The Sky-Hi News article concerning the proposed Cooper Creek Development project in Winter Park accurately described the scope of the project as detailed in the developer’s Final Development Plan, but did not completely detail the overwhelming opposition of residents of Winter Park who will be directly affected by the scope of this project. This proposed development is so massive that it will change the appearance and character of the town and surrounding communities.

When built out completely, this development will generate up to 14,000 vehicle visits each day, adding significantly to traffic congestion we experience every weekend. The developer will grant easements for the proposed gondola and ski-back trail, but does not plan to contribute to their construction or maintenance, nor does the plan address the already critical parking shortage in downtown Winter Park. Parking lots at the resort and in the the downtown parking structure are full well before noon on ski weekends. Where will the additional traffic generated by gondola use park?More than half of the town’s parking garage spaces are obligated to the Cooper Creek shopping center!

The proposed 75-foot building height requested by the developers exceeds current zoning standards, the large proposed hotels would further add to congestion, and its workforce intensify the already critical employee housing shortage.

In summary, our roads cannot handle the increased traffic, the water requirements and sewerage treatment facilities may be over-taxed, parking and affordable housing are not adequately addressed, and the impact of this development on the town of Winter Park, the Fraser Valley, and the entire county not considered. I hope that the Winter Park Town Council will not allow this development, as proposed, to go forward, and will carefully consider the many valid objections raised by concerned residents. As one quoted in your article, we do not want to become another Vail.

Robert Amann, Winter Park