Neighbors raise safety concerns at Arcadia Ridge Ranch liquor-license hearing; commissioners postpone decision

Fremont County commissioners heard a contested retail liquor-license application from Arcadia Ridge Ranch and a range of public comments from neighbors and stakeholders. Commissioners did not issue a license; instead they put the matter under advisement and urged the applicant to hold community meetings with Uphill Road residents before the hearing is rescheduled.

Community safety concerns: John Wilson, executive director of Eagle View Ranch, read a letter from Eagle View's board opposing the license. The board cited three safety concerns: blind curves and steep descents on Uphill Road, the risk of intoxicated drivers encountering vans carrying campers, and the proximity of retirees and other residents to potentially fast or impaired drivers. Celeste Schrader, a resident at 100 Uphill Road, described the road as ungraded, with ruts and narrow sections, and said easements along the road range from 30 feet down to 15 feet in places.

Applicant's position: Tracy McClinic, who identified herself as Arcadia Ridge Ranch co-owner, said the property has historically hosted events and limited commercial activity and that a county-issued liquor license would allow the owners to control on-site alcohol service rather than permit guests to bring their own. McClinic said the lodge can host about 14 guests and the cabin up to six; catered events typically host 35 to 80 people and, historically, weddings at the site have been as large as about 150 guests. McClinic said staff are CHIPs-certified and that requiring a license would improve the owners' ability to manage alcohol use.

Commission action: Commissioners declined to decide at the hearing and recommended the applicant meet with Uphill Road residents to discuss safety and access concerns. A commissioner suggested rescheduling within a few weeks; the board said they would take the application under advisement and may hold a follow-up public hearing after those community meetings.

Clarifying details: Neighbors described Uphill Road as roughly three miles long with sections where the easement narrows from 30 feet near the bottom to as little as 15 feet; residents reported multiple blind curves and steep descents. The applicant said the property's regular occupancy is about 20 people, with catered events typically 35— to 80 guests; prior events on the property have included up to about 150 attendees but the applicant said events over 80 are rare. The applicant said the license sought would be an on-premises retail license for seasonal operation.

What to watch for: The commission asked the applicant to meet neighbors and return for a continued hearing; the commission may take final action after additional community engagement.