HomeMy WebLinkAbout20040927.tiff Weld "cpartment
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1945 Spruce Ave. 110
Longmont, CO 80501 1
October 14, 2003
303 776 5467
Weld County Department of Planning Services
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Re: Case#USR-1446
Application to legalize Commercial Recreational Airport for Model Airplanes
This facility is already built and in use and was done so without the now requested permit
from Weld County in obvious and apparently deliberate violation of Weld County Zoning
Ordinances. As such it is an illegal use and the facility should be ordered destroyed and
the premises restored to the agricultural use for which it is zoned.
The facility originates loud noise from the model airplanes which take off from it and it is
completely incompatible with both the zoning and uses of all neighboring property for miles in
any direction. The immediate neighboring land, except for the land of which this parcel is a
part, is activily farmed....the subject land is apparently owned by one Jim Boyd who is said to
have rented approximately 5 acres to the persons who have built the airport. The remainder of
the land he owns has apparently been abandoned as far as farming or any other upkeep is
concerned, but is the habitat of numerous species of wildlife. Hawks, Burrowing owls and
Eagles are frequently seen in the area and the large model airplanes being flown from the land
could easily kill these protected species if a collision occured. Environmental impact studies
seem adviseable in the circumstances.
Within a quarter to a mile from the site are a goodly number of upscale single family rural
residences and the use of this site as a recreational airport would be detrimental to maintaining
the value of these residences upon which Weld County has come to rely for the large tax base
they support. Further, any vacant farm land owned by others nearby has as it's probable highest
future value, use as a site for the construction of other upscale residences. This facility would
severely erode the value of the land for such use.
I own and farm an 80 acre parcel directly South and across Road 36 from the subject site. While
the model planes have not been observed flying over my land, the noise itself is irritating and I
noticed recently that the noise level of these model planes is considerably higher than that of an
agricultural tractor that was being used nearby. Any potential purchaser of my land would
immediately consider this and probably move on to a different location causing me and Weld
County a large monetary loss.
I urge denial of any permit and restoration of the site to agricultural uses.
2004-0927
NORTON A. BILLINGS
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15395 East County Line Road•Berthoud CO 80513 —
Kim Ogle
Planning Department
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
October 24, 2003
RE: LAMA Application#USR1446
Dear Mr. Ogle,
My name is Vance Diggins, and I own 85 acres approximately `/2 mile northwest of the
LAMA airport site. I would like to express my concerns about the plan under review for
the upcoming November 18th meeting.
My primary concern is that the area in question is zoned agricultural with residential
properties nearby. This remote control aircraft club is out of context with the
surrounding neighbors, many of whom moved to this area of Weld and Boulder County
to live in a rural environment away from the noise and congestion of the city.
Despite the fact that there are currently only 50 members of the LAMA, on weekends
there is a constant noise of the aircraft that can be heard very clearly by the surrounding
homes. During the summer the aircraft are operating late into the evening. Frankly the
noise is very annoying, and is disruptive to the quality of life my family and the other
families near by had hoped to achieve by living in this rural environment.
It is my understanding that the LAMA is applying for a commercial recreation permit to
operate Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk. Club members need to understand
that they are coming into a neighborhood in which they do not live. They have not made
the large investment that all of us here have made, and will not take our interests into
account.
In summary, I urge that the LAMA application be denied because the aircraft noise
depreciates the quality of life considerably for that resident in the surrounding area.
Sincerely,
it
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teN Vance Diggins
EXH16R
970532-0744 • www.paragonequestrian.com
October 18, 2003
Dear Mr.Ogle,
I am writing this letter to express my strong objection to issuing a special permit to the
nearby remote control airport. My husband has expressed his feelings verbally months
ago, however, he was informed that an official letter must be written in opposition to the
remote control airport. I'd like to explain why this airport is extremely offensive to my
life.
My husband and I live right next to the airport. Our property meets the property line of
the location of the airport. I can see the airplanes flying from our house and be able to
detect the color and size of the plane. It is so close that the noise can be heard anywhere
on our property inside or outside of our house, with or without the window closed! We
have several hours of videotape depicting this. Can you imagine how it feels to have the
sound of a loud weed whacker constantly flying during daylight hours? We are awoken
to this sound and have not been able to sleep in for the last two months on the weekends.
There have been occasions where they were flying as early as 6:30 AM! In the early
evening we cannot enjoy our dinner on our porch because the sound is so obnoxious it
makes us feel agitated and we go inside,turn on some music to drown it out and have to
eat inside. Our family owns over 100 acres that they have lived on for the last 30 years!
We enjoy our quite life style and feel absolutely threatened by this new hobby that should
be in a non residential area like a crop corner for example or in the already established
public facilities made specifically for this type of activity!
We were also informed that if we tried to sell our land currently, the value will be lower
due to the noise from the airport. The people who are running this airport have no
concern for the neighbors who live around and have made that clear on several occasions.
They have come onto our property on two occasions that we know of without being
invited. One time they were "recording"the sound of the airplanes (of course only one
was flying at the time and it was one of the smallest planes). Usually they fly up two
three at a time and do all sorts of"tricks" in the air, and some of the airplanes are very
large and extremely noisy. This type of"trick" flying is dangerous and creates a fire
hazard.
Another time, I was sick in bed due to strep throat. I was trying to sleep and was being
kept awake by the planes even with my windows closed! (Which by the way is very
unfair that we keep our windows closed even on beautiful days). I drove over to the
airport in my pajamas with a 101 degree temperature to ask if the could please call it
quits for the day. They refused and began to inform my why they had every right to be
there. Even remarking that the wild life and airplanes fly in harmony together! Which
by the way is not true. The birds of prey that once lived on our property and circled our
land have moved somewhere else after the airplanes began flying. The flight of these
airplanes is a threat to wildlife. My cat and dog are even agitated when they are flying.
My cat will sit in the rock garden watching the planes with his hair on end. He is
obviously bothered by this threatening looking object in the air that he does not
EXHIBIT
18
understand. After talking to three of the men at the"airport"I went home very angry and
tried to sleep again, however,they were still flying and I could not get the rest I needed.
Consequently I had to call in sick to my job as a teacher to catch up on rest that I should
have gotten on Sunday!
We have spoken with numerous neighbors of whom four have expressed their concern
and frustration with the airport. Neighbors have informed me that they have not been
notified about a hearing and have NEVER been approached by the owners of the airport
on their feelings. The owners of the airport told me that they did a"pole"of the
neighbors and they"didn't have a problem with it." This is a complete fabrication. We
have been in communication with the surrounding neighbors and each one we have
spoken with has expressed their opposition to the airport. Neighbors out here do not want
"special use permits" for things that just don't belong out here, which will just set
precedence for future permits. This is an area where wild life can live and people can
enjoy the quiet and beauty of the area. This airport does nothing but threaten our way of
life. The people who are using it have no right to use their hobby to adversely affect the
people who own this land and have worked hard to make it the wonderful area it is.
Please do not recommend a permit for this. Consider how the neighbors are affected.
Consider how we feel. I love this area, and lately I have wanted to be somewhere else
just because of the noise. As I write this letter to you I am sitting in my office with the
window closed and I cannot hear the birds, or the swaying of the trees outside. All I hear
is the horrid sound of remote control airplanes.
Please feel free to call with any questions, or to stop by on a weekend and hear for
yourself
Sincerely,
ittate
atalie Wilson
17414 WCR#1
Berthoud, CO 80513
Less that '/z a mile from the remote control airport
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e"` October 28, 2003
Weld County Planning
1555 N. 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631
Attn: Planning and Zoning
Kim Ogle
Re: Remote Control Airport
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to voice objection to the proposed remote control airport facility currently
being used on WCR 36 between WCR 1 and 3.
These model airplanes are not small and generate constant noise. Also, they are in the air
which makes the constant roar of the acceleration and power drives audible in everyone's
yards and homes for 2 to 3 miles away.
0 Another concern is the increased traffic. This facility has people in and out all day long,
causing increased dust and congestion. There has been a huge increase in traffic over the
last 2 years, and this will only add to the problems.
I also object to the way this facility was built. I understand the landowner leased them 5
to 10 acres without any county approval for their use. If all it takes is landowner
permission and getting your facility built before anyone notices and objects, I am sure the
surrounding landowners can also find people to lease to for all types of uses. These uses,
other than agricultural/residential change the neighborhood and are not desirable. The
existing county rules for land use and zoning changes should be enforced.
Sincerely,
Ben Russell
16376 WCR 3
Berthoud, CO 80513
EXHIBIT
1I
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October 28, 2003
Kim Ogle, Planner
Weld County Planning Dept.
1555 No. 17th Ave.
Greeley, Co. 80631
Dear Kim:
We live on Weld County Road One. This is a beautiful, quiet rural neighborhood.
The property here is zoned Agricultural. Recently a Model Plane Club has started
flying from an area in this neighborhood that is just East of County Line Road One
on Weld County Road 36. It is very loud and disruptive to the serenity of this area.
We are not opposed to the flying club but are opposed to it operating in our previously
quiet, peaceful, rural neighborhood. We purchased property and built here because
of the beauty and serenity of rural Colorado.
�.. If the club is seeking a permanent facility in this location, please uphold the zoning
and help us maintain the quality of life here.
Regards,
(LtA �*% t-� i/Fes,- 1. U
Ron and Peggy Vaf1 Hofwegen gen � P�
14937 East County Line Rd.
Longmont, Co., 80504
303-682-5884
pvhpickmup@aol.com
EXHIBIT
?4
N0V-17,2003 MON 07:46 AM SOUTHWEST WELD PLANNING FAX NO. 720 652 4211 P. 01/05
11/16/3003 9:31 Pm VMS?: rem TO; 190-nsA_/R31 FARO 001 OY 002
urgent
facsimile
To: Ken Ogle
Fax Number 720-652-4211
Fyvnt: Ted Bohannon
Par Number--
Bwtess Phase: 303-443-6611,103
Home Phan: 303-684-0992
Pages: 2
Ds1e/7Ymme: 11/16/2003 991:15 PM
Subject Deny permit Case tUSR-1446
To Ken Ogle—Wald County Planning Deparhnent0❑ 11/18/03
I am writing in regards to a recommendation to deny the special use permit applied for
by The Longmont Model Aircraft Association(Case I:USR-1448).
My husband and I have owned property in the proposed area for 10 years and are
concerned about protecting our lifestyle and property values.We also are very
concerned about the impact the airport will have on the noise level for humans nearby
and disturbing wildlife in the area.Other areas of concern include possible trespassing.
fire hazards from landing planes in bone-dry wheatfields and the traffic impact
We will not be able to attend the hearing on November 18 but want our views to be
heard. We purchased our property in an agriculturally zoned/residential area.We did
not make a large investment In our acreage to be located by a model aircraft airport.We
believe sbongy that property values will be negatively impacted in our area from this
airport I also understand that the Longmont Model Aircraft Association has no members
who own property in this area and are only renting seven acres of land.They need to
find an appropriate location for their hobby.
Please help us continua to enjoy a scenic and quiet neighborhood and deny this special
use permit Thank you for your consideration.
i EXHIBIT
1 2`?,'
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NOV-17-2003 MON 07:46 AM SOUTHWEST WELD PLANNING FAX NO. 720 652 4211 P. 02/05
11/16/2003 0.31 yry TMW; Van TO; 920-662-4211 PAGE. 002 or 002
To Ken Ogle - Weld County Planning Department 11/16/03
I am writing in regards to a recommendation to deny the special use
permit appked for by The Longmont Model Aircraft Association (Case #:
USR-1446).
My husband and I have owned property In the proposed area for 10
yews and are concerned about protecting our lifestyle and property
values. We also ore very concerned about the impact the airport will
have on the noise level for humans nearby and disturbing wildlife in the
area. Other areas of concern include possible trespassing, fire hazards
from landing planes in bone-dry wheat fields and the traffic impact.
We will not be able to attend the hearing on November 18 but want our
views to be heard. We purchased our property in an agriculturally
zoned/residential area. We did not make a large investment in ow
acreage to be located by a model aircraft airport. We believe strongly
that property values will be negatively impacted in our area from this
airport. I also understand that the Longmont Model Aircraft Association
has no members who own property in this area and are only renting
seven acres of land. They need to find an appropriate location for their
hobby.
r
Please help us continue to enjoy a scenic and quiet neighborhood and
deny this special use permit. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Usa A Ted Bohannon
12350 Wasatch Rd.
Longmont, CO. 80504
303-684-0992
•
NOV-17-2003 MON 07:46 AM SOUTHWEST WELD PLANNING FAX NO. 720 652 4211 P. 03/05
August 18,2003 7:06 PM From:The Wilsons Fax Number:970-5324938 Page 1 of 3
Fred and Natalie Wilson rhonennxi (970) 632-4938
17414 East County Road #1 *� <.+g;.
Berthoud,CO 30513 ";9, `` �',: n t lictaww402(wacvrn
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Attn: Kim Ogle
Weld County Planning Department
1555 North 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631
From: Fred W. Wilson
Re: Radio Controlled Airport Special Use Permit (Case#: USR-1448)
I am writing this letter in response to the application for a special use permit by the Longmont Model
Aircraft Association (USR-1446). I am strongly opposed to the issuance of this permit for a variety of
reasons and I implore you to consider the welfare of the community that is affected by this facility and
recommend that the Planning Committee deny this application.
This facility, which has already been built in violation of the agricultural zoning of the property, has had
a significant negative impact on the quality of life that my wife and I enjoy. When my wife and I made
the decision to invest in this property we were investing in a lifestyle. We had the simple choice
between a large house on a small property, or a small house on a large property. We chose the later in
order to attain the "country life"that I grew up with. Central to this lifestyle is the interaction with and
stewardship of the outdoors. To that end we have made a variety of sacrifices including; paying over
$4,000 in property taxes per year, living miles from the "conveniences"of city life, and regular
maintenance of a 16 mile driveway to name just a few, I mention these facts to give you context for the
disappointment and violation that we feel when we are trying to enjoy our investment and the new
"neighbors"start flying their toys on the most beautiful days available.
The primary impact of this facility is the relentless nature of the NOISE that it generates. We live less
than %mile from the "airport"and the high-pitched, angry whine of these planes as they climb and loop,
climb and loop over and over all day long, is incredibly aggravating. It sounds like we have a neighbor
rowing up a chainsaw outside our bedroom window ALL DAY EVERY WEEKEND and EVERY NIGHT
UNTIL SUNDOWN. On the week ends there are literally 20 to 30 people waiting for their opportunity to
get their planes in the air(see photos)and there is virtually no break in the noise! Often they will have
two or three planes in the air at the same time! Imagine having giant mosquitoes flying in your ears that
are impossible to swat, and add to that the realization that these mosquitoes are flying in your ears for
the fun of it, and you may begin to understand the aggravation we feel. We used to enjoy hosting
Sunday barbeques with family and friends,and relaxing diners on our deck in the evenings watching
the sunset. These activities are no longer an option unless we want to deal with the fact that our
guests, and we as hosts, will spend the entire event feeling aggravated and victimized by these new
"neighbors". One specific quote from my brother in law embodies this new reality. During a barbeque
this summer we were trying to enjoy some time outside in the midst of the airplane noise and he said,
"I use to envy you guys for living out here, but now my little yard in town is looking better and better".
Other negative impacts that this facility has on the people riving in this area include;
a) Increased traffic flow(30 cars min. per weekend day and 5. 10 cars every evening.
b) Trespassing, as those who have lost control of their airplanes travel cross-country on foot to
retrieve them.
c) Fire hazard, which is a real concern given the temperatures at which these nitro-methane
powered engines operate and the frequency at which these planes crash into the wheat fields
surrounding the "airport".
•
EXHIBIT
(1227
NOV-17-2003 MON 07:46 AM SOUTHWEST WELD PLANNING FAX NO. 720 652 4211 P. 04/05
August 18,2003 7:06 PM From:The Wllsons Fax Number:970-532-4938 Page 2 of 3
d) Reduction of property values in the area. Would you buy a large piece of property in the
country located near a facility that creates annoying and persistent noise throughout the year?
the unfortunate reality is that"lawn chair'weather is also"flying"weather. The sunny, calm,
and beautiful days are the days that we will lose to the relentless, high-pitched whine of these
airplanes. One of the things that my wife an I find most priceless about where we live is our
ability to open our windows in the spring to the songs of Meadowlarks and Kingbirds. Listening
to the breeze as it sweeps through the grass and the trees, and the simple quiet that comes with
country life. This airport effectively takes away our ability to enjoy the outdoor environment that
we have invested in. I know for a fact that this "airport'has considerably reduced our perceived
value of our property!
e) Impact on wildlife. In the permit application there are letters stating that flying model aircraft in
an area has no impact on the wildlife in the area. This has not been our experience.
A close read of the letters from the Division of Parks and Recreation and the Academy Model of
Aeronautics shows that the "evidence"for the perspective that model aircraft have no impact on
wildlife is at best anecdotal and unsupported, and at worst contradictory and biased.
In the undated letter from the Academy of Model Aeronautics there is a statement that"birds usually
ignore the aircraft entirely"then in the next paragraph there is reference to a project where Dan
Gibson used a model airplane to teach Canadian Geese to "take off, fly and land"due to imitating
model aircraft. Which is it? Do these birds ignore the aircraft "entirely"or are they so aware of the
aircraft that they confuse them with parents or role-models in learning how to fly? There are a
variety of statements such as "it has been found that model airplane flying has no effect on bird
migrations..."with no attribution to any specific studies or researchers that would give these
statements credibility. This entire letter is so biased and non-scientific that it should be considered
a public relations tool and not a scientific analysis.
r
In the 15 year old letter from the Park Manager at Chatfield Reservoir there are non-specific
references such as, "without any visible impact"and "hawks and other birds nest in trees along a
canal just 300 yards from the flying field.", without any specific references to population counts,
studies, or science of any kind, In addition, it is clear that Gary Buffington has an agenda which he
states as "...one of my goals of offering a large number or recreational activities to a multitude of
users...". Given this clearly stated bias, and the absence of scientific substantiation of his
observations, one must assume that his conclusions are suspect It is also clear that Mr.
Buffington's observations apply to a "large and heavily visited"recreation facility. The wildlife in the
area of the Chatfield Reservoir has already been acclimated to the continuous disruptions of human
activity in their habitat. This does not describe the property where The Longmont Model Aircraft
Association has built their facility. It should also be noted that the model aircraft hobby has changed
substantially in the last 15 years. The size, speed and technology of these planes is considerably
different than it was in 1989. I am forced to wonder why the only"science" used to support this
application is so outdated and biased in nature?
I offer the following anecdotal and non-scientific evidence of the negative impact that model
aircraft flying has on wildlife. For the last 4 or 5 years have we had a nesting pair of red-tailed
hawks on our property, and they were back this spring. By early summer they were gone and we
haven't seen them since. Also, I have lived on this property for 27 years and this is the first time I
can remember that we have had no sightings of Golden Eagles on our property for the entire
summer. It seems obvious that these mechanical, 3-foot wingspan, fast, screaming interlopers are
going to have an impact on territorial predators such hawks, owls, and eagles. This Radio
Controlled "airport"creates an environment that is hostile to the native wildlife and this wildlife is
part of what we invest in as property owners in the area.
r
NOV-17-2003 MON 07:47 AM SOUTHWEST WELD PLANNING FAX NO. 720 652 4211 P. 05/05
August 18,2003 7:06 PM From:The Wilsons Fax Number:970-5324938 Page 3 of 3
Finally, this is simply an attempt by people who do not live in our area to acquire a permit for a purely
oommerolal use of agriculturally zoned property. As a taxpayer it disturbs me that this agriculturally
zoned property that has been classified as"conserved"land with the Cob. Dept. of Agriculture so that
the land owner can receive tax subsidies for not farming the land, is now being used by the owner to
generate commercial revenues. A good friend of mine who farms property in eastern Colorado
recently told me that there are literally hundreds of farmers east of 1-25 with unused "crop corners" (due
to circular irrigation systems)that would love to host this airport for the extra money. It seems more
appropriate to grant this type of special use permit to a land owner who uses their property for
legitimate agricultural applications. It may mean a longer drive for the members of this association to
rent property east of 1-25 where their activities will not disrupt the lives of existing property owners,
however, it is not appropriate to locate this "airport"in our area simply because it is a convenient
location for these hobbyists.
I am not an anti-development person and I strongly support the rights of property owners to use their
property how they please. In this case it is clear that the rights of property owners is incompatible with
the Radio Controlled Airport that has been constructed on Weld County Road 36. Please submit a
recommendation to deny the special use permit applied for by The Longmont Model Aircraft
Association.
Sincerely,
Fred W. Wilson Date: 11/9/2003
Weld County Planning Department
Atten: Kim Ogle
Subject: Land Use Hearing
Dear Sir:
At present I own two parcels of land in Western Weld County
just North of the property owned by Mr. Boyd. Those parcels are
#120706000016 and 120706000017. The legal description of the first
parcel is:
25477 N 3/8 of N25W4 6 3 68 (.41 d.35R) S ITUS: 17506 1 Weld
00000. I hope this makes sense to you it doesn't to me.
I have owned or occupied this property since 1975 when I
purchased the original property as a retirement investment. My
reason for locating in Weld County was its' strong agricultural base,
at least at that time.
The property and area has up to this time remained as I
expected it to. The recent conversion of the neighboring property to
an annoying daytime noise source is unacceptable to me! This
activity has no place in this area which is agricultural and moving
toward residential development. Some of my neighbors who have
long term plans to sell their property for home building should be
quite concerned by this activity.
Please count me as being against any move to degrade the
area by allowing any such unusual activity.
sincerely yours,
William R. Wilson
17506 Welt County Road # 1
Berthoud, Colorado 80513
UEhITJ
NOV-17-2003 MON 02:44 PM SOUTHWEST WELD PLANNING FAX NO. 720 652 4211 P. 01
11/17/2003 15:40 9705321463 P0AFR SEAT PAGE 01
Roger Seat _
2537 Bohm Road.Aatoud,CO 80513 970-532-1457(home)970-532-1463(As)
November 17,2003
Weld County Pining Department
Attn:Kim Ogle
1555 North 17i'Ave.
Greeley,CO 80631
Re: Case It:USK- 1446(Longmont Model Aircraft Assoc.)
Dear Ms.Ogle:
It came to my attention this pest weekend that the individuals operating the"radio
controlled airport facility"are seeking a special use permit to legalize their infringement upon my
neighborhood. I live to the northwest of this facility and the unrelenting noise from this facility is
a nuisance- My neighbors who live much closer to this facility have in effect had their ability to
enjoy their properties taken from them by these new"neighbors-" To listen to the high pitched
whining of model airplanes all day every day is very annoying. I strongly oppose this application
and hope Weld County takes upon consideration those of us who call this area HOME. When a
landowners use of his or her property has snob a negative impact upon the quality of life for the
surrounding neighbors,I believe the proposed use should be denied.
Thank You,
QA,‘ \A.
Roger Seat
i 1. EXHIBIT
25
Kim Ogle -Case Number USR-1446 Longmont Model Aircraft Association permit Page 11
From: "RON LARSEN, CFP, IAR" <rnlarsen@prodigy.net>
To: <kogle@co.weld.co.us>
Date: 11/17/03 3:05PM
Subject: Case Number USR-1446 Longmont Model Aircraft Association permit
Dear Kim,
This email is to ask you to please submit a recommendation to deny the special use permit applied for by
The Longmont Model Aircraft Association. Our home (12345 Wasatch Road, Longmont, CO) is
approximately 3/4 of a mile away from the facility(as a crow flies).
Our main concerns are: impact on property values
the noise that is and has been created
fire hazards
increased traffic flow in the area
impact on wildlife
area use precedence
We strongly oppose a facility of this type (like the recently proposed rodeo facility/arena) in our area. It
should not be allowed on agriculturally zoned property next to residential homes and families. We, like
many of our neighbors, have experienced the increased noise that has been created by the model
airplane activity.
We too, are model airplane hobbyists. We are not against flying these airplanes, as long as it is done in
an appropriate area. The area in question is NOT an appropriate area. The Longmont Model Aircraft
Association has already shown a disregard for our neighborhood by building this facility without the proper
permits and in violation of agricultural zoning laws.
This is getting to the point that we are asking ourselves, "what's next, motocross racing"? It seems that
this beautiful peaceful area is on a human hit list for destruction and disturbance. It is extremely irritating
to us. This is getting old.
Please submit a recommendation to deny the special use permit applied for by The Longmont Model
Aircraft Association.
Sincerely,
Ron and Cheryl Larsen
12345 Wasatch Road
Longmont, CO 80504
303-682-4002
CC: <fww401 @yahoo.com>
(11 EXHIBIT
Kim Ogle -Case# USR-1446 Page 1
From: "Larry Kaylor" <LKaylor@Redstoneaerospace.com>
To: <KOgle@co.weld.co.us>
Date: 11/18/03 9:49AM
Subject: Case# USR-1446
Weld County Planning Department
Kim Ogle, Planner Case# USR-1446
1555 North 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631
Dear Mr Kim Ogle,
I recently was informed that you are supporting a proposed special use
permit to allow the Longmont Model Aircraft Association to construct and
maintain a radio controlled airport facility on a farm field located near
the intersection of WCR 1 and WCR 36. I live approximately 3/4 of a mile
south of the proposed RC airport, in the Summit Peaks subdivision and I am
opposed to this special use permit. The land use in this general area is
primarily productive farm land and residential houses on estate size and
larger lots. This proposed airpark does not compliment and is inconsistent
with the current uses of the surrounding areas. Weld County has
consistently sought to protect farm land from non-farm uses and the airpark
facility clearly is not consistent with farming. Without approval of a
special use permit the Longmont Model Aircraft Association has constructed a
runway for the RC planes and has been using the farm land for flying their
planes, is this allowable on a property that is zoned for agriculture use
and has not been granted a special use permit, or is this a disregard for
the proper approval procedure outlined in Weld County's zoning regulations.
The RC airpark presents several problems that are not acceptable to the
surrounding area. The first is noise. These small planes make a lot of
noise and because of the openness of the area, the sound travels a great
distance. While we are accustomed and accept the noises of farming (Right
To Farm)the plane noises are not farming noises. Secondly, occasionally
these planes can go out of control or suffer mechanical failures and are
forced to land or crash in areas other than the runway or airpark. This
presents a significant fire hazard to the surrounding farm fields and
requires the owner of the plane to trespass to retrieve their plane.
Trespassing is not acceptable and no special use permits should be granted
for an area that increases the likelihood of trespassing or increases the
risk of fire without installing adequate fire protection facilities.
A final concern, and perhaps the most significant is the precedence that
will be set by allowing non-compatible and inconsistent use of farm land in
an area that is predominately agricultural. Allowing this special use for
this one area will allow any commercial endeavor an opportunity to argue for
approval of potentially any use in the area, which will further disrupt the
local agriculture environment and will significantly reduce the surrounding
property values. Weld County has done a very commendable job in maintaining
the agriculture community within the county and the Planning Department has
done significant work in long term planning that allows development and
alternate uses in areas that have been selected for that type of growth,
specifically along the 1-25 corridor and the Multi-Use Plan for the areas
EiEXHIBIT
Kim Ogle-Case# USR-1446 Page 2
along 1-25. This proposed airpark does not fall within the multi-use plan
area and could compromise the integrity of these plans if it is approved.
I sincerely hope that the Weld County Planning Staff and Planning Commission
will seriously consider the long term effects and risks of precedence and
not approve this proposed RC airpark facility.
Thank you,
Larry Kaylor
16121 Summit Peaks Court
Longmont CO 80504
f tri MEMORANDUM
Wi`Pe. TO: Planning Commission
COLORADO DATE: November 18, 2003
FROM: Kim Ogle, Planner III
SUBJECT: Amendments to Staff Comments
USR-1446 - Longmont Aircraft Modelers Association
Development Standard #10
This facility shall adhere to the maximum permissible noise levels allowed in the Industrial Zone
as delineated in 25-12-103 C.R.S., as amended. (Department of Public Health and
Environment)
Amend Development Standard #10 to:
This facility shall adhere to the maximum permissible noise levels allowed in the Industrial Zone
as delineated in 25-12-103 C.R.S., as amended. This standard shall be monitored and
enforced only as the result of an adjacent property owner complaint. (Department of
Public Health and Environment)
EXHIBIT
Ij&-
PLANNING COMMISSION SIGN POSTING CERTIFICATE - -
THE LAST DAY TO POST THE SIGN IS: /" V ,49 2.003. THE SIGN SHALL BE
POSTED ADJACENT TO AND VISIBLE FROM A PUBLICLY MAINTAINED ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY. IN THE.
EVENT THE PROPERTY BEING CONSIDERED FOR A SPECIAL REVIEW IS NOT ADJACENT TO A
PUBLICLY MAINTAINED ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY, THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES SHALL
POST ONE SIGN IN THE MOST PROMINENT PLACE ON THE PROPERTY AND POST A SECOND SIGN
AT THE POINT AT WHICH THE DRIVEWAY(ACCESS DRIVE) INTERSECTS A PUBLICLY MAINTAINED
ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY.
I HEREBY CERTIFY UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY THAT THE SIGN WAS POSTED ON THE
PROPERTY AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING FOR USR- I �'I6 .
THE SIGN WAS POSTED BY:
� Gt�6r /47-Z.44
NAME OF PERSON POSTING SIGN
• A411V-
SIGNATURE F PERSON POSTING SIGN
STATE OF COLORADO)
. )ss.
COUNTY OF WELD )
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO ME THIS1 DAY OF t stir� ��L^i'3r _ ?S'a-5
• _?-Ticif-a\-IL,01Ycr\
NOTARY PUBLIC
MY COMMISSION EXPIRES: i Q" b
THIS FORM SHALL BE PLACED IN THE APPROPRIATE FILE FOR THE ABOVE CASE.
EXHIBIT
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USR-1446
Noise Level Information at and Around the Site
All Data Average dB A
Back ground noise level: < 50
Noise levels were not constant. Observed data was recorded at maximum average meter reading.
LOCATION MODEL PRIVATE JET CARS & MOTOR TRUCKS Large Lawn
AIRCRAFT AIRCRAFT I AIRCRAFT , SUVS , CYCLES Mower
At West(CR 1 & CR36) < 50 to 62 65 to 68 62 63 to 85 90 to 92 87 to 90 51 To 52
At North West Corner 52 to 54
At North boundary Due North of 51 to 56 59 to 62 62
Runway
At East boundary (Over flown by 63 to 68
model aircraft)
At South boundary < 50 to 68
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