April Halliday, Nederland. Ground breaking begins as early as next week at the former Black Forest Restaurant. An unnamed investor purchased the property in early March. Preliminary plans submitted to the town show that the land is to be developed into a deluxe recreation complex, including an indoor swimming pool, two bowling lanes and a small pool hall.

Contractors finished bidding Thursday over the upcoming work. According to a local architecture forum, a site analysis revealed several potential difficulties that will need to be resolved, including the slope and drainage issues.

The complex plans show that it will be partially powered by solar panels and rooftop wind turbines. Several residents have already expressed concerns and requested that the original building remain intact, including nearby resident Eleanor Jensen.

“This isn’t something we support. Have you seen the plans?”

Jensen thinks the proposed building stands too tall for Nederland design standards and is particularly concerned about the inclusion of floor to ceiling glass walls in several areas of the proposed complex.

“This doesn’t fit in with the character of town at all, and all our lives will be disrupted for at least two years if it goes ahead.”

Nederland parent Reid Cooper was more optimistic about the project.

“It will be great to have a pool in town. I think this is something families up here have wanted for a long time.”

Official plans have not yet been released to the public, and speculation has been building as to the identity of the mystery buyer. Plan illustrations indicate that the complex will be called the Black Forest Recreation Center.

Lack of community interest during the initial public planning hearings was cited as the reason that enabled developers to move quickly through the process. It is unknown if construction vehicles involved with this development will have access to Boulder Canyon during the upcoming road repairs in the area.

(Originally published in the March 28, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)