Dear Editor,

I have just returned from a meeting at the Gilpin County Planning Commission that was held Tuesday evening April 9, 2024, in the Gilpin County Courthouse. They met to review an application by Sara Rasmussen of Highlands Ranch to rezone a parcel of land she purchased in Russell Gulch along the Virginia Canyon Road about one year ago.

The purpose of this letter is to express my gratitude and respect for the manner in which the members of the commission performed their duties. These folks gave an exemplary display of how government should and can work.

A summary of the application was given by county staff. Proponents for the applicant spoke. The various members of the commission asked questions bearing upon the application that were intelligent and well-formed to bring out any points that needed clarification. Several members of the community also spoke, both in person and via the internet (pretty nifty, this Zoom thing!).

Everybody who wanted to be heard was heard. The members of the commission discussed the pros and cons of the proposal and ultimately made, seconded, and voted upon a recommendation to be made to the Gilpin Board of County Commissioners. The meeting adjourned.

There was a winning side and there was a losing side but congratulations and condolences were exchanged across the lines and all agreed that everything was done four square and on the level.

We are fortunate and should be grateful for having such neighbors as these to take the time to perform such necessary tasks. I say thank you, each and all.

John Kittredge

Russell Gulch