Public commenters ask Aspen preservation panel to revisit proposed demolition at 205 West Main

Public commenters pressed the Aspen Historic Preservation Commission to reopen a recent decision to allow demolition of the West Addition at 205 West Main and to disclose advice the commission received in a closed executive session.

"Please disclose what the advice was to you in the secret meeting," David Scruggs said, arguing the addition appears on an 1895 McClure photo and an 1896 Willets map and that the commission's earlier conclusion that the addition is not historic may have been based on incorrect information. Scruggs asked the commission to "revisit it, and revoke the permission to demolish." The comment was made during the meeting's public‑comment period.

Commissioners and staff responded with procedural guidance rather than taking immediate action. Staff reminded members that if the city council calls up the item it could return to the commission for further review and cautioned commissioners to avoid ex parte communications before any subsequent hearing. "If there's new evidence," staff said, "it could come back to you," noting that a call‑up by council can change the review path.

The exchange left the factual dispute unresolved in the meeting record: Scruggs asserted documentary evidence that the west addition is historic and asked the commission to waive privilege and make the city attorney's advice public; staff and commissioners emphasized procedural constraints and the administrative review and permitting process, saying no permits had yet been issued. The commission did not vote on the demolition decision or take a formal action to reopen the matter during the meeting.