Monday May 18, 2009
The largest developer in Snowmass Village, may soon be taking orders from the German Government. Much of the financing for the make over of Base Village is now provided by foreign investors, as Related Westpac reels under the weak economy—with construction down to just a trickle at the base of fanny hill. The German government is about to take over operations at Hypo-Bank—which is backing development in Snowmass, and that could mean that the developer will have to clear future plans with the ruling power in the country
Food and Wine—one of the biggest events on the Aspen summer agenda—is not sold out, not yet. That’s the first time organizers can remember that the event has not sold out by the end of ski season. With only about four weeks to go, it’s not certain yet that the number will be able to match those in prior years. The Food and wine classic, June 19th through the 21st, typically draws more than 5 thousand attendees.
Protests are increasing by Pitkin County property owners—-because the taxing system is based on the values of homes before the recession, increases in property taxes of nearly 40 percent are being met with so much protest that something may be brewing to change the tax bill—–too much for even wealthy residents—and a similar groundswell of opposition to higher property taxes is rising in Eagle County. Property owners in El Jebel will see increases of that much or more.