The Steamboat Springs Board of Realtors (SSBR) has issued a strong statement regarding the upcoming vote about the sewer vaults and Morrison Creek Water’s desire to get rid of them.

If you own undeveloped land in Stagecoach, you’ll want to read the statement in its entirety.  Here it is:

Tell Routt County Commissioners: Oppose Stagecoach Sewer Vault Plan!

The Issue

On Tuesday, November 17^th, the Routt County Commissioners will vote on whether to support a plan by the Morrison Creek Water and Sanitation District (MCWD) to limit access to sewer vault permits in the Stagecoach development, and allow no more than 30 permits for roughly 1500 platted lots in Stagecoach. The current regulations allow 600 permits.

SSBR Concerns with the proposal

SSBR is concerned that if the policy is implemented, a reduction in property values in Stagecoach could immediately ensue.

A reduction of sewer vault permits to 30, when it had been 600, will result in a property devaluation. We believe a property with a vault permit will be more valuable than one without a permit, all things equal.

SSBR is also concerned that the MCWD has been unwilling to construct water and sewer infrastructure necessary for development.

MCWD’s unwillingness to construct water and sewer infrastructure necessary for development is contrary to its responsibilities under the Special District Act. MCWD appears to have adequate capacity, no environmental emergencies, and is debt-free with reserves, so it could finance water and sewer extensions in the development.

SSBR Recommendations

• Postpone consideration of the Proposal until the Stagecoach Community Plan Update has been completed and adopted as a component of the County’s Master Plan

• Adopt a “cap and trade” program for vault permits

A “cap and trade” program would allow MCWD to cap the total number of vaults that will be allowed at Stagecoach, but allow permits to be transferred to another property owner in an area that sewer has not yet reached.

• Undertake expansion of Infrastructure

MCWD should adjust its policies and update its capital budget, seek appropriate financial support where available, and renew its effort to provide water and sewer.

• Allow for variances and exceptions

MCWD should allow for variances or exceptions to the restriction on Vaults to preserve the opportunity from property owners to install a vault in circumstances where there are no other feasible solutions for developing a property.

TAKE ACTION!

WE NEED A FULL ROOM AT THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING AT THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17^th at 5:30 PM. Please attend the meeting. Ask your clients to attend this meeting!

This is our final chance to change the policy and protect property values in Stagecoach!