The Board of Directors of Visit Estes Park, the Local Marketing District, unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday, February 18, supporting the proposed Estes Park Medical Center/Anschutz Wellness Center Project. The resolution cites, among other benefits, the positive impact the center would have on the local tourism industry; on revenues to the Town of Estes Park and area special districts; and on the area residents' quality of life as reasons for their support. Additionally, the proposal is seen as an opportunity to diversify a successful tourism industry.
"The EPMC/Anschutz Wellness Center presents the opportunity to brand Estes Park as a wellness destination, in addition to being the favorite mountain destination for so many vacationers," said Peggy Campbell, President and CEO of Visit Estes Park. "This model has worked tremendously for other destinations, such as Aurora, Colo., and can help insulate Estes Park's tourism during challenging times, such as the weeks following the flood."
Additional benefits included in the resolution are the increased revenues for EPMC, ensuring continued high-quality service level; increased property tax revenues for Larimer County; and benefits to area citizens through tax collections and more vibrant economy. The complete resolution - Number 03-14, dated February 18, 2014 - reads as follows:
"WHEREAS the proposed EPMC/Anschutz Wellness Center will provide new services that promise to draw new guests to our region and brand Estes Park as a wellness destination; and
WHEREAS all the citizens of Estes Park benefit from business projects that generate new revenue for the Town of Estes Park without requiring tax increases; and
WHEREAS a fiscal impact analysis conducted by the Regional Economics Institute at CSU estimated that the Town of Estes Park would receive a net revenue gain of $3.96 million in the first five years alone after the Town's sale of commercial Lot 4 in the Stanley Historic District; and
WHEREAS new development also leads to property tax revenues for Larimer County and each of our special districts, including the Estes Park R-3 School District, the Park Hospital District, the Estes Valley Public Library District, the Estes Valley Recreation and Park District, and the Estes Valley Fire Protection District; and
WHEREAS the partnership with Estes Park Medical Center will result in new revenue streams to support our community hospital and ensure continued access to local, excellent medical care for both our residents and guests; and
WHEREAS our community should take steps to ensure a vibrant economy maintains and improves the high level of services that our residents and guests continue to expect;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Visit Estes Park officially declares its support for Ballot Question 1B, for the Town of Estes Park to sell commercial Lot 4 in the Stanley Historic District to Grand Heritage under a real estate contract dated January 10, 2014; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Visit Estes Park officially declares its opposition to Ballot Question 2, imposing a permanent conservation easement on commercial Lot 4 in the Stanley Historic District."
Visit Estes Park formed in 2009 for the purpose of advertising, marketing and promoting tourism in the Estes Park area. Voters in the Local Marketing District area approved the formation of the organization and voted to collect a 2% sales tax on short term stays in lodging establishments and private homes when used as short term (less than 30 days) rental properties. A subsequent Intergovernmental Agreement between the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County, required by state law, confirmed the working agreement with the Local Marketing District.
More information regarding the resolution of the Visit Estes Park Board to support the EPMC/Anschutz Wellness Center Project is available by contacting Peggy Campbell at 970-586-0500970-586-0500. Information about Visit Estes Park can be found online at www.VisitEstesPark.com.
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Address
Visit Estes Park - The Destination Marketing Organization
1200 Graves Ave
P.O. Box 4426
Estes Park, Colorado 80517
Phone Number (970) 586-0500
(970) 586-0500