Ginn land will become part of town

After almost 3 years of discussion, Minturn Town Councilors approved plans for a private ski resort. 

Town councilors unanimously voted to include 4,300 acres of land owned by the Ginn Development Co. into the town of Minturn. Ginn wants to build 1,700 homes and condos and a private ski resort and golf course south of Minturn.

Despite the Town’s approval, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not approved Ginn’s plans to clean-up contaminated waste from the former Eagle Mine. Ginn still needs to show that it has explored alternatives for water storage besides depositing water in a dry lake bed south of town called Bolts Lake where wetlands exist.

Ginn also has to determine how to safely relocate contaminated mine waste such as arsenic, lead, zinc, cadmium and copper from the abandoned mining town of Gilman into a pile in Minturn.

Wanting to build employee housing at Gilman and Holmes, Ginn must first make sure the land is safe. It cannot proceed with plans to build several condominium buildings at Bolts Lake, including an up to 195-foot-tall one, until EPA approves the clean-up.

For more information on Ginn’s Battle Mountain project or other Vail Valley real estate contact Karen Gilbert at 970-331-1482 or karen@gatewayland.com

Minturn gives Ginn Development Premilinary OK to Annex New Development

Will Bobby Ginn’s Dream of a Private Ski and Golf Resort on and near Battle Mountain and Minturn come true?

Finally, after 2 and 1/2 years of meetings with local residents, council members, planners and developer representatives, the Ginn Deveopment is making progress on the proposed  development of 1,700 homes, condominiums, private ski resort and golf course south of Minturn.

Last night the Minturn Town Coucil’s vote to give preliminary approval had some reservations attached.  They are concerned on how residents on Ginn’s property would be taxed and how that revenue would be used to make improvements in Minturn, such as a recreation center and bike paths.  What they would like to see is the revenue for improvements to flow to Minturn forever, just in case Ginn’s projections of its tax reventue to the town turned out to be not enough. 

This sounds like some negotiations a divorce settlement would encounter.  Ginn does not want to commit to giving Minturn that money forever, but agreed that Minturn should get a guaranteed amount of revenue for a certain amount of time. 

So what now?  Minturn and Ginn attorneys were told to work out an agreeement before the next Town Council vote on Feb. 27.  There is no guarantee Town council members will vote the same way next week.  Minturn is still looking for some security for its future and some input as to how the Ginn Development will enhance the life of residents living in Minturn.  It may take more time for final approval, however, this vote is one step closer to Bobby Ginn realizing his dream in Minturn. 

At this point the Minturn town council is not giving residents the chance to vote on the annexation.  It would require a refferendum  with signatures from 80 registerd voters to petition a vote. 

The attorneys for both parties are going to be busy this week trying to create that ultimate win-win situation for Minturn and Ginn.

For more information on the Ginn Development in Minturn, contact Teri Lester, Eco-Broker 970-376-0779 or tlester@gatewayland.com

Bobby Ginn brings private skiing to Minturn along with some southern charm

Over the past 3 decades, Bobby Ginn has been busy acquiring, developing and managing residential, resort golf course and mixed-use properties in the southeast and Caribbean. With nearly 40,000 acres currently either in planning or under development, Ginn’s company has complete in-house services of land acquisition, development, architecture and planning, engineering, golf course construction, landscaping and real estate sales and marketing. It’s no wonder it’s one of the fastest growing development companies in the Southeast.

Now he’s coming to our little Valley.

Ginn plans to build a private 1200 acre ski resort, 18 hole golf course and 1,700 homes and condominiums on and around Battle Mountain, just south of Minturn.

Eight ski lifts are planned on Battle Mountain in the Willow, Holy Cross, Rock and Kiln creek drainages. With a vertical drop of more than 2,000 feet, the ski area would have as much terrain as Beaver Creek, not counting Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead.

Ginn’s 18-hole golf course is proposed to be built on current wetlands south of Minturn and would be designed to hold professional tournaments.Ginn has found a niche with a clientele who’s been to other places that are overcrowed and is ready to get away, to a more peaceful environment. They’re not afraid to spend a little extra cash to be able to enjoy the same activities they could at the busier resorts without the hubabloo.

In Ginn Resorts’ typical style, the new Battle Mountain resort will be casual and lively. Looking for the Four Seasons five-star service?  You won’t find it here. Ginn believes in southern hospitality and what they call “people serving people”.  You’ll find a fine level of exclusivity without upscale pretentiousness, good (not fancy) food, and plenty of activities for the kids.

While some fear any new development and even more fear the unknown, Bobby Ginn is just what this valley needs. As the lines and use of Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains increase, Ginn will build up a beautiful resort that many of us will be dying to ski, in an area that needs a facelift anyway, and if nothing else, maybe he’ll draw some of the crowds off our other mountains.

According to Ginn’s proposal, for $50 a year a Minturn resident would be able purchase a 30 day ski and 15 day golf pass. Who’s ready to move to Minturn now?

For more information on the new Battle Mountain Resort other Vail Valley real estate contact Karen Gilbert at 970-926-6777 or karen@gatewayland.com