Re: what is wrong with this picture

The discussion of the visitor center and now Roger Hogan’s post of another Commission give away has me wondering who is really looking out for the C&TS RR best interests. Apparently in August 2004 the Commission entered into an agreement giving one of the most prime parcels in downtown Chama to the town for a park (#3 parcel). This site was designated in 1994 for future ticket office/other use and what could possibly have been used for the RR visitor Center (it may not have been adequate for this use anyway but I am assuming this option was not even available to the Friends RRVC task committee once it was converted to park use). It is also my understanding the town has usurped Commission property between the river and the Friends new south Chama parcel for use as holding ponds for storm runoff. And now the town is asking for land at the south parking lot exit?

Can someone please tell me exactly how much the RR has or will be compensated for all this real estate the town is using? Gee, and reading the Commission minutes the RGRPC is even required to clean the clock park for the town…(hey Dick Cowles are you reading this?). Now to add salt to the wounds of the RGRPC legacy I see that the Friends have had to write off over $17,000 in debt never repaid by RGRPC. Considering that some of this money came directly from Friends members underwriting the RGRPC and keeping the RR operating not so many years ago, where is the Commission now when it comes time to do the right thing. It was the RGRPC and Friends that had bailed the Commission out time and again. Maybe getting the master plan done for the entire RR and not just Colorado would be a good place for the new Commissioners to put some energy into. Then at least we would have something to hold them accountable to when they want to give away the next piece of the RR.

Rod Jensen



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/27/2007 03:02PM by rod.