Neighbors voice support and concerns as commission weighs Sunset Stables permit

During the Sunset Stables conditional use permit hearing, more than a half‑dozen neighbors and users spoke in favor of the operation and described frequent, positive interactions with the applicants. “They run the best facility that I’ve ever seen,” supporter Greg Holmes said, praising the owners’ stewardship and maintenance.

Supporters included boarders who described the stable as clean and professional; Janine Ray said she had “never seen such a stable that’s so conscientious” and noted regular manure hauling and clean paddock management. Other neighbors supported keeping equestrian properties in Eagle to preserve the city’s rural character.

At the same time, neighbors raised practical concerns. David Maffee and others asked about limits on the number of animals and potential impacts on groundwater nitrates; he urged that numbers be capped to avoid evolving into a larger, feedlot‑style operation. Commissioner McCauley noted that site‑specific conditions in the packet would limit boarding to 10 horses and permit up to 20 on‑site occasionally, which the applicants said was intended to cover short‑term hauled‑in visitors.

Commissioners heard requests to avoid street parking during loading/unloading, to regulate large events and to ensure manure removal and composting continue. The applicants reassured commissioners that manure is removed weekly and that most patrons park on private gravel on the property.