DILLON, Colo. -- An effort to build a five-story, 24-unit condo complex in the small town of Dillon is moving forward despite controversy.
"I don't like it. I like my views," said resident Steven Bouwman.
What some see as an eyesore is seen by town leaders as a solution to an ongoing housing crisis in the high country. Right now, wages in the resort towns are so low, people can't afford to live where they work.
"People are crammed in apartments together. You have people who live out in the woods. You have people who are commuting on a daily basis,” said town spokeswoman Kerstin Anderson.
Town leaders stress that the project is part of a voter-approved effort to help with housing, and say that with limited ground space, there is no choice but to build up.
"We feel very strongly that you don't own a view. There are other buildings in the core area. There is other foliage in the core area that is similar in height to this," said Anderson.
The price tag: Anywhere from $208,000 to more than $700,000—depending on the unit.
About a quarter of the condos will be sold at a lower price to reflect local wages.
Still, there are skeptics.
"I think it will be more expensive. It will bring in more money housing than anything else," Bouwman.
"Our council really feels we have an obligation to do our part in the community to help alleviate this need," said Anderson.
Construction is expected to begin in 2018.
