Eagle County Considers Eminent Domain for Disputed Edwards Land

"We're not trying to be adversarial, but we do need to consider the greater good," Eagle County Commissioner Matt Scherr says, as the board unanimously passes a resolution to potentially use eminent domain to acquire a disputed half-acre of private land in Edwards. The room falls silent, the weight of the decision settling over the crowd. A disputed half-acre of land, nestled between a county-owned parcel and a mobile home park, has become the focal point of a heated debate. Eagle County paid $3.8 million for a 3.16-acre parcel in 2023, with plans to use it for parks and open space. But a Denver-based developer, Matt Larson, claims ownership of the adjacent half-acre, which he wants to use for affordable housing. Larson's proposal, the Left Bank project, would provide six price-capped rental units, with rents set at 60% of the area median income - approximately $1,500 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. He believes this project would help address the area's housing shortage, and he's willing to use federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to make it happen. Here's the thing though: the county commissioners have other plans for the land. They envision a park, with open space, river access, and a playground - a vision that's been shaped by community feedback. Regina O'Brien, Eagle County's Deputy Manager, presented the board with the results of surveys, tours, and listening sessions conducted in 2025. The overwhelming consensus was that the area needed more parks and playgrounds, not housing. As O'Brien spoke, it became clear that the community's concerns about development and density in the area played a significant role in the county's decision-making process. Not exactly what Larson had in mind, as he's been trying to work with the county to provide affordable housing options. Outside counsel Patrick Wilson urged the commissioners to negotiate with Larson before pursuing eminent domain, emphasizing the importance of negotiation in such cases. The resolution passed on Tuesday doesn't necessarily mean the county will use eminent domain, but it does give them the authority to do so if negotiations with Larson fail. Picture this: a small, half-acre parcel of land, surrounded by the Eagle River and the bustling Edwards community. It's a prime location, and both the county and Larson have big plans for it. And that matters because the outcome of this dispute will have a significant impact on the community. Will the county's vision for a park prevail, or will Larson's affordable housing project move forward? The answer, for now, remains uncertain. As the meeting adjourned, the crowd dispersed, leaving behind a sense of unease. The fate of the disputed land, and the future of the community, hang in the balance. In the parking lot outside, a small group of residents gathered, discussing the implications of the resolution. "It's a tough decision," one of them said, shaking their head. "But someone's got to make it." The Eagle River flows gently in the background, a reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds this contentious parcel of land. For now, the wait begins - a wait to see how the negotiations between the county and Larson will unfold, and what the ultimate fate of this disputed land will be. As the sun sets over the Rockies, the community holds its breath, anticipating the outcome of this high-stakes dispute. In the end, it's not just about a piece of land - it's about the future of the community, and the kind of place they want to call home. The sound of the river provides a soothing background noise, a stark contrast to the tension that fills the air. It's a sound that will continue to echo through the valley, a reminder of the beauty and the complexity that surrounds this small, but significant, parcel of land.