A new coalition of community leaders, business representatives and local stakeholders has formed to ensure that the West End communities continue to thrive while responsibly managing growth associated with the Four Seasons Resort and Residences. The recent finalization of financing for the Four Seasons project, along with the acquisition of the Rimrock Hotel and potential plans for a workforce housing camp, has prompted important discussions about the future of Naturita, Nucla, Norwood and surrounding areas.
While these developments present significant economic and employment opportunities to the region, community leaders are carefully considering the potential impacts on local infrastructure, public services and quality of life. Key concerns include water supply and infrastructure capacity, increased demand on emergency services such as EMS, fire response, law enforcement, traffic congestion and road safety and potential changes in tourism patterns, due to shifts in short-term rentals and local demographics.
The West End Community Benefit Coalition has formed to address these challenges through a collaborative approach. The coalition’s primary goal is to guide the establishment of a formal community benefit agreement that provides a clear framework for coordination, resource allocation and accountability. This agreement is intended to ensure that both the developers and the community have clarity on responsibilities and benefits, balancing growth with protection of the West End’s character and resources.
Coalition members include Mayor Eugene Greenwood (Naturita), Mayor Paula Brown (Nucla), Mayor Candy Meehan (Norwood) Commissioner Sean Pond (Montrose County), Commissioner Galena Gleason (San Miguel County), Sara Bachman (Town of Naturita Attorney), Tim Pierce (Director, Mustang Water Authority; Nucla Trustee), John Bockrath (Norwood Fire Protection District Chief) and Makayla Gordon (West End Economic Development Corporation).
The coalition also draws on input from a broader group of stakeholders who were involved in early discussions, including representatives from the Nucla-Naturita Chamber of Commerce, local EMS and fire services, Basin Clinic, Uncompahgre Medical Clinic, the Montrose and San Miguel County Sheriff’s Offices, and the town boards of Naturita and Nucla.
Developers have expressed a willingness to work in partnership with the community. Dev Matwani, Managing Partner of Merrimac Ventures, said, “Our goal is to try to minimize impacts where we can. Open lines of communication with our neighbors and the community … and also take feedback on ways we can improve on.”
The coalition welcomes this approach and intends to translate these commitments into measurable actions. By prioritizing infrastructure, emergency services, housing and long-term economic stability, the coalition seeks to guide growth in a way that benefits the West End communities.
“This is more than a single development,” San Miguel County Commissioner Galena Gleason said. “It is an opportunity to establish a standard for how world-class hospitality projects operate in rural communities, one where investment comes with responsibility, and partnership comes with shared benefit.”
“The future of our communities should not be left to chance,” Sara Bachman said. “It should be built with intention, accountability and respect for the people who already call this place home.”
A meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 6, between the coalition and representatives from Merrimac Ventures and the Town of Mountain Village to review workforce development plans, address potential impacts and outline next steps.
Additional community meetings will follow this initial Oct. 6 meeting to provide residents with information about project plans and to gather community feedback on the structure and priorities of the community benefit agreement.
For more information, the public may contact Sara Bachman at sara@bachmanlawllc.com.
