Neighbor raises concerns as Historic Preservation Commission continues 126 West Francis to July 22

The Historic Preservation Commission voted to continue consideration of the certificate of appropriateness for major development at 126 West Francis Street to a date certain, July 22, after the applicant asked for more time to allow additional commissioners to complete site visits.

At the meeting July 8, staff told the commission that only two members had been able to make a site visit and the applicant requested the continuance so more members could inspect the property. Chair opened public comment on the continuance and a neighbor, Karen Gershell Lamb, introduced herself and said she and her family — who have longstanding ties to Aspen — were “very concerned at the scope and the length of this new project.”

Following public comment, a commissioner moved to continue the certificate of appropriateness hearing to July 22; the motion was seconded and carried on voice votes. Commissioners answered individually when polled and recorded votes in the affirmative.

The continuance places the case back on the commission’s July 22 agenda so additional site visits can be completed and members can review materials. Staff told the commission they can accept a public comment on the record from someone who cannot attend the July 22 meeting and encouraged the neighbor to return if she wished to provide further input.

The commission did not take substantive action on the merits of the 126 West Francis project at the July 8 meeting; the continuance is procedural and intended to allow fuller review.