I think it is despicable that the Dillon Town Council is selling the town’s soul for a parking garage. 

The branded residences project is a massive development that has no authenticity because it never went through what I consider a true public process — so it is simply an oversized, homogenized, suburban-looking behemoth, and its size is dictated by the cash flow needed to fund a metro district.

What does the metro district hope to build? Parking spaces in a mixed-use garage at the corner of La Bonte and Lake Dillon Drive. Who wants that on one of the best corners in Dillon?

Town Council never took the time to educate or involve the community — and this is unacceptable. The community expects council to provide professional, informal meetings where information and ideas can be exchanged and discussed. As voters we demand a seat at the table in big decisions that will change Dillon fundamentally.

The developer is not limited to a black-and-white decision — 200 branded residences versus 240 condos — but is choosing to play this game. Why is he trying to force this development on the community instead of working with the community?

By the way, he does not own the Best Western property — so these choices are just proposals.

Who you go into partnership with matters. This partnership is imbalanced with the developer having all the power and the community not even having a seat at the table. The community should be in control of how Dillon is redeveloped — not an out-of-state developer who is out of synch with residents.

Vote no! This is the only way to get a direct message to Town Council and the developer that the community has the right to be involved in determining its future. This is your best chance to be heard.