Stagecoach residents urge commissioners to scrutinize Discovery Land Company development over water and ecological concerns

Residents of the Stagecoach area raised concerns about the proposed Stagecoach Mountain Ranch development and asked county officials to provide information on water availability, sewer capacity and who would pay for infrastructure.

Marie Gassell, a Stagecoach resident and retired educator, said she is “extremely concerned” about the ecological and long-term community impacts of the Discovery Land Company proposal and distributed an information packet linking the company’s global practices to local risks. “By their fruits, you will know them,” Gassell said, urging the board and public to examine the developer’s record.

Another resident, Jerry Gasaw, told commissioners he is worried the Stagecoach area already has limited water and that the reservoir’s supply is used downstream to Craig. He said the project could add “5 to 700” higher-end homes that would require substantial water and sewer infrastructure and questioned who would pay for the upfront costs and long-term maintenance.

Commissioners and county staff said the development is an active planning matter and could not be discussed in detail during the public session; they asked planning staff to follow up with the speakers and to ensure their comments are included in the planning record. The board further asked staff to confirm whether planning staff had already followed up; staff indicated outreach efforts were under way and that planning would provide written responses to the speakers’ questions.

County staff also reminded the public that pending applications and related materials are posted online and that the planning department maintains public records of active applications. Commissioners directed staff to ensure the two speakers receive copies of relevant planning materials and responses to their questions.

No county decisions or approvals related to the Stagecoach Mountain Ranch development were made at the meeting.