many injuries our spirit of place can endure before it becomes something else.”

Indeed, history has shown us the importance of critiquing our development choices. Over the decades, many have voiced concerns about past projects that have, at times, let us down. This is the moment for your voices to come forward again and advocate for a plan that aligns with our shared values. Human design can echo nature’s patterns and allow us to co-exist, which, after all, is why so many of us decide to call this place home.

Whether you are a lifelong resident or new to the area, it is vital to ensure that the future we envision reflects our collective instinct for preserving openspaces and natural beauty.

As we prepare for this important meeting, it is essential to consider the implications of design. After nearly two years of discussion and planning, we find ourselves facing a proposal that features a large scale structure to be constructed on a very costly site. This raises the critical question: Will we look back and respect or regret the visual compromises we’ve made in the name of expedience?

Some believe the current design not only threatens to overshadow our beautiful landscape, but also pushes the boundaries of our Comprehensive Plan. I have heard from many community members who are skeptical about the size and scale of this structure, expressing concerns similar to those raised regarding recent developments: Base Village. While others feel comfortable with this approach, the consensus, however, appears to be clear: Our built structures can enhance and influence our daily experiences, we are weary of designs that feel disconnected and unwelcoming, and we strive for projects that are compatible and not competing with our surroundings.

Design can focus on integrating a housing project into the natural landscape in a way that feels both appropriate and inviting, that encourages interaction with our environment, as emphasized and prioritized throughout our own Comprehensive Plan. Can we not, and should we not, expect both?

At this moment, we can still pivot if we believe it’s in our town’s best interest. Let us come together as a community and express your thoughts.

The council and town staff continue to seek community feedback on these designs, and it’s imperative that your voice is heard. Whether you love the idea of increased workforce housing or are critical, we should specifically focus the discussion on the proposed building concept. It is vital that we share our feelings openly with one another now. The building design is not final; the concrete is not poured. And workforce housing challenges are not something we can build our way out of. However, this is our opportunity to shape a project that will not only help us meet our housing goals, but can also respect and enhance the stunning surroundings that define Snowmass Village.

We have already seen the importance of good design in the works of notable visionaries like Harry Teague and Fritz Benedict. Their commitment to preserving our natural landscape while providing necessary housing serves as a guiding principle for us today. Harry Truscott, a beloved and respected proponent of affordable housing in this valley and former Snowmass Planning Commissioner and Town Council member, once spoke out against the Creekside workforce housing project built in Snowmass in the 1970s, and his critical eye helped to steer the community toward a design that would cater to our workforce while still respecting the environment and facilitating a community relationship with our open landscape. It can be done.

As we move forward, remember that the Draw Site possibilities are still fluid. There is no obligation to endorse a preferred option. A passionate desire to maintain momentum toward building much-needed housing does not automatically mean you must support this project in its current design. You still have the opportunity to influence the outcome while working toward the goal of providing housing for those who work here and cherish being a part of our community.

Join us on May 19 to share your thoughts. Together, we can shape a future that respects our passion for this place while embracing the needs of our community. Let’s ensure that whatever is built at the Draw Site is something we will all be proud of — not just now but for generations to come. If the current design does not feel right to you, or if you love it, this is your chance to make a difference. Let’s advocate for a housing solution that embodies Snowmass Village standards: a vibrant, accessible, and harmonious community nestled in the embrace of nature.

Fill out the survey, write letters, and share your voice.

Britta Gustafson is a Snowmass Village Council member and lifelong local.