government
Sullivan: Why can’t the Basalt Planning Commission just say no?
By Susan Sullivan at Aspen Times
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
I recently attended the Basalt Planning Commission meeting regarding the proposed Marriott Residence Inn at the old Movieland site in El Jebel, and I left utterly baffled.
During the hearing, a clear consensus emerged: each and every planning commissioner expressed major reservations about the...
Key takeaway When a project is this poorly aligned with the community’s vision and the Master Plan, the standard shouldn’t be “let’s see how much the developer can patch up in a month.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The reluctance of the Basalt Planning Commission to reject the proposed Marriott Residence Inn at the old Movieland site in El Jebel raises questions about the commission's role in upholding the community's Master Plan. In a region like Pitkin County, where growth and development are carefully managed to preserve the natural beauty and character of the area, it is crucial that local leaders prioritize the community's vision. By prolonging the discussion, the commission may be inadvertently setting a precedent for future developments that do not align with the community's goals. As the commission revisits the proposal in a month, they should consider the long-term implications of their decision on the Roaring Fork Valley's unique cultural and environmental landscape. The community's patience and trust in local government are at stake, making it essential for the commission to make a decision that reflects the community's values and Master Plan.
About this story
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Category: government ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? I recently attended the Basalt Planning Commission meeting regarding the proposed Marriott Residence Inn at the old Movieland site in El Jebel, and I left utterly baffled.
During the hearing, a clear consensus emerged: each and every planning commissioner expressed major reservations about the...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Susan Sullivan at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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