Considering that 83% of flights into Aspen are private and there’s nearly no chance of Aspen losing commercial air service if the airport runway and taxiway remain configured as is, it doesn’t seem like there would be much reason to even consider rearranging our landing strip and taxiways to accommodate bigger jets. Yet, we are. Even though redoing the airport so that more and bigger private jets can fly in and out can hardly be expected to result in less overall carbon emissions, we are being forced to consider this asphalt-induced growth spurt for our carbon footprint anyway.
These are indicators of money’s influence over our town. Nobody is accepting bribes, but Aspen seems more susceptible to flattery and the promises of riches than ever. Big money, in its background voice, is suggesting there is no alternative.
It whispers, “We need more private jets to sustain our economy.” It quietly spreads rumors of doomsday scenarios if we don’t do what it wants. But, big money also likes a small Aspen.
Billionaires investing in multimillion-dollar houses want the quaint look of Aspen and the illusion of living in a cozy mountain town, even if it’s all staged for them. The idea of community is of no real importance. Save the false fronts of the old buildings as long as the boutiques inside are air-conditioned.
Affordable workforce housing is a semi-necessary evil so a few workers can be at their beck and call. Money wants a larger airport but a little town. It wants im.