STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-May 11, 2020-The mountain area has come a long way since the first lifts and the A-Frame structure laid the framework more than 50 years ago for what would become the current mountain area. But what is the vision for the next 50 years? The city is interested in learning that from the community during the Mountain Area Master Plan over the coming months.
“The purpose of this project is to engage the community to develop a plan that guides policy, growth and development, and public and private investment toward achieving that future vision,” said Planning & Community Development Director Rebecca Bessey. “During our discussion, an emphasis will be placed on identity, economic vitality and mobility.”
The project looks to enhance the sense of place while complementing the goals and recommendations of other city plans. In addition, the process will identify specific, prioritized actions based on the analyses of existing conditions, issues, and opportunities, along with input from stakeholders and the public on priorities. The result will be an actionable implementation strategy, which is both aspirational and feasible, and is adaptable to changing future conditions for the mountain area.
The plan’s study area is the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation base area and the commercial properties and residential neighborhoods that surround it. The Mountain Area includes the land within the Urban Renewal Authority boundary to the east of US Highway 40 and within the Resort Residential (RR-1 and RR-2) and Gondola (G-1 and G-2) zone districts.
“Increased development pressure has highlighted challenges with the current zoning, development, and design standards applicable to the Mountain Area, including use and density requirements and design standards,” continued Bessey. “The challenges of current regulations, along with opportunities to redesign or improve the Gondola Transit Center and Ski Time Square Drive, are key factors in the city’s desire to develop and adopt an updated plan for the Mountain Area.”
In April 2019, the Steamboat Springs Downtown Plan was adopted to define the vision and goals for downtown and to provide action strategies to guide the plan’s implementation. With the adoption of a new Mountain Area Master Plan, the community will have two sub-area plans to guide public and private decision making and investment to achieve the long-term vision for the community’s two core areas bringing and encouraging a synergy between the areas.
The city has partnered with Cushing Terrell (formerly CTA) and Connect One Design to lead the public engagement with the community and produce the Steamboat Springs Mountain Area Master Plan. The comprehensive process is anticipated to run through April 2021. Find information, submit opinions and ideas can be found at engagesteamboat.net/mamp.
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Contact
Rebecca Bessey, Planning & Community Development Director, 970.871.8202 or email
Julie Baxter, Senior Planner, 970.871.8267 or email