THE CITY HAS TO REVERSE THE LAND SWAP!

Here are my comments for the City Council today:

Good afternoon,
The City has owned the first two miles of the Barr Trail for over two years. I have asked the City to disclose the estimated cost of the needed repairs on that land for over three years. Why would you refuse to answer? We know that over $200,000 has already been spent on those repairs, and much, much more work has to be done.

What is the cost of the necessary study of the drainage issues? What might the actual drainage work cost? What is the estimated cost of repairing the erosion damage on the hillside? How much do we expect to spend on the stabilization of the trail, and the repair of washouts? How much will the obstacle removal cost? How much has to be spent on blasting on that trail? I have already determined that the new fence will cost no less than $200,000.

The land in question was appraised at $1.3 million. I am sure that the total repairs will cost between $800,000 and $1.2 million. Do the members of this Council disagree with my numbers? Have you consulted with Timberline Landscaping, the City of Manitou Springs, or RMFI? If not, please tell us why you have not done so. Are you trying to deceive the public about a flaw in the appraisal submitted by the Broadmoor?

Early on in the public comment process the City mentioned the drainage issues and erosion damage at one public meeting. That was February 24th 2016, I have been asking for the specifics since that night. After that night the City removed all mention of the repairs from their presentations. Did Karen Palus or the Mayor learn the cost of the repairs during the public comment process, and decide to withhold that information from the public?

I have been asking this Council to investigate that question for over a year. If facts were suppressed that would constitute a criminal act, and the entire land swap would be invalid on that point alone. Has this Council learned things that you would prefer not to disclose publicly? The only way that you can have that privilege is to reverse the land swap immediately.

The Broadmoor illegally acquired Strawberry Fields. It is a criminal act for them to begin construction there, and it is a criminal act for the City to allow them to build on that land. That land rightfully belongs to the people of our City. It is pristine park land, and may not be changed in any way. The longer you wait before intervening, the greater the legal burden will become.

Thank you, Carl Strow