Independence Day, 2026
Fifty years ago, I remember feeling excitement about America’s bicentennial. Although we had recently watched a president resign over corruption (minor compared to today’s standards, as even Vice President Vance admits!), Americans were generally proud and supportive of each other and our nation. That feeling is missing today, as we have competing festivals — one a bipartisan approach and one that glorifies Trump.
Let’s hope that our next president, whoever it may be, works to bring our country back together and reaches out to every American. Let’s hope our Congress takes up its traditional role and holds the executive accountable. Let’s hope our Supreme Court once again looks at the precedents set over time and strengthens the balance of power in our country. Let’s hope that when the tricentennial happens America is once again a thriving democracy and that Americans are proud of our country.
Kate Friesen
Carbondale
Rio Grande Trail crash
It’s been two years and multiple surgeries since I was seriously injured when hit by a reckless e-biker on the Rio Grande Trail. Thanks to Dr. Ruzbarsky, PTs, and the Steadman team, I continue to improve. My dismay continues, though, as I see motorized, heavy electric devices, operated without pedaling, maneuvering around pedestrians on the sidewalks of Willits and elsewhere. I know of injuries worse than mine in the Valley, though. Unlike many e-device victims, I did not suffer a head injury.
The man that injured me refused to provide his name or to call 911. I was able to pull my phone from my jersey and snap pictures of the scene and my assailant from my position on the ground. (He was later identified by community members from a social media posting.)
I’m forever grateful to the passerby who saw me in the grass, stopped to help, and called EMS.
I urge visitors and neighbors to enjoy the bike trails safely, at less than 20 mph, in a single file, and signaling or announcing BEFORE passing. I can say from personal experience, if an injury occurs, it’s unlikely there will be a police investigation as RFTA manages the Rio Grande Trail west of Emma Road and they have no enforcement capabilities. Local communities are considering what they’ll do for protection on their sections of trail.
If you’re injured or witness to an injury, secure safety at the scene, call 911, administer care, get names and take pictures.
I’ve appealed to Representative Velasco and Senator Catlin and I’m awaiting their response to meet with me. RFTA’s Board is reviewing the safety issues, and I look forward to seeing more of their education plan to “slow and say hello” as a plan evolves for safe trail use.
Kathleen Brehm
Basalt
No to Harvest Village
We know Harvest Roaring Fork/Harvest Village will soon return with a revised development proposal. We don’t yet know what changes will be presented, and it would be premature to judge a plan none of us have seen. What we can do now is ask an important question: What kind of valley do we want to leave for future generations?
Before approving one of the largest residential developments ever proposed in Garfield County, we should first understand the housing market we already have. Is the challenge simply a shortage of housing units, or is it a shortage of housing that local workers can afford?
Recent market information suggests the answer is more complex than a single phrase like “housing shortage.” In communities, inventory remains elevated, homes are taking longer to sell, while affordable housing remains difficult to find. Understanding both the ownership and rental markets is essential if we hope to identify solutions that truly meet the valley’s housing needs. They deserve thoughtful solutions rather than assumptions.
Good planning begins with good information. Before making decisions that will shape this valley for generations, I hope our elected officials will carefully examine the existing housing inventory, “affordable/workforce” units, the long-term rental market, approved but unbuilt developments and the specific affordability needs throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.
The Roaring Fork Valley is more than a place to build. It is a place where wildlife still moves through open landscapes, where the river remains the heart of our communities, and where we carry a responsibility to preserve the possibility that those raised here can stay, strengthening our traditions, culture and sense of belonging.
Whatever proposal comes before our community, I hope we measure it not only by the number of homes it creates, but by the legacy it leaves. For me, that legacy is simple: Retain Wild at Cattle Creek and the Roaring Fork River.
Rosemary Burkholder
Cattle Creek Confluence Coalition
Fund the infrastructure
Aspen One frames the El Jebel crossing project as a solution to our housing crisis, but this development appears to prioritize corporate convenience over public safety.
Aspen One is seeking a “Variance from Improvement Standards” for the JW Drive/Highway 82 intersection — an admission that the project is too large, as the intersection currently operates at a failing Level of Service. Rather than funding necessary upgrades, they are asking Eagle County to legalize gridlock.
We anticipate that the developer’s third Traffic Impact Study will likely adjust housing types to manipulate trip counts and bypass safety requirements. By selectively applying Institute of Transportation Engineers standards to maintain trip increases below the 20% threshold, the developer appears to be avoiding the Colorado Department of Transportation permits needed for necessary road upgrades.
Rather than juggling numbers, they should step up and fund the infrastructure this project requires. This is the best path, if they want less neighborhood resistance, and ultimately county approval.
Aspen One’s current strategy appears to be a calculated effort to externalize costs. By forcing traffic into a failing bottleneck and apparently manipulating data to avoid state-mandated upgrades, they seem to prioritize profit over public safety and regional evacuation routes.
It is not too late for them to agree to fund the necessary improvements — perhaps by partnering with “The Fields,” another developer requesting a variance on the same stretch of Highway 82.
While Aspen One emphasizes the housing needs of their workforce, they appear to disregard the safety and quality of life of existing mid-valley residents — many of whom are long-term community members, season passholders and/or SkiCo staff/alumni.
We cannot grant variances to developers contributing to systemic failure. If a project cannot afford the infrastructure to make it safe, it is too big for the location. It is time for Eagle County to hold the developer to standard safety regulations, not grant a pass to ignore the reality of our failing roads.
Susan Sullivan
Carbondale
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