When will the county get it about Henderson?
Editor:
I am not surprised that Henderson Mine officials are saying “no” to being taxed for most of a new $4.65 million health clinic. They have given generously in the past, such as the rec center renovation. But it is common sense: If Henderson was enjoying enough of a profit to be generous, then why would it be preparing to shut down here?
I would also expect that Henderson is as fed up with mismanagement as most other taxpayers. The county has known about Henderson shutting down, yet officials have spent like drunken sailors.
Why does the county need to pay the sucker’s price of $500,000 for the old Idaho Springs lumberyard, which would probably need to be torn down when it already has vacant land and building space?
I understand the former metal firehouse building in Dumont, which is not too old, is vacant. County commissioners recently bought the side of Georgetown Lake and the former Shadows Ranch to play developer. If they are serious about downsizing for the 70 percent reduction in tax revenue from Henderson, then they should have vacant space at their offices soon.
Another idea could be a joint venture with the school district and private developers at the old vacant middle school in Idaho Springs. It looks like an ugly duckling, but with some imagination, it could become a valuable resource, which is well located off the Interstate 70/Idaho Springs interchange.
Even though it is built into a hill, most of it has windows, but some parts do not. The parts with windows would be good for a new hotel to bring in revenue. The parts with few windows could be a medical clinic since a clinic doesn’t need many windows.
We do need a health clinic in Clear Creek County, and Centura is a good quality provider. What I wonder is if the citizens might vote against it not because it is unnecessary but because they are tired of waste and mismanagement of their tax money. Henderson is already voting with its feet.
Mike Caistor
architect