Dear Editor,

As a long time Colorado resident, I have always treasured the unique mountain town atmosphere of Nederland, and hope to prevent it being turned into another glitzy tourist trap, like Breckenridge. I came across the following information that should be shared with Nederland residents.

Recently, a letter was sent to Ned residents from three Board of Trustees (BOT) candidates, Tom Mahowald, David Sites, and Riley McAllister, seeking votes. In the letter, they lay out many commendable goals, including improving downtown. However, they failed to state one of their primary goals, that according to various sources all three hold in common. That goal is to implement the long-time dream of local developer Ron Mitchell - which is to demolish the Pioneer Inn and several adjacent stores, and to replace them with a large two-story apartment building or maybe hotel and more shopping.

By the way, the Pioneer Inn has been a place of real community. Even that seems to be changing into one more restaurant. People used to get together to chat and listen to some really good music. Contrast this with new housing helping to build Nederland as another “bedroom” community on the front range.

Whether or not voters agree with this scheme, it is only fair that they be made aware of it before voting in the April 5 BOT election, and they should hear more details.

Tom Moore

Boulder