MINTURN — The Minturn Town Council late Wednesday approved developer Bobby Ginn’s plan to build a 1,700-home private ski-resort community within the town’s boundary.
The decision marks the end of nearly three years of negotiations between the Florida resort developer and the town. In exchange for the approval, Ginn has promised to construct a new recreation center, housing for municipal employees and sidewalks. In addition, the developer will give Minturn cash to acquire federal land and to clean up toxic mine tailings.
Some Minturn residents objected to the council’s approval, saying they should have had the opportunity to vote on the proposal. They have organized a petition drive to force a public vote. The development, called Battle Mountain, could add as much as $10 million to the town’s annual surplus tax revenues. Parts of the project still need approval from federal agencies, including a plan to protect an endangered lynx habitat.
