Several years ago, 100 people attended a city council meeting and spoke against a proposed development that would have divided this town across the intersection of two major highways and would have damaged historic downtown Ridgway. Subsequent initiatives by the city council resulted in sales tax funds for Historic Downtown development that will begin this summer. I am proud to be a voting member of a community whose voice is heard at city council.

In hindsight of that proposed development, I realize that Joe Nelson (of Ridgway Development) appreciated and understood the value of each small business in this town that makes Ridgway such a powerful community. He talked to every businessperson in this town, and as a community we voted against the development that would have ultimately moved core business to the intersection of the highway. I would now like to thank Joe Nelson for trying to blend the essence of our community into his development.

I am confused about this proposed hotel, recently renamed Dream Catcher Lodge, that is to be situated on Ridgway’s most prime piece of real estate across the river from Rollans Park and the walking bridge. It does not seem that this project at all complements or integrates with the mission, scale or essence of Ridgway. I don’t know who the developer is. I have never been asked from this developer my opinion about this project or how it would contribute to the essence of Ridgway.

I vote to send this developer back to the drawing board. I anticipate that a business that integrates with the essence of the Uncompahgre River and the business community will be highly successful. Renaming the project Dream Catcher Lodge is a facetious attempt at integrating with this town.

– Planet Janet (Smith), Ridgway