We would like to express our concerns regarding proposed real estate “development” in the Old Spanish Trail area of Orchard Mesa. Even if the so-called developer did not have such a questionable past, we would still try to do whatever we could to ensure that the Spanish Trail would still be available for anyone to engage in quiet recreational pursuits.

We have been using this area for years before the trail (and the Gunnison River Bluffs Trail) was put in place. We have been hiking, running, riding horses and riding bicycles frequently for many years. It is a fun area to go on full moon hikes in as well.

It is our sincere desire that the appropriate governmental agencies (Mesa County Planning, city of Grand Junction, Mesa County Commissioners, etc.) conduct a thorough background check of the developer before considering this request. And, although the affected property is privately owned, we can only hope that whatever development may ultimately occur, it be of such low density that the character of the Old Spanish Trail area is not radically changed. And that the property owners continue to allow public recreational access to this area.

We suspect that if the 166 Edlun proposal is built, it all-too-likely will be but a gateway to do the same to the adjoining 300-or-so-acre parcel. The last time we checked the Mesa County Assessor’s records, the larger adjoining parcels have the same owners as the “gateway” parcel. If we can put a stop to the proposed madness, wouldn’t it be great if the owner of yet another large parcel further south could be persuaded to continue to allow access on the Gunnison River Bluffs trail — and NOT consider high density development?

DEBORAH AND JAY KRABACHER
Grand Junction

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