San Juan County tells Anvil Mountain lot-holders to show building plans; resident urges temporary park for children

County commissioners asked owners of unsold or undeveloped lots at the Anvil Mountain/Bridal subdivision to provide a timeline and development plan, and gave notice letters asking for a response within 30 days.

The request came after commissioners said prolonged delays and rising construction costs have left several lots unsold or undeveloped years after they were offered at $30,000. A county official said fees and service hookups have raised the practical cost of a lot well above the advertised price.

Why it matters: The Anvil Mountain parcels were sold or set aside as part of a county-led affordable housing effort intended to produce primary residences for local families. Commissioners said stalled build-out undermines that goal and prevents other residents on the waiting list from using those lots.

Commissioners discussed sending a firm, but cooperative, letter to current lot-holders asking for an immediate schedule to complete construction. "I got them out. I gave them 30 days," said County Commissioner, referring to the notices sent to lot owners. Commissioners also asked for a work session with the San Juan Housing Authority to reconsider lot pricing, wait-list rules and resale restrictions if owners do not proceed.

Residents and other meeting participants urged the county and the town of Silverton to consider community amenities as the neighborhood fills in. A public commenter identified as Resident suggested reserving a lot for a temporary park or community garden and argued the area lacks safe play space for children. "I think children need a safe place to play," the Resident said during public comment.

The commission acknowledged additional costs beyond the $30,000 lot price: commissioners and staff noted $15,000 water/sewer hook-up fees and excavation costs can push the effective buyer cost substantially higher. Commissioners also discussed that the county borrowed money to develop apartments and has long-term debt related to housing projects, which limits the county’s ability to subsidize additional development indefinitely.

Next steps discussed included: (1) require lot-holders to submit a written schedule and progress plan within 30 days; (2) convene a work session with the San Juan Housing Authority and Silverton town representatives to review wait-list policy, deed restrictions and potential town/county contributions; and (3) explore short-term park or community-garden options for the Anvil/Bridal area, including identifying small, build‑limited lots that could be used for greenspace or a community garden until long-term park plans proceed.

Commissioners also referenced outside funding sources to help build parks and infrastructure — including GOCO (Great Outdoors Colorado), DOLA (Department of Local Affairs) grant programs and private foundations — and encouraged staff to pursue those options alongside town partners.

Ending: Commissioners said they will circulate a proposed letter to lot holders and schedule the housing-authority work session; they also asked staff to inventory county-owned parcels in the Anvil/Bridal area that could be reserved for temporary recreation uses while long-term plans proceed.