Evening Meeting 1/6/2026

Updated about 14 hours ago

Public meetings of the Vail Town Council are held the first and third Tuesdays of the month.

The mission of the Vail Town Council is to grow a vibrant, diverse economy and community and preserve our surrounding natural environment, providing our citizens and guests with exceptional services and an abundance of recreational, cultural and educational opportunities. Public meetings of the Vail Town Council are held the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Meetings begin in the afternoon followed by an evening business meeting beginning at 6 p.m.

Chapters

Public Participation (00:00:01)
Community members voiced concerns and suggestions, including a housing forum by Habitat for Humanity and safety issues on local roads.

The meeting began with public participation, allowing community members to speak on non-agenda items. Ian Grass from Westvale highlighted a housing forum series hosted by Habitat for Humanity and facilitated by Civic Canopy, encouraging council members to participate. He discussed ideas for supporting local businesses and deed-restricted commercial spaces. Tim McMahon from Avon apologized to dispatch workers over an incident, suggested a 'no U-turn' sign at Village Center Drive, and raised concerns about privacy regarding flock cameras. Jonathan Levine from Vail Black Car discussed transportation center issues and the need for better customer service and access to Christiania.
Consent Agenda (00:07:51)
The consent agenda was approved unanimously without opposition.

The council reviewed and approved the consent agenda items as written. The motion was seconded, and all members present voted in favor, with no opposition.
Supplemental Budget Request and Reimbursement Agreement (00:08:31)
Discussion on supplemental budget for West Lionshead project, including consultant services and reimbursement agreement with East West Partners.

The council discussed a supplemental budget request for the West Lionshead project, which involves hiring consultants to ensure community interests are considered. The consultants may provide legal, financial advisory, election assistance, and other services. There is an associated reimbursement agreement with East West Partners for consultant costs, which will be reimbursed monthly. The council approved the budget and reimbursement agreement unanimously.
Public Hearing on Design Review Board Appeal (00:13:20)
Council affirmed Design Review Board's decision in an appeal case, with one recusal due to conflict of interest.

The council reviewed an appeal on the Design Review Board's decision. The public hearing was opened with all council members present. After reaffirming the board's decision, the council approved the resolution. One member recused due to a conflict of interest, resulting in a 6-0 vote.
Ordinance on Special Development District (00:14:28)
First reading of ordinance for a new special development district to allow multi-family development. Discussion on site plans and zoning.

The council held the first reading of an ordinance to establish a new special development district, allowing for a multi-family development at Frontage Road East. Greg Roy presented the background, site plans, and proposed changes to the development. The planning commission previously recommended denial, but the council considered the revisions and potential public benefits. Discussion included building height, density, and public benefit comparisons with previous projects like Altus.
Discussion on Building and Parking Revisions (00:30:29)
The council discussed revisions to building heights and parking as per the master plan, including lowering building heights and reducing bulk to comply with guidelines.

The council reviewed revisions to building heights and parking spaces as per the Avail Village Master Plan. Changes included reducing the height of lunar Vail South and Apollo Park Building to five stories, with Lutherville North having a mix of five and six stories due to site elevation changes. Fully enclosed parking spaces were also discussed.
Apollo Park Redevelopment Goals and Land Use (00:31:03)
Partnership with Apollo Park board to achieve redevelopment goals, including land return and standalone building for Apollo Park owners.

The council formed a partnership with the Apollo Park Board to address redevelopment goals. Key objectives included returning land to the Apollo Park owners and ensuring standalone building opportunities were available. Additionally, units are to be replaced on a like-for-like basis. Compliance with town's master plans and land use regulations was reviewed.
Public-Private Partnership and Stakeholder Collaboration (00:32:22)
The council pursued a public-private partnership with Vail and collaborated with stakeholders throughout the development process.

The council pursued a public-private partnership with the Town of Vail and collaborated with neighborhood stakeholders and adjoining property owners throughout the development process. Feedback was sought from the Planning and Environmental Commission, town staff, and the Vail Town Council.
Revised SDD Plan Set Review (00:33:27)
A summary of the revised SDD plan set was presented to accurately represent plan changes and impacts on the application.

The council summarized the revised Special Development District (SDD) plan set to accurately represent plan changes and their practical impacts on the application. The updated development program was reviewed, emphasizing the importance of numbers and compliance with town criteria.
Development Constraints and Site Limitations (00:34:12)
Discussion of existing development constraints, including access easements, steep slopes, and existing buildings.

The council discussed existing development constraints, including access easements, steep slopes, and existing buildings. The site has frontage along the south frontage road and various physical constraints like utility easements and steep slopes created during original development.
Building Height and Mass Reduction (00:36:57)
Building heights and mass were reduced, and step backs were added to improve compliance and aesthetics.

Building heights and mass were reduced, with increased step backs added on the north, south, and west facades. This was done to step the building away from the frontage road and create a buffer between developments. Exterior building materials were designed to comply with town standards.
Development Application and Special Development District (00:39:00)
Three development applications were discussed, including creating a special development district.

The council discussed three development applications: creating a Special Development District (SDD), amending the conditional use permit for timeshare units, and performing a minor subdivision to create dedicated ownership responsibilities. The property cannot redevelop according to the master plan without amendments or variances.
Development Program and Housing Plan (00:41:02)
The development program was reviewed, emphasizing the need to replace existing units and the housing plan's importance.

The council reviewed the development program, emphasizing the need to replace existing units on a like-for-like basis. Discussions included the challenges of redeveloping the site with existing constraints and the importance of the housing plan in achieving compliance with town criteria.
Public Benefits and Master Plan Compliance (00:44:44)
Public benefits and compliance with master plan reviewed, including addressing deviations and density issues.

The council reviewed public benefits and compliance with the master plan, including addressing deviations in density, GRFA, site coverage, height, and setbacks. The proposal aims to solve the Apollo Park puzzle and meet project partners' needs.
Building Height and Compatibility (00:46:50)
Compatibility with neighborhood design and building height issues were discussed, highlighting height deviations.

The council discussed building height and compatibility with neighborhood design, addressing deviations in height and density. Reference was made to phase one redevelopment setting the tone for development in the area. Proposed building heights aim to align with master plan guidelines.
Parking and Infrastructure (00:50:00)
Discussion on parking infrastructure and shared access, emphasizing below-grade parking challenges.

The council discussed parking and infrastructure, including shared access with neighboring properties and below-grade parking challenges. The importance of providing adequate parking space while complying with town policies was emphasized.
Environmental and Design Considerations (00:54:03)
Environmental considerations and design features were reviewed, focusing on geologic hazards and architectural design.

Environmental considerations and design features were reviewed, focusing on geologic hazards, steep slopes, and architectural design. The council emphasized balancing building location with site retention and landscaping to mitigate environmental impacts.
Traffic Circulation and Site Plan Changes (01:00:32)
Discussion of site plan changes including traffic circulation adjustments and shared entrance proposals to solve traffic and landscape issues.

The meeting discussed the traffic circulation on the site plan, noting that no changes had been made to the diagram since the last meeting. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) required changes to the horseshoe turnaround and entrance points. The plan now proposes sharing an entrance and exit with neighbors to the west, including an easement for Altus Vail residents and service vehicles. This addresses traffic problems but creates new landscape issues, which are being managed by compliance with landscape harbor requirements.
Landscape Compliance and Emergency Access (01:01:17)
The project now complies with landscape requirements by altering building corners and increasing landscape areas, while managing emergency vehicle access.

The project team explained how they achieved compliance with landscape requirements by cutting back the northeast corner of the building and increasing a landscape planter in that area. They highlighted the challenges of balancing landscape needs with the requirement for emergency vehicle access to the center of the site, which consumes part of the development area.
Public Benefits and Project Phasing (01:02:07)
Public benefits include a fee-in-lieu for housing mitigation and stream track improvements, alongside a single-phase construction plan.

The project proposes a fee-in-lieu payment for the housing mitigation fund based on unmet square footage. The town's housing department has verified these calculations. Additionally, a fee-in-lieu for stream track improvements is suggested, allowing the Town of Vail to manage enhancements to Gore Creek. The project is planned as a single-phase construction with no proposed phasing.
Short-Term Rental Program and Parking Solutions (01:03:54)
The project includes a short-term rental program to increase occupancy and proposes all parking to be located below grade.

The master plan emphasizes the importance of increasing occupancy with increased density. The project addresses parking by locating all vehicle parking below grade, aligning with the master plan's recommendations and ensuring parking is screened from view.
Building Height and Neighborhood Context (01:04:45)
The proposed building height is five to six stories, with variations due to site slope, aligning with neighboring structures.

The discussion covered the building heights, which vary between five and six stories due to the site's slope. The height decision was influenced by neighboring structures like Vail Mountain View residences (five stories) and Altus (six stories).
Housing Units Sales and Management (01:06:05)
Housing units will be for sale, with some reserved for lease to onsite management and staff.

The proposed lunar Vail project will have housing units for sale and lease, with two units reserved for onsite property management and administrative staff. This is part of a broader strategy to ensure the site remains active and vibrant, with a focus on practical and sustainable business models.
Public Comments and Concerns (01:16:00)
Public comments focused on concerns about density, environmental impacts, and the need for more time to reach a compromise.

Multiple residents and stakeholders voiced concerns regarding the project's density, environmental impacts on Gore Creek, and the need for more time to reach a compromise. Specific issues included the project's fit within the neighborhood context, the adequacy of public benefits, and potential impacts on current residents and the environment. There were calls to delay approval to allow for further negotiations and adjustments.
Comments from State Commissioner Foland (01:33:37)
Commissioner Foland discusses challenges in compliance with current regulations and the importance of working through the process.

State Commissioner Foland addresses the complexities of complying with current regulations and the need for collaboration and process adherence. He emphasizes conflicts between density and site coverage and the necessity of involving all stakeholders, including the timeshare community, in redevelopment discussions.
Town Council Feedback and Discussion (01:37:00)
Council members discuss the project's compliance with criteria and the possibility of remanding the proposal back to PEC for further review.

Council members express their views on the redevelopment project, discussing its alignment with established criteria and the role of PEC in the process. There are concerns about the project's impact on the neighborhood and the need for further refinement. The council debates whether to remand the project back to PEC or continue deliberations with the current proposal.
Developer's Response and Concerns (02:03:00)
The developer responds to council comments, emphasizing their willingness to work through the process despite challenges with PEC meetings.

The developer outlines the difficulties encountered in previous PEC meetings, including inadequate attendance and lack of quorum. They express a preference for continuing discussions directly with the council rather than remanding back to PEC, given the complexities and costs involved in the project.
Motion to Remand Project to PEC (02:04:00)
The council votes to remand the application back to PEC for further review, with a motion passing 4 to 3.

After extensive discussion, the council decides to remand the redevelopment project back to the Planning and Environmental Commission (PEC) for further review and recommendation. The motion to remand is passed with a 4 to 3 vote.
Adjournment (02:04:23)
The meeting is adjourned following a motion and a unanimous vote in favor of adjournment.

The council moves to adjourn the meeting. The motion to adjourn is seconded and passes unanimously, concluding the session.

Vail Town Council (30 Episodes)

Updated about 14 hours ago

The Vail Town Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month. Proceedings are broadcast live on cable Channel 5 and at Live on Five. Meetings are recorded and subsequently posted here and replayed on cable. Show times highfivemedia.org/schedules.