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Carol Harding C
From: Myrna Folsom [myrna_f_2000@yahoo.com] " E1 ]
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2005 6:09 AM
To: Carol Harding riL
Subject: county developments
To: The Weld Board of county Commissioners
Dear Commissioners:
As the Carma Colorado, St. Vrain Lakes PUD goes forward, it will become apparent whether the
Board is serious about being certain that all services necessary for this development are provided, with
the burden for them being born, at least proportionately, by this development and not by area
municipalities or other political entities. Although not as large as the Highlands Ranch development in
Douglas County, that may serve as a model for setting the goals for the Board requiring a self-sustaining
urban development.
One of the most important services that must be provided is for the education of children. The
Mead Elementary School is already near capacity [93%], the Mead Middle School will temporarily see a
reduction in enrollment with the opening of MS7 in Longmont, Skyline High School is already over
capacity [114%][relief from new HS5 will probably not be available before 2008]. There is no 2002
bond issue money allocated for additional elementary or middle schools in the area. We should all be
aware of the time lag and voter vagaries for successfully having another bond issue passed for financing
the building of additional schools.
Of course there is the option of private funding for new schools or, at least adding additional
classrooms to existing schools. This would be by the developer providing voluntary capital mitigation
donations for capital construction as necessary for going forward with development. There are two
instances of this in the SVVSD, and, I believe, one in the Brighton School District. Hopefully, this
alternative will be considered and your legal counsel will acquaint themselves with its implementation
in the districts named and relevant court decisions, if any.
Although rejected in the past, the Board might reconsider establishing benchmarks triggered by
school overcapacity enrollment, which if exceeded would put a moratorium on additional residential
construction until there was sufficient classroom capacity. So far, the City of Longmont has been the
only local government responsible enough to implement this device. To this time, the Board has not
even seen fit to enter into an IGA with the SVVSD for land donation or cash in lieu, relying on
negotiations between the school districts and developers.
The lack of objection to the subject development in the referral response from the SVVSD planning
depaitment was based on the very conservative numbers provided to it for short- term projected growth
leading to a tolerable student yield. As we are aware, if the demand is there, dwelling units will be built
as fast as possible to capture that demand.
It is understodd that at this time what is being considered is an amendment of the land use designations
in the MUD district. However, the Board might want to anticipate the issues, for the public good, it will
have to consider when this project and others progress towards realization. John Folsom
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3/21/2005 2005-1030
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