Manderson: Urging increased parks, open space protection

Let’s be clear:

We take our open space and parks for granted, assuming they will always be there for our communal enjoyment. Until it isn’t, whether by natural disaster or poor development; once lost, it cannot be replaced.

Aspen has been a wonderful steward of open space and parks, but vigilance is needed, and Referendum 1 is a positive step. Decisions on  those sanctuaries are worth requiring more than a simple majority. Once a bad decision is made and implemented, it can irreversibly change the nature of Aspen. That’s worth asking for more and Referendum 1 calling for 60% is reasonable.

Referendum 1 is not anti-democratic. The City Charter (Section 13.13) already contains  the most stringent requirement (100%) for change-of-use for two city-owned properties. The City Charter recognizes that certain properties are more important than others. Some of them are the essence of the City — that fundamentally anchor the landscape — and should require more than a 50% majority. Think Northstar, Paepcke Park, and yes, Marolt described by the city itself as the jewel of open space or your own favorite.

The voters of Aspen will recognize that Referendum 1 is positive and protects our  irreplaceable open space and parks against encroachment and bad planning. Voters have always placed community values above expediency. Same now. Why change the use of our public land without a strong majority?

Once the smoke of misinformation clears, the voters will be the judge. Vote “yes” on 1, “no” on 2.

Nancy Manderson

Aspen