The Minturn Town Council late tonight gave unanimous preliminary approval to annex a 5,400-acre proposed development project above the town.
The project by southeast developer Bobby Ginn will eventually have 1,700 homes, two golf courses and a private ski area on Battle Mountain between the Eagle County villages of Minturn and Red Cliff.
Ginn purchased the property, which encompasses the abandoned mining town of Gilman, 38 months ago for $32.75 million.
His development team has been negotiating a potential annexation with the town of Minturn for almost three years; a deal that would deliver increased revenues to the small town while providing the project with town water and services.
Final approval of the project hinges on developer and town attorneys reaching an agreement on a proposed improvement district that would provide the town with revenues for the life of the project.
Several members of the town council tonight demanded that the developer keep a steady stream of revenues flowing into town coffers to assure its ability to support the project.
“After two-and-a-half years it’s time to christen the battleship I guess,” said Minturn Mayor Gordon “Hawkeye” Flaherty.
A final vote is scheduled for the Feb. 27 council meeting.
