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Commissioners approve first reading to amend Aspen Chapel covenant, add Nordic-trail easement
Summary
Pitkin County commissioners approved first reading of an ordinance amending a restrictive covenant on the Aspen Chapel property and accepting a Nordic trail easement; public commenters and trustees supported preserving the historic chapel while enabling limited future development and access for Nordic uses. Second reading set for Aug. 12.
The Pitkin County Board on July 8 advanced an ordinance on first reading that would amend a restrictive covenant recorded in 2019 for the Aspen Chapel property and accept a Nordic (cross-country) trail easement across a portion of the site.
County staff summarized the history of the property exchange that produced the covenant and said subsequent site-plan refinements were necessary to preserve view planes and the chapel’s historic character. Staff said the easement language is intended to allow future Nordic uses and maintenance access while protecting sensitive view corridors.
Susanna Reid and other staff and preservation partners described efforts to refine a site plan so any detached, low-profile office building and other tweaks would not compromise the chapel’s historic integrity. Susan Wolf, speaking for city staff, described logistical concerns for grooming equipment and snowcat turning on adjacent bridges and said the easement would provide flexibility for future operational needs.
David Scruggs, a chapel trustee, spoke during public comment to support the trustees’ work and to stress the need for ADA accessibility and repairs to the building, which he described as held together "by glue and prayers." After public comment the board moved to approve first reading and clarified the 2nd reading and public hearing date as Aug. 12 (the motion corrected an earlier agenda date).
The ordinance includes two actions: recording an amendment to the existing restrictive covenant (to reflect an updated, conceptual site plan) and recording a Nordic-trail easement to preserve a potential corridor for Nordic skiing and maintenance. Commissioners and staff said they expect only minor document tweaks before the scheduled second reading.
