Foreclosures up to 40
Written by: Christopher Pike 17.JUL.09
Posted by: Erin Eddy - www.ourayland.com
There are 40 properties in some stage of foreclosure so far in 2009, according to Jeannine Casolari, Ouray County public trustee.
In a report to the Board of County Commissioners, Casolari said on Monday that her office has been receiving from three to five new foreclosure notices each week.
"And there are several sales and several now continuing. There are four scheduled this week on Wednesday, but three may be continued. One will go through."
Casolari said that in a previous year there might be six foreclosure notices; in May alone there were seven foreclosures and six in June. She added that ten foreclosures have been carried over from 2008.
Despite this, actual sales are not commensurate with the number of filings.
"There have been no bids because everyone's bottom fishing and no bank will accept below the mortgage value," Casolari stressed to the commissioners. She said that a foreclosure is "not a fire sale."
"Once they get it on their books then that is when a fire sale takes place. I'm concerned because we've only seen the tip of the iceberg. I think people need to be look at at what might be poised to happen to property values."
Casolari added that nothing has sold yet because the owners haven't taken the lower value or the value of outstanding mortgage valance. This is telling us to be very aware of what is happening. Perception is not accurate. Foreclosures are not reflecting the true value of properties. "I'm very worried," Casolari said.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Citizens seek to acquire Ouray Real Estate
Summer folk step to plate in Wright project...Part-timers pitch in
Posted by Erin Eddy - www.ourayland.com and www.ridgwayland.com
Special to the Plaindealer - written by Ouray Plaindealer Staff
Second home owners and year round residents in Ouray County have a special opportunity this summer to join together on a major project now shifting into high gear - the Campaign to Save the Wright Opera House.
This ambitious fundraising effort is well-suited to involve summer and year-round residents alike, working together on a project that impacts the future economic infrastructure and lifestyle of the community, while preserving the history of the area.
The campaign's goal is to purchase and rehabilitate the Wright, create a county-wide arts center to serve the growing activity of the several arts organizations and eventually provide the premier small performance space in the region.
The Friends have completed the initial preparatory steps needed to assure that going forward to purchase the building is feasible, including an appraisal and an historic preservation structural engineering assessment with projections on needed repairs and equipment following the purchase of the building.
Grant applications are currently being written to several foundations which participate in capital purchases, including the Colorado Historic Society. Huesing estimated that in order to indicate solid community commitment to the foundations in question, about $200,000 will need to be raised or pledged locally by Sept. 1, for intended purchase in 2010. Currently over $80,000 has been raised in cash, pledges, and grants, some of which has been used to pay for the preparatory analyses. Phases of potential development, along with historic details, can be viewed at www.SaveTheWright.org.
Summer residents Kelvin and Becky Kent recently made a pledge to the project.
"Ouray's Wright Opera House is more than just a cultural icon and Victorian masterpiece," They said. "It's an important piece of our history, heritage and connection with the past. It needs to be saved for future generations and put to use as a venue for activities, entertainment and a vibrant Main Street storefront. We think it is right to support the ongoing efforts of the hard working Friends of the Wright Opera House to achieve their goal of securing this wonderful building for posterity."
From the business perspective, a pledge from Box Canyon Lodge owners Rich and Karen Avery noted, "We see the arts as the other bookend, with our fantastic recreation assets, to solidify the economy in Ouray County. An upgraded, fully functioning Opera House will provide the missing link in the spectrum of experiences we offer full-time residents, summer residents, and visitors. In our opinion, our investment in the effort of the Friends of the Wright Opera House is an investment in the future of our own business."
Summer resident Ralph Huesing chairs the Friends of the Wright Opera House, sharing his considerable experience with historic commercial buildings.
Another long-time summer resident, Duane Compton, is helping coordinate participation by other second home residents. Several other seasonal residents are participants in the volunteer corps forming to help with managing events and fund-raising activities. Huesing invites other second home owners to become involved in the project.
"Our current focus is to create awareness by all residents of the project and its potential," Huesing said. "We will provide personal tours of the facility for everyone, whether summer or year-round residents, to show the current status of the building and to further develop the vision and dynamics for best use into future years. We want everyone to enjoy the events currently planned. We need volunteers to help with planning the future implementation of the building to serve the broadest range of the population. And, we want those willing to help with the financial challenge to be well-informed about how their support in purchasing the building will affect the economic and cultural health of their community, as well as the major tax benefits associated with that support."
Several events and activities are planned to specifically bring the summer residents into the long term process to "Save the Wright.
Joyce Linn, chair of the Community Development Committee, has often addressed the need to involve summer residents in the community and its progress. She sees the Opera House project as a perfect vehicle for second home owners and year round residents to work together.
"Our summer home population is as big as our year-round population. That presence significantly adds to the vitality and the economy which we all value, but as a community we don't create adequate opportunities to actively encourage summer residents to feel involved and more fully participate, along with the year-round residents, in the overall progress of the community," she said. "We know that our summer residents bring with them great ideas and knowledge from their experiences elsewhere. The conceptualization and implementation of a project like this can benefit from the combined perspectives of the two components of our population. We hope that anyone who wants to be involved in any part of this project will contact us."
Huesing added his part-time residency perspective.
"The Friends of the Wright Opera House was formed to manage this initiative, and we welcome all residents to join us in accomplishing this major challenge. For second home owners, it is especially workable because we can have involvement year-round as we monitor progress and offer advice even when not in residence. And, of course, our financial support can substantially speed up the process, adding to the contributions of the year round population. It might even provide some bragging rights when returning to our winter residences as we share a bit about what we are helping to accomplish for our summer town. Our help and involvement to create a top-notch venue for a full menu of quality entertainment and arts education will be an added benefit to the community. We will share the pride in 'our Opera House'... restored and fully functioning."
Any category of residents wishing to sign up for a tour, attend events, participate in planning activities or the volunteer group, or obtain information regarding a donation or a pledge should call Huesing or Linn, or other board members Nancy Nixon, Dee Williams, or Jim Opdahl.
Posted by Erin Eddy - www.ourayland.com and www.ridgwayland.com
Special to the Plaindealer - written by Ouray Plaindealer Staff
Second home owners and year round residents in Ouray County have a special opportunity this summer to join together on a major project now shifting into high gear - the Campaign to Save the Wright Opera House.
This ambitious fundraising effort is well-suited to involve summer and year-round residents alike, working together on a project that impacts the future economic infrastructure and lifestyle of the community, while preserving the history of the area.
The campaign's goal is to purchase and rehabilitate the Wright, create a county-wide arts center to serve the growing activity of the several arts organizations and eventually provide the premier small performance space in the region.
The Friends have completed the initial preparatory steps needed to assure that going forward to purchase the building is feasible, including an appraisal and an historic preservation structural engineering assessment with projections on needed repairs and equipment following the purchase of the building.
Grant applications are currently being written to several foundations which participate in capital purchases, including the Colorado Historic Society. Huesing estimated that in order to indicate solid community commitment to the foundations in question, about $200,000 will need to be raised or pledged locally by Sept. 1, for intended purchase in 2010. Currently over $80,000 has been raised in cash, pledges, and grants, some of which has been used to pay for the preparatory analyses. Phases of potential development, along with historic details, can be viewed at www.SaveTheWright.org.
Summer residents Kelvin and Becky Kent recently made a pledge to the project.
"Ouray's Wright Opera House is more than just a cultural icon and Victorian masterpiece," They said. "It's an important piece of our history, heritage and connection with the past. It needs to be saved for future generations and put to use as a venue for activities, entertainment and a vibrant Main Street storefront. We think it is right to support the ongoing efforts of the hard working Friends of the Wright Opera House to achieve their goal of securing this wonderful building for posterity."
From the business perspective, a pledge from Box Canyon Lodge owners Rich and Karen Avery noted, "We see the arts as the other bookend, with our fantastic recreation assets, to solidify the economy in Ouray County. An upgraded, fully functioning Opera House will provide the missing link in the spectrum of experiences we offer full-time residents, summer residents, and visitors. In our opinion, our investment in the effort of the Friends of the Wright Opera House is an investment in the future of our own business."
Summer resident Ralph Huesing chairs the Friends of the Wright Opera House, sharing his considerable experience with historic commercial buildings.
Another long-time summer resident, Duane Compton, is helping coordinate participation by other second home residents. Several other seasonal residents are participants in the volunteer corps forming to help with managing events and fund-raising activities. Huesing invites other second home owners to become involved in the project.
"Our current focus is to create awareness by all residents of the project and its potential," Huesing said. "We will provide personal tours of the facility for everyone, whether summer or year-round residents, to show the current status of the building and to further develop the vision and dynamics for best use into future years. We want everyone to enjoy the events currently planned. We need volunteers to help with planning the future implementation of the building to serve the broadest range of the population. And, we want those willing to help with the financial challenge to be well-informed about how their support in purchasing the building will affect the economic and cultural health of their community, as well as the major tax benefits associated with that support."
Several events and activities are planned to specifically bring the summer residents into the long term process to "Save the Wright.
Joyce Linn, chair of the Community Development Committee, has often addressed the need to involve summer residents in the community and its progress. She sees the Opera House project as a perfect vehicle for second home owners and year round residents to work together.
"Our summer home population is as big as our year-round population. That presence significantly adds to the vitality and the economy which we all value, but as a community we don't create adequate opportunities to actively encourage summer residents to feel involved and more fully participate, along with the year-round residents, in the overall progress of the community," she said. "We know that our summer residents bring with them great ideas and knowledge from their experiences elsewhere. The conceptualization and implementation of a project like this can benefit from the combined perspectives of the two components of our population. We hope that anyone who wants to be involved in any part of this project will contact us."
Huesing added his part-time residency perspective.
"The Friends of the Wright Opera House was formed to manage this initiative, and we welcome all residents to join us in accomplishing this major challenge. For second home owners, it is especially workable because we can have involvement year-round as we monitor progress and offer advice even when not in residence. And, of course, our financial support can substantially speed up the process, adding to the contributions of the year round population. It might even provide some bragging rights when returning to our winter residences as we share a bit about what we are helping to accomplish for our summer town. Our help and involvement to create a top-notch venue for a full menu of quality entertainment and arts education will be an added benefit to the community. We will share the pride in 'our Opera House'... restored and fully functioning."
Any category of residents wishing to sign up for a tour, attend events, participate in planning activities or the volunteer group, or obtain information regarding a donation or a pledge should call Huesing or Linn, or other board members Nancy Nixon, Dee Williams, or Jim Opdahl.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Ouray Real Estate Mining Claim Development
Posted by: Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Panel hears strong pros, cons on proposed Alpine Zone regs
New rules for building home on mining claim parcels in the Alpine Zone need more refinement, according to the county's Planning Commission (OCPC).
A draft of proposed changes to the Land Use Code (LUC) regarding residential development on mining claims and other parcels in the southern end of the county, including creation of a new South Alpine Zone, was tabled by the OCPC following a contentious public hearing on June 18.
Under consideration were modifications and additions to existing zoning regulations and boundaries.
But more than 50 people appeared at the public hearing and at least 22, many of whom own mining claims in the county, spoke in opposition to amending the LUC. Several claimed that language of the proposed regulations was overly broad, constitute an infringement on private property rights and is lacking in protection for miners. Several miners said that the entire document should be scrapped, arguing that their property values will decrease.
"Patented claims are private property. Every person has a right to do what he wants with this property. I don't agree with any of it; we have enough government already. The higher you go the worse it gets," said Ron Williams, who has worked with his son, Ron Jr., in the mining industry for several decades.
Several provisions in the draft document generated criticism from patented mining claim owners - who spoke in solidarity. The 12% maximum limit for the grade of the access road (even though the owner may seek a variance) is too restrictive and arbitrary; the limit of one-half acre for a building footprint should be expanded; the prohibition of construction of a new road or improvements to existing roads on the subject parcel (except where there is no existing access to that property) could impact those who wish to install roads for exploratory drilling; and the maximum, or base allowance, for a house being limited to 2,500 square feet of footprint for the total acreage.
The three principal partners of the Tisdel Law Firm in Ouray - Mike Hockersmith, Mark Howe and Andy Mueller - also were present at the hearing.
Hockersmith said the maximum limit of 7,500 square feet for a home where two or more parcels can be included in the calculation is "a huge issue that ought to be addressed."
Howe, who participated in the workshop discussions as an OCPC member, recused himself at the beginning of the June 18 public hearing due to any apparent conflict of interest. The firm represents some mining parcel owners.
Mueller argued that the regulations are) too cost prohibitive for an applicant. "The cost of studies, site plans and geotechnical prevents someone from being able to afford a house in that zone," he said.
Mueller also said that the standards in the document for items such as site plans, lack specificity and that staff in the county's Land Use Department office would be vested with "too much sole discretion" in their decision-making. He also expressed dismay that fencing restrictions were inappropriate for mining claim properties that have a home situated on it: "Now you're telling owners you can't fence your property. That's not okay."
Eight individuals, including Tammy Randall-Parker, Ouray District Ranger for the U.S. Forest Service, spoke in favor of the proposed mine land regulations. But some recommended that the regulations be made more clear and include other considerations. Randall-Parker suggested that the county add language to clarify snow maintenance; the USFS is in the process of developing regulations to require permits.
Howard Greene, a former OCPC member, said the current draft "neither prevents mining or home construction. In fact, (it is) more permissive than in other counties, allowing larger homes and easier variances. They are not a denial of rights and are not a taking."
A six-month moratorium set by the Board of County Commissioners on the construction of residences on mining claims in Ouray County expires July 26.
The BOCC did not take any action during its June 22 meeting to extend that deadline.
Following last week's hearing the OCPC scheduled another workshop on July 9 to discuss whether or not to rewrite portions of the document.
The OCPC wrote the draft proposals pursuant to a request from the BOCC. A total of six workshops were conducted, beginning 18 months ago.
The BOCC asked that the Planning Commission hold another public hearing regarding the proposals on July 21.
- Story by Christopher Pike, correspondent
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Panel hears strong pros, cons on proposed Alpine Zone regs
New rules for building home on mining claim parcels in the Alpine Zone need more refinement, according to the county's Planning Commission (OCPC).
A draft of proposed changes to the Land Use Code (LUC) regarding residential development on mining claims and other parcels in the southern end of the county, including creation of a new South Alpine Zone, was tabled by the OCPC following a contentious public hearing on June 18.
Under consideration were modifications and additions to existing zoning regulations and boundaries.
But more than 50 people appeared at the public hearing and at least 22, many of whom own mining claims in the county, spoke in opposition to amending the LUC. Several claimed that language of the proposed regulations was overly broad, constitute an infringement on private property rights and is lacking in protection for miners. Several miners said that the entire document should be scrapped, arguing that their property values will decrease.
"Patented claims are private property. Every person has a right to do what he wants with this property. I don't agree with any of it; we have enough government already. The higher you go the worse it gets," said Ron Williams, who has worked with his son, Ron Jr., in the mining industry for several decades.
Several provisions in the draft document generated criticism from patented mining claim owners - who spoke in solidarity. The 12% maximum limit for the grade of the access road (even though the owner may seek a variance) is too restrictive and arbitrary; the limit of one-half acre for a building footprint should be expanded; the prohibition of construction of a new road or improvements to existing roads on the subject parcel (except where there is no existing access to that property) could impact those who wish to install roads for exploratory drilling; and the maximum, or base allowance, for a house being limited to 2,500 square feet of footprint for the total acreage.
The three principal partners of the Tisdel Law Firm in Ouray - Mike Hockersmith, Mark Howe and Andy Mueller - also were present at the hearing.
Hockersmith said the maximum limit of 7,500 square feet for a home where two or more parcels can be included in the calculation is "a huge issue that ought to be addressed."
Howe, who participated in the workshop discussions as an OCPC member, recused himself at the beginning of the June 18 public hearing due to any apparent conflict of interest. The firm represents some mining parcel owners.
Mueller argued that the regulations are) too cost prohibitive for an applicant. "The cost of studies, site plans and geotechnical prevents someone from being able to afford a house in that zone," he said.
Mueller also said that the standards in the document for items such as site plans, lack specificity and that staff in the county's Land Use Department office would be vested with "too much sole discretion" in their decision-making. He also expressed dismay that fencing restrictions were inappropriate for mining claim properties that have a home situated on it: "Now you're telling owners you can't fence your property. That's not okay."
Eight individuals, including Tammy Randall-Parker, Ouray District Ranger for the U.S. Forest Service, spoke in favor of the proposed mine land regulations. But some recommended that the regulations be made more clear and include other considerations. Randall-Parker suggested that the county add language to clarify snow maintenance; the USFS is in the process of developing regulations to require permits.
Howard Greene, a former OCPC member, said the current draft "neither prevents mining or home construction. In fact, (it is) more permissive than in other counties, allowing larger homes and easier variances. They are not a denial of rights and are not a taking."
A six-month moratorium set by the Board of County Commissioners on the construction of residences on mining claims in Ouray County expires July 26.
The BOCC did not take any action during its June 22 meeting to extend that deadline.
Following last week's hearing the OCPC scheduled another workshop on July 9 to discuss whether or not to rewrite portions of the document.
The OCPC wrote the draft proposals pursuant to a request from the BOCC. A total of six workshops were conducted, beginning 18 months ago.
The BOCC asked that the Planning Commission hold another public hearing regarding the proposals on July 21.
- Story by Christopher Pike, correspondent
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