The Timeshare Beat: Boomerang timeshare approved by planners

Boomerang timeshare approved by planners

By Bernie Grauer/Aspen Daily News Staff Writer
8/21/01

The Aspen planning commission recommended approval of a timeshare addition to the Boomerang Lodge using the city’s Lodge Preservation Program.

City Council adopted the program in 1999 as an incentive to expand small lodging properties, after losing Aspen rental beds to condominiums and luxury second homes. Qualifying lodges gained more flexible zoning and were exempted from the strict Growth Management System.

P&Z’s approval extended that benefit to a timeshare project, as long as the rooms remain available for public rental at least six months of each calendar year.

Owner Charles Patterson’s request to reduce the number of required on-site parking spaces from 13.9 to six did not pass muster. The commission recommended to City Council that a minimum of 13 spaces be provided on site.

"I’m concerned that in 10 years the condo association will purchase or take ownership of the lodge and say ‘We’re not renting any more.’" said commission member Ron Erickson.

The commission asked City Council to explore what it can do to guarantee that the Boomerang stays a lodge and does not become condominiums.

Boomerang’s proposed timeshare operation would give owners first choice for reserving summer and winter use, allowing the public to rent the leftover time periods.

"I’m not sure the Lodge Preservation Program is fully served by renting to the public in the offseasons, when we already have enough rooms available at those times," Erickson said.

A majority of the commission, including Erickson, eventually agreed to allow the timesharing arrangement to participate in the advantages of the Lodge Preservation Program.

"Considering that the zoning would allow for two single-family homes on the property, I don’t think it matters whether a guest or an interval owner is staying in the lodge," said commission member Ruth Kruger. "I’m happy that it brings people to town."

The amended application approved by the Planning Commission calls for four three-bedroom chalets, a one-bedroom chalet, two affordable-housing units and four lodge units on a vacant lot opposite the current Boomerang Lodge on West Hopkins Avenue.

Information on the number of daily vehicle trips timeshare owners generate is available, but Joyce Ohlson, community development deputy director, said she did not have that information with her.