Good day, That’s the most positive thing I’ll be writing today.
As our office staff can attest, I’m not a big fan of blogging. Oh, I’ll probably get there soon, but not at the moment. This cranky old editor intends to remain a cranky old editor. (Where the hell is my typewriter?)
Although I admire some of the blogs I’ve read, many seem to be from the uninformed informing the uninformed.
Moreover, we have enough clutter in our daily lives without blogs about pet peeves and trivial things no one cares about.
Worse, as our newspapers succumb to the economy, I’m wondering where relatively factual information will be coming from. Face it: Newspapers supply the news to bloggers as well. The less news, the more ill informed and opinionated are the blogs.
That said, our company, which includes seven resort and lifestyle magazines, has asked its editors and staff to contribute blogs to our newly renovated websites.
I bet they weren’t thinking about me at the time but, alas, I go forth.
OK, given the national economic meltdown, the Vail Valley has done relatively well this season. Obviously, the hugely successful Epic Pass helped considerably and our hotel, restaurants and retailers went out of their way to make staying in Vail and Beaver Creek a value-oriented yet never diminished experience.
Of course, like all communities, we have internal discord (which makes for a lot of fun at times). For those familiar with Vail, the Lionshead parking structure is yet again a magnet for controversy. Built in the 70’s, it is owned by the Town of Vail. However, since Vail Resorts, then Vail Associates (and sometimes still is), donated the land, they hold a deed restriction. Then along came Open Hospitality Partners/Hillwood Capital, a Dallas development group that includes Ross Perot Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate, which promised to build on top of the structure sort of a community within a community, with a 4-star W hotel, a 5-star St. Regis, shops, condos, etc, etc. etc.
However, the Town of Vail and Vail Resorts couldn’t agree on parking. VR wanted parking in place for its ambitious, eco-friendly Ever Vail project just west of Lionshead before relinquishing rights to the Lionshead parking structure. The town and VR have been banging heads about this one for several years,
Eureka! Both sides realized they needed therapy, which came in the form of a bowling competition in the nearby town of Eagle with TOV mayor Dick Cleveland and Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz leading their respective teams.
Things then calmed down and prospects were looking up.
But, as progress was being made with the Perot group, the national – indeed the worldwide – economy tanked. So, after all of this, some members of Vail’s town council decided now may not be the right time to build two new hotels plus condos and even more retail outlets, much to the consternation of some citizens who thought Open Hospitality Partners/Hillwood Capital had not only presented a good plan, but also spent god knows how much in the process.
Stay tuned.
Enjoy the spring….
Don
P.S. Even as a blogger I’m verbose. Sorry.
P.S. Actually, I may be getting into this blogging thing.
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Reader Comments:
Is this numskull for real?
Keep them coming!
I kind of like the cranky old editor.
I think its supposed to be numbskull -- but only a cranky old editor might know that.
Back in '68, cranky old editor had more hair.