Oppose Berlaimont
- Howdy!
- Nov 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 19
ESWA opposes the proposed Berlaimont development that would construct nineteen 35-acre trophy estates, with 9 “accessory units,” in a private 680-acre inholding in critical winter wildlife habitat in the White River National Forest above Edwards.
ISSUE OVERVIEW. A Florida developer is proposing to build 19 massive trophy homes on land near Edwards that is surrounded by National Forest and is critical winter habitat and a key migration corridor for our already dwindling deer and elk populations. The development would require construction of a new paved, year-round road with massive road cuts across pristine Forest Service land to provide access for a privileged few. Residents in and around Edward are strongly opposed to the project because it provides no public benefits, harms wildlife, and increases fire risks just so that a rich out-of-state developer can make even more money.
CURRNT STATUS. Because the lots in the development would be at least 35 acres in size the project does not require subdivision approval from Eagle County. However, Eagle County does require all such developments to provide two means of ingress and egress so that in the event a wildfire or other natural disaster blocks one road residents can safely exit and fire crews can reach the site to fight the fire before it spreads. The developer is seeking a waiver from the Eagle County Board of County Commissions (the “BOCC”) from this common-sense two access requirement to save money.
BENNET AND NEGUSE BILL. Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Representative Joe Neguse recently introduced legislation to prohibit the Forest Service from opening, improving, authorizing, permitting, or constructing the year-round road on public land needed for the proposed Berlaimont development. The legislation would also clarify that the existing unpaved, seasonal road provides adequate access to the Berlaimont inholding. In addition, the legislation includes a provision to make it easier for the developers or a future landowner to sell the property to the Forest Service if they choose to do so.
WHAT YOU CAN DO. We need the BOCC to know that Eagle County residents strongly oppose the project and the requested waiver. Please do one or more of the following four things to help defeat this project:
Email the members of the Eagle County Board of County Commissioners here to express your opposition. See the Great Summary prepared by Wilderness Workshop linked to below for some possible talking points.
Email Senator Bennet and Representative Neguse to thank them for co-sponsoring their Berlaimont bill.
Tell your friends about this issue and ask them to check out this webpage and help.
Attend the public hearing that will be scheduled in front of the BOCC. This webpage will be updated with the date and time of the hearing as soon as it is known.
KEY PARTNERS. Wilderness Workshop is leading the opposition to this project. Colorado Senator Bennet is also actively opposing the project. Over 4,000 locals have already signed a petition opposing the project and requested waiver. But we also need YOUR help.
LEARN MORE/RESOURCES.
Great Summary by Wilderness Workshop, including talking points
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