EL JEBEL — A midvalley planning commission voted 4-0 Thursday to advise the Eagle County commissioners to deny a proposal for an agritourism business on a Missouri Heights ranch because it will change the rural neighborhood.
The denial came after roughly 150 residents of Missouri Heights attended a hearing in opposition, held in El Jebel. Out of about 20 speakers, only two voiced support for the proposal by Alex and Laura Kim.
In addition, foes presented a petition signed by 409 people who asked that the Kims’ proposal be denied.
The opposition was labeled “overwhelming” by Jay Leavitt, a member of the Roaring Fork Regional Planning Commission. Leavitt was joined by Planning Commission members Temple Glassier, Ken Ransford and Kim Bock in the vote.
The proposal still can go to the Eagle County commissioners for a final vote if the Kims choose to let their application advance.
The Kims are seeking a way to utilize their 47-acre ranch, which is now mostly an irrigated hayfield. It is about two miles above El Jebel. They proposed an agritourism business featuring eight guest rooms adjacent to their house and approval to hold as many as 52 special events per year — ranging from “farm-to-fork” dinners to weddings and corporate retreats.
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