Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Acquisitions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Aspen staff warn acquisitions are increasingly expensive; Delinsic Gardens cited as example
Summary
City parks staff told council that acquisitions remain a priority but are costly: Delinsic Gardens cost roughly $2.5M in 2015 and its present-day equivalent could be $5—6M; staff also flagged a Smuggler 'donut hole' and conservation easements as acquisition strategies.
During the Aug. 4 work session, Parks staff said the city continues to pursue acquisitions but faces escalating prices. "We acquired Delinsic Gardens almost as a gift. I think total cost was 2,500,000 in 2015," Matt said, adding that, at today's market, the same property could cost "5 or 6,000,000." He called acquisitions "something we're really keenly aware of" as a horizon item.
Staff also identified a "donut hole" on Smuggler Mountain as an acquisition priority and said the city sometimes pursues conservation or trail easements to fill connectivity gaps. Council members suggested outside funding partners (EOTC or county partners) could help advance certain cross-jurisdictional projects such as the Truscott Trail or the Twin Bridge/ABC Bridge feasibility study.
