That property battle in Vail, that pitted affordable housing against sheep, has been decided– in favor of the sheep…
(Bighorns Win in East Vail :40)
Vail Town Council decided this week that 23 east Vail acres will go to bighorn sheep conservation, rather than to the creation of affordable housing for lower-wage local workers, like ski-lift operators. Members acknowledged the years-long fight has divided their town. Many east Vail residents and wildlife experts have said it’s the town’s “duty” to protect the bighorn habitat. Affordable-housing advocates point out east Vail is full of multi-million-dollar homes, right next to where the sheep graze now, and have since long before the town was started in the early 60’s. Town officials claim they still support employee housing, in other parts of that community. The town has OK’d buying the land in question to preserve it, for 17 ½ million dollars. Vail Resorts had declined an offer of 12 million, just last year.