HomeMy WebLinkAbout20031110.tiff Weld County Planning Department
To: David Long
GRTI 0, HUE
From: Daniel &Amy Rice FEB 2 1 2003
2094 Bryant Drive
Longmont, CO 80504 RE C E Y V D
303-485-5120
Date: Feb 16th, 2003
We are very concerned about the church development planned for just west of our
neighborhood (The Elms at Meadowvale). We have been informed that this church is
planning to build a large outdoor amphitheater and a very large, TALL auditorium.
While the implications of these structures are by themselves unacceptable to our
community, the projected traffic they would generate is off the charts. We are informed
that they plan to use our community as a primary access route into their grounds. A
nightmare producing number I have seen is 56,000 additional cars coming through per
day. Even if this were an order of magnitude smaller, it would still be completely
unacceptable. My wife and I (and I'm sure most of our neighbors) chose this community
in part because of its built in extra space and general healthiness for raising a family. It is
designed to be quiet and safe. My wife is a homemaker and we home school our four
children,and are consequently home a lot. The planned church would likely ruin most of
what we value about this community. I am concerned primarily(but not exclusively)
about the following potential implications:
- Increased traffic through our development. Its intrusion into the peace and quiet and
the threat it poses to the safety of our community and our children.
- The auditorium's height would badly mar the skyline and effect property values.
- The outdoor amphitheater would likely produce a lot of noise intruding into our
neighborhood. This will be particularly true if it is not oriented correctly.
- The proposed parking lot(6000 cars)would, along with helping to generate all the
extra traffic, likely add a lot of ambient light at night. This neighborhood is, right
now, an excellent place for night sky watching(very little "light pollution").
Among other things we have heard are that the church originally planned to put these
structures up closer to the intersection of County Line Rd 1 and 119, and to put their
proposed housing nearer to our neighborhood. This plan might be much better than what
they are thinking of now.
We would like the Weld County Board of Commissioners to think long and hard before
rezoning this land and extending the subsequent approval required to make this a reality
(nightmare).
We appreciate your consideration of our concerns, 2003-1110
Daniel &Amy Rice
EXHIBIT
130
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
FER 2 5 2003
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1�
February 20,2003
County Commissioner
Mr. David Long
PO Box 758
Greeley,CO 80632
Dear David,
I am writing this letter in concern as a homeowner in Weld County,Medowvale subdivision,in regards to
the impending buildings going up to the West of us.
Bringing in a huge Amphitheater and traffic to go with it,will take away the serenity and view of the
mountains that we all want and paid for. I don't care if there is a church there,but I moved just outside the
city to get away from the"hussle&bussle". The church alone will bring a lot of traffic.
I understand that growth is a normal process and revenues are a good thing,but it is my understanding that
the church and all affiliated with it are tax exempt? How is Weld County and it residents benefiting from
this growth?
It's huge! It's costly! Why can't it be built closer to 125 for easy access for all the out of town people it
will bring?
Please consider the little people and not let this HUGE Mega-plex take place. Put limits and rules.
Sincerely,
Penny Rehn
EXHIBIT
Page 1 ! 31
Weld County Planning Department
GREET FY OFFICE
FER 2 5 2003
David Long
P.o. box'158 --- ., r D
Greeley, CD Solon Pi! 51 R �i s L
Dear Mr. Long
Where do I begin? What can I do? What will it tatce to persuade Weld County to agree to not
to rezone the property currently owned by Life Bridge Church from agricultural to residential.
It hardly seems possible that this isn't a dream. How can a "church" have the capability to
build such a complex of this size? As a resident of the elms of Meadow Vale subdivision I do
not want this "church" in my bacK yard.
The simple request to rezone the land as residential is a jolts!! How can a boon-seat out door
amphitheater or a 400o-seat auditorium be remotely considered a residential development? I
do not want a Fiddlers Green in my bacK yard. I do not want an auditorium the size the Buell
Theater in my bacK yard. I don't the traffic associated with this development on my street. My
children's safety will be an issue. I don't want the crime or the noise associated with type of
development.
Question?? A church is considered a non-profit organization, will they also be exempt from
paying taxes. Who will pay for the extra manpower to police the area? Who will pay for
maintenance of the streets? Most of the fire stations are volunteer based. Who will pay the
extra fireman needed? The cost to Weld County will be great, but who will benefit. Most of
the members are Boulder County residents.
The list of negatives goes on and on. LooK at the plan closely. See how negatively it would
impact both the residents of the surraounding communities as well as Weld County. I feel that
we live in "Nowhere Land". We have Longmont addresses, we live in Weld County, and our zip
code S05o4 will occasionally automatically pull up Fredria as our city of residence. We need
to heard and represented. Mr. Vaad has put us in hazardous position. We have no true
representation.
Please hear our pleas and see how wrong it would be to allow this development to move
forward.
- a�IOU c
C ris ine Hains
EXHIBIT
32
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
Mr. David Long ' _
FEB 2 6 2003
.day I share my position on Life Bridge? RECEIVED
"Entitlements"
The question here is...Who's 2 And the priority, each should have. r-L-:i -
The future is unknown.
With the exception of death and Taxes.
Which leads us to the 'charter' of the commissioners.
I believe it imperative that the commission put tax revenues high in its decision process.
What tax revenue will this undertaking generate?
Especially near-term, during the construction phases.
Will it pay for the infrastructure that it consumes,on an on-going, and increasing basis?
Will it pay for: roads, sewer, water, fire protection, traffic congestion, and noise pollution.
What about adequate Weld county police protection ?
My home building site was robbed twice during construction in 1998.
Will it enhance the value of adjacent property? thus INCREASING the county's tax revenue
base, to pay for these infrastructure costs?
Or will the Weld county tax office be inundated with neighborhood taxpayers contesting
valuations and assessments?
I attended an 'information' meeting, initiated by Lifebridge. Feb 3, 2003
The structure maximum height, stated in the meeting by Bruce Grinnell, was 90 feet.
'�Nhat is the actual height requested on the re-zoning document?
Was his statement accurate?
My request "REJECT the Lifebridge rezoning petition"
Additionally, I have all the same concerns that other letter writers are expressing to you.
Please give serious consideration to my "tax revenue" point.
Thank",
atce
Paul R. King
1877 Meadow Vale Rd
Longmont, Co 80504
EXHIBIT
33
Mike Geile Part.001 Weld County Planning Department_ Page 1
GREELEY OFFICE
FEB 2 6 2003
RECEIVED
To All Board Members:
My name is Carol Zuber. I live at 11720 Montgomery Circle, Longmont, CO. 80504, at the Elms at
Meadowvale subdivision.
I am writing to inform you of my disapproval of possibly approving the building of the new Lifebridge
Church, here in our subdivision. I am not against building a church, however; I am against building a
complex of such multitude.
I have researched such"Megachurchs"and have found out the following information:
1)Traffic Congestion: Building this church would not only congest traffic along 119, but also in our little
semi-rural subdivision. Not to mention the wear&tear on the above mentioned streets. Constant repair
will be inevitable. Who will pay for this?The untaxable megachurch? Either another traffic light will have
to be installed or else a patrolman will have to direct traffic.We will also need more policemen patrolling
the area. Once again,who will pay for this?
2) Safety: My research indicates that along with these"Megachurchs"follows crime. Eg.-The breaking in
of cars and sometimes buildings.We chose to live in this subdivision because it was understood that it
was zoned"semi-rural".We felt that our children and grandchildren would be a little safer living in such a
rural environment. This will not happen when a numerous amount of cars driven down our streets will
more likely increase the amount of accidents between cars and pedestrians.The breaking in of cars&
buildings is another problem.
3) Noise Pollution: With the building of an ampitheater comes noise.We moved to a peaceful community.
We would like it to stay that way.Just the traffic alone will cause an increased amount of noise.There are
people living in this subdivision that currently work the night shift.They need to sleep during the day. My
husband is sometimes one of them. Being a Commander and S.W.A.T. Commander on the Longmont
Police Force, he sometimes will work a long day,then be called out during the night. He expects to be
able to sleep when he gets home. This will not be possible even if it wasn't on a Sunday. I researched the
-�-. activities and programs they provided at the church. I was very surprised to see the large number of
activities and events they had on any given day.The least amount of activites I found were 17 in one day.
And that day was not a Sunday.
I could go on and on but I think you get the point. Many neighbors in my subdivision feel the same way I
do.We do not want this mega church and community built in our neighborhood.
Please think about what I said. If you were living in our subdivision,would you like it to be built so close to
home?
Thank you so much for your time and consideration regarding this matter. It really is appreciated.
Sincerely,
Carol E.Zuber
EXHIBIT
1 3<
•
(Mike Gede- Part.001 Page 1
<P>Dear sirs,</P>
<P>l am writing to you to tell you about my experiences living in East Longmont.We loved our home and
our neighbors. Unfortunately the traffic along 119 became unbearable. People were driving through our
residential neighborhood and throwing trash in our park. My husband and two children and I were
forced out of our neighborhood.We moved near the Longmont Rec center because we were afraid our
children would be run over by traffic going through the neighborhood.We saw many near misses.</P>
<P>l understand that a bypass is being built. However, if the Lifebridge annexation goes through as
planned,this bypass will just fill up with cars again. I think mega churches need to be encouraged to
downscale and make several smaller churches, and not huge complexes that ruin neighborhoods. It is
unfair to do this to the people that live in those neighborhoods. I hope you will consider asking Life bridge
to keep their current facility and just build another smaller church and school in the Weld area.Thank you
for listening to my opinion.</P><BR><BR><p><br><hr size=1>Do you Yahoo!?<br>
<a href="http://rd.yahoo.com/O=1/l=brandr/vday03/text/flow/fittp://shopping.yahoo.com
/shop?d=browse&id=20146735">Yahoo! Shopping</a>-Send Flowers for Valentine's Day
Weld County Planning Department
Department of Planning Services GREELEY OFFICE
Mr. Kim Ogle
Ms.Monica Daniels-Mika , •rl FERt 2 6 2003
County Commissioners ,r
Mr. Glenn Vaad L' r:21 25 +ft3'
Mr. David Long L U
M.J.Geile �_ l..__ .,._. ,,_�
Mr.William Jerke f tE( :: •:` '
Mr. Robert Masden
02-23-03
RE:Re-zoning of property on the northeast corner of WCR 3-1/2 and Hwy 119 in Weld County.
Dear planning staff and commissioners,
Lifebridge Church has submitted a re-zoning request to build a VERY large.VERY high-use development immediately adjoining the
east side of the residential Longview community and the west side of the Genesee,Elms and Meadowvale residential developments.
I have many concerns about this issue, some of which are the following:
1. Traffic,traffic,traffic,transient traffic,construction traffic for their 50 year plan
2. Noise
3. Resale value on my home
4. Safety issues with thousands of people coming and going in a residential area
5. Light pollution
6. The huge complex not being compatible with the existing neighborhood
7. Tax increases to cover the cost of Weld County services for this area
8. Controls on future building phases of the church complex
9. Visual pollution
10. Does Weld County have enough fire,police,EMT's to cover the increase of people and places in the area and will this be a
tax burden on the current home owners in the area because the church is a non-profit organization that pays a much lower tax,
if any.
This is not just a church it is a MEGA-DEVELOPMENT involving more than just a"church complex." Lifebridge plans to partner up
with many non-church commercial entities of their choosing to help pay for the development. My understanding is this area is
currently zoned agricultural.The Weld County multi-use development, (M.U.D.)plan specifies the proposed development site could
be re-zoned as residential. The bulk of the re-zoning request submitted to Weld County is for CI (neighborhood commercial)and C2
(general commercial). C2 zoning violates the Weld County code which requires compatibility with existing environment. I realize
that zoning it residential technically allows for churches, schools,etc.,but the proposed complex of this size is not compatible with the
existing residential neighborhood. I am not anti-church or anti-change. All I ask for is a sensible development.
Lifebridge is large and powerful,but as a Weld County homeowner I am very,very dismayed you may allow this complex to go forth
and be built. Especially when so many current residents are aghast at the plans. I am counting on you to follow the rules without any
undo influence, from Commissioner Glenn Vaad,an elder with Lifebridge,even though he has said he would exclude himself from
the final vote.I am asking you not to allow Lifebridge to build this very large,high use development in my neighborhood. I am
alarmed at the prospect of this happening.
Not that it is any concern of yours,but have any of you ever questioned the reason Boulder County would not let Lifebridge expand
on their current 35 acres???
W azds,
0 81O1
Bobbie Evert
11302 Bryce
Longmont,CO. 80504
EXHIBIT
35
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
Mr. David Long FEB 2 7 2003
County Commissioner 7 r n o_ D
Weld County RECEIVED
Kathleen Trubell
Ili LJJ
11713 Elmer Linn Drive
Longmont, Co. 80504
February 24, 2003
Dear Mr. Long
I have a need to write this letter to address my concerns as to what is being proposed near
my home. The purpose of this letter is to point out the devastating affect the Life Bridge
Christian Church future development will have on four surrounding residential
communities.
I will start off by stating that the elaborate proposal is illegal for this community. The
property that Life Bridge is looking to purchase was zoned for residential use only. I
understand that a church is permissible under this zoning but it is illegal to build 120 foot
plus tall buildings, a 6000 seat amphitheater, a 6000 seat auditorium, a university,youth
center, and recreation center.
All these facilities and the people who will run these add up to an over abundance of
traffic which will cause congestion to County Line 3 V2 and Hwy. 119, not to mention the
air pollution that will be created, when built out, with over 25, 000 cars per day. My
question is; will tax payers be willing to have their taxes increased to pay for build out of
these roads and to accommodate the added police and fire protection?
The proposed development will have an impact on the water quality of the St. Vrain
River from the increased urban storm water runoff. And who owns outstanding shares of
the Oluqarchy ditch and how will Life Bridge work with that?
I can not understand why Weld County is not taking a more thoughtful and caring interest
in this matter. Are the commissioners being influenced by someone or something to be in
such a hurry to want to pass something that is not agreeable to the majority of people in
these communities?
I moved to this peaceful area two years ago with investigated information that there were
no long range plans for such an aggressive and stifling development. Now, all I see is
future noise and traffic pollution, traffic congestion, poor water rights, and sky scraper
architectures. I am sure my taxes will be increased dramatically to support the extra cost
in developing this project, since they are considered a church and their tax base will be
much lower than the single dwelling residences in the surrounding area. My goal in
moving out of the city of Longmont, was to appreciate the peace of the countryside and
to receive the privileges of Weld County in retirement. I now see that fading quickly.
•
I 34
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
David Long
PO Box 758 FEB 2 7 2003 _
Greeley, CO 80632
RECEIVED 26 52
Dear David Long: DL ,
I am writing to you to express my strong objection to the proposed zoning change for Life
Bridge Christian Church. I have several concerns regarding the development including
environmental impact, property value, traffic patterns and tax disbursement. My main concerns
are listed below.
Impact on the environment:
A study performed by the Department of Transportation indicates that Life Bridge's
proposed campus could produce up to 56,000 car trips a day. This is the amount of traffic
generated on Interstate 25 between Highway 7 and Highway 34 on a daily basis. As we are all
aware, Colorado is in midst of a severe drought. The sheer quantity of people would stress the
already short water supply. Furthermore, the proposal has a parking lot for 6,000 cars. The
impact from snow removal chemicals and oil and gas run off would be tremendous. The
property abuts an irrigation ditch for other farms. How will this impact them? The property in
question is a haven for wildlife, each morning my family wakes to the sound of migratory geese
and falls asleep to the sound coyotes. How will this retail, commercial development impact
them?
Property value:
My home is on the western edge of the Elms subdivision. I paid a large lot premium for a
mountain view, not a church's parking lot, amphitheater, steeple, outbuildings, outreach center,
etcetera. I was expecting the property to be developed in the future, but not to the extent of the
church's mega campus. Their ideas of a development this large do not appear to be in line with
the spirit of Weld County zoning regulations. Particularly, a church campus of this magnitude
sandwiched between two rural residential communities.
Traffic patterns:
I am a mother of three small children and like many other families in my community, I
feel that the sheer volume of predicted traffic is a disaster waiting to happen, i.e., sometime and
somewhere in these communities a child will be fatally injured! Currently, our kids play hockey,
basketball, and ride bikes in the street. With an estimated 56,000 cars a day, the kids will most
likely be kept in-side, both to avoid a fatality noted above and to avoid the possibility other
catastrophes happening to my kids.
County Budget and Taxes:
A non-profit organization, such as Life Bridge, will put an even greater burden on an
already strained county budget. Who will pay for the extra police and emergency services which
will be needed to service this monumental church development? Life Bridge has proposed an
auditorium and amphitheater not exclusive for its own use. What is the county commissions
position regarding these buildings being rented to non-church affiliated organizations for events
such as music concerts?
EXHIBIT
1 37
Has the county commission office also received any assurances from Life Bridge Church
elders that IF this disastrous plan does get approval, that the land will ONLY be used for
church purposes and not sold for sheer profit and gain?
Your sinter y con rued constituent,
Anda Brenholt
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
Barb Poquette FEB 2 7 2003
2778 Cherry Lane
Denver,N. C. 28037 RECEIVED
Feb. 24,2003
Mr. Kim Ogle
1555 N. 17 Avenue
Greeley, Co. 80631
Dear Mr. Ogle,
I have just completed reading about the LifeBridge Christian Church which is asking for
rezoning in an area which the Weld County Master Plan has already zoned residential.
Even though I now live in North Carolina,I was raised in the Longmont area and had lived there for
43 years. I still call it"Home". I have many valuable relationships with friends there and even have one
son and his family who reside there. Needless to say,I return often. I have seen the beautiful Meadow
Vale area and can see how a church would be welcomed in the place, but not a 6000 seat amphitheater, a
college, a 6000 seat auditorium,an outreach center or youth center, or buildings that are 10 times the size
of a normal home. Surely there are suitable areas where this type of project would be welcomed.
I have been employed by a local church in my area for 8 years and would be the first to
encourage additional religious facilities. But would also be the first to admit that a church of this
massive size would not be advisable nor welcomed in a rural neighborhood such as Longview.
The LifeBridge Church is probably the dream of many well-meaning people but I hope you
will take into consideration the dreams of those families already living in the area. Many families
have saved for years to be able to own their own homes. Homes that were zoned residential and
to their knowledge would remain that way,that's why they located there. They have sacrificed,
saved,and invested their life savings hoping for a future free from worry that their children will
become an auto fatality. In reading the study from the Department of Transportation,when the
entire area is finished,a top figure for car trips in a day would be 56,000. This is not a figure that
should be used in accordance with a neighborhood church. I am sure this is not what the
Planning Commission had in mind when they wrote"a church would be a reasonable addition to
a residential area." I have noted that not only do the neighbors of this planned church oppose its
development,but even the City of Longmont has expressed their concern to Weld County.
Shouldn't the voices of those most closely affected be considered first? Do those responsible for
the project realize that the residents do not want this building next to them? Do they think that
forcing its construction will somehow make their neighbors like the situation more? If their
hoping that"Love thy neighbor"will come into play in this situation, maybe they should consider
it first.
My letter is from many miles away but my love for the City remains. I have seen unplanned
growth, greed, and indifference destroy something that could continue to be beautiful. We all
want what is best for the area but need to remember that when you erect buildings you are also
erecting positive or negative affects on lives. Please don't allow this travesty to happen in my
"Home."
Sincerely,
EXHIBIT
AA' 3?
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
FEB 22 7 2003
j2CFF
Mr. Kim Ogle Februa 2tjO& IVED
Dept. of Planning Services
Weld County Administrative Offices
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Mr. Ogle,
We are residents in the Elms at Meadowvale subdivision in Longmont on the border of
Boulder and Weld counties. On March 18, 2003 there will be a planning commission meeting to
discuss the rezoning of several hundred acres to the west of our subdivision. The Lifebridge
Christian Church has submitted plans to build a mega-church complex in the farm field directly
adjoining our residential subdivision. Though we do not object to the fact that Lifebridge wants to
build a church, we do object to what Lifebridge terms a "church campus" in what is becoming a
burgeoning residential neighborhood. Lifebridge claims, in their own material about the campus,
that they intend to build "facilities that go beyond the traditional worship, education and fellowship
model". This clearly is NOT a residential use of the property; it's a mega-complex!!
Studies performed by the Department of Transportation show that, when completed, the mega-
complex could produce up to 56,000 car trips a day! Lifebridge plans to provide parking for all
this traffic in lots twice the size of the Twin Peaks Mall in Longmont and on a par with Invesco
Field in Denver, hardly residential complexes. Much of the traffic heading for these parking lots
will be routed through our neighborhood if a planned extension of one of our community roads,
Pearl Howlette Drive, is connected to the east side of their mega-complex. Based on current
Lifebridge plans, the main entrance to the church will be via Pearl Howlette Drive. This will cause
a traffic nightmare on a stretch of road that was to be used to access a community playground, •
jeopardizing the safety of the children in the neighborhood as well as making access to our
mailbox complex difficult during church services each Sunday and during special events which
Lifebridge currently boasts numbered 267 in 2002. Lifebridge currently has to employ off-duty
police officers to help maintain order and direct traffic during Sunday services and special events
at their current location. Could you imagine the nightmare it would cause on our residential
streets in our neighborhood? Not to mention the impact to traffic flow on Highway 119 in and out
of Longmont?
We expect the number of special events to increase if current plans to build an outdoor
amphitheatre the size of Fiddler's Green, a 6000 seat auditorium, a college, an outreach center
and youth center in the mega-complex are allowed. When most of the residents moved into the
Elms at Meadowvale complex, not to mention the neighboring Meadowvale Farms community to
the east and Longview subdivision to the west of the proposed mega-complex, we anticipated the
land to be used for open space or additional residential housing. Now we are finding out that, if
the re-zoning is approved, that Lifebridge plans to construct buildings as high as 200 feet, which
is roughly ten times the height of an average house. In addition, Lifebridge plans to sell off the
southern half of the property to pay for the construction of the mega-complex, which could result
in even more commercial buildings being built. Because of the size of the mega-complex it will
undoubtedly attract additional commercial interest in the neighboring parcels of land. These
hardly sound like residential uses of the land to us. Most cities and counties along the Front
Range are limited to structures of no more than 50 feet high, Lifebridge would like to build
structures five times that height. For those of us who plan to live here for many years to come we
also worry about what would happen if Lifebridge built most, if not all, of the mega-complex and
decided to move elsewhere or sell out. What would become of these"residential" structures they
plan to build?
Dr
39
The city of Longmont has been very opposed to the mega-complex Lifebridge is trying to build
and worries today about how the city will be viewed if the first thing most visitor's to the city
arriving from 1-25 see is a mall-like facility reaching to the sky impeding many of the views it is
noted for, specifically Longs Peak.
We also have concerns that our county commissioner, Mr. Glenn Vaad, is not properly
representing our district, as he is a church elder at Lifebridge Church and has recused himself
from the voting on the re-zoning. That leaves a district that has contributed over$2 million dollars
in tax revenue without a representative. How will our voice/vote be heard?
It is for these reasons we ask those that have a vote on the re-zoning request being submitted by
Lifebridge Church to REJECT the application based on the plans submitted to date. What we are
asking has nothing to do with religion or ones personal beliefs but fairness of having our lifestyle
in our community curtailed around what they do in the proposed mega-complex next door, their
comings and goings to use these"facilities that go beyond traditional worship", not to mention
Sunday's when a existing clergy of 2700 members head to the complex for services. The effect
on property values for adjoining communities would suffer if the land were re-zoned. Who would
knowingly want to live next to the equivalent of a shopping mall with an outdoor amphitheatre and
mini convention center?
Please help our community stop irresponsible development!
Sincerely,
•`mil,`/-
Robert and Diane Harrison
11696 Montgomery Circle
Longmont, Colorado 80504
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
Ice Mr.Kim Ogle FEB 2 8 2003
Dept of Planning Services
Weld County Administrative Offices RECEIVED
From:Daniel&Amy Rice
Date 2-25.O3
We are very concerned about the Lifebridge plan for the land just west of our
neighborhood(The Elms At Meadowvale).While it is our understanding that the area requires
rezoning from agricultural to residential,and that'residential'usually includes churches,the
Lifebridge vision seems to stretch the concept of"church"beyond the breaking point,particularly
where the spirit of its inclusion in residential is concerned.
The picture(perhaps idyllic)that forms in most people's minds-a modest steeple standing
guard over the roofs of houses-is nothing like Lifebridge s long-term ambitions as we understand
them.These apparently include a huge(vertical)auditorium,outdoor amphitheater,outdoor
parking for 6,000 cars and many other objectionable ideas which in no way fit the general idea of
"church"or"residential".
We chose to build in this neighborhood in part because of its spaciousness,low density
traffic and quiet. We wanted a quiet,sale place to raise our kids.Amy is a homemaker and we
are home a lot. We were also hoping our home would prove to be a good long term investment II
Weld County rezones the land,and Lifebridge has its way,all these things will be negatively
effected.We are Christians and would welcome a modest community church in the area(perhaps
one more in keeping with its founder Jesus-of whom it was said"He had no place to lay His
head"),but this Ltfebridge vision is not in the least compatible with our community.
One of the things we value about Boulder and Weld counties as they currently exist is
the preservation of the skyline.Boulder has a signs limitation law(limiting the heights and sizes of
signs)and also limits the heights of the buildings built there.While there are things we find
questionable about Boulder,these limitations are,in our view,very intelligent laws with long
term effects wisely taken into account.This,we believe,is a large part of why it remains such a
physically attractive place.
Lifebridge apparently plans to build an auditorium that that will be roughly 200 feet
high.Is this in the long term interest of Weld County?It certainly isn't compatible with our
residential community nor is it in our neighborhood's long term interest.
We have heard estimations(high end?)of the traffic that might be generated by the
planned Lifebridge community.56,000 car trips is,in our estimation,well MORE than an order of
magnitude out of bounds and out of the compatibility domain of a residentially zoned area.
We are concerned about the very idea of an outdoor amphitheater and the excess noise it
will introduce to our neighborhood,particularly with their plan to rent it out and maximize its use.
If oriented poorly,this could be a sound(literal and figurative)disaster for our neighborhood.
Because of the spacing of houses and the lighting the community has chosen to put into
this neighborhood,the ambient light at night is very nice and the sky remains clear for star gazing,
something we value greatly.Lifebridge would bring a lot of so called"light pollution"that would
ruin this facet of our community.
This represents the SHORT list of our concerns about Lifebridges long term vision for its
"church". If you wish to hear more,feel free to call us.
Daniel&'Amy Rice EXHIBIT
I 1/10
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
FEB 2 8 2003
Michelle Floriolli
RECEIVED 11467 Hot Springs
Longmont, CO 80504
February 26, 2003
Kim Ogle
Dept. of Planning Services
Weld County Administration Offices
1555 N 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80631
Dear Kim Ogle,
I am a resident of Longview and have lived in this quiet, quaint neighborhood
for the past 18 months. I am a person who supports construction, which is
compatible to the surrounding community. In fact, my occupation is funding
and supporting the construction of primary and secondary residences. My
office is located 40 miles from my home, in South Denver. Yes, this may sound
like a ridiculous commute. However, I felt what Longview and the surrounding
area offered, out weighed the distance.
Longview is a safe, quiet neighborhood. We are only four miles from
Longmont's Main Street, yet we have a country feel. If Lifebridge is allowed to
move forward with their colossal, money earning project, numerous changes
will occur and the cons defmitely out-weigh the pros.
Lifebeidge's proposal will bring thousands of people to this quiet, rural area.
Again, I agree with new"compatible" development such as new homes.
Homeowners will take care of their neighborhood, not hurt or steal from their
neighbors. They will help watch and protect their community, not cause havoc.
Lifebridge's Mega-plex will bring thousands upon thousands of transients to
this area. Whether these transients are church members, students or other
individuals attending functions at the facilities, they will create more traffic and
decrease everyone's safety in some way. More traffic increases the danger to
residents and other commuters. Longview has two entrances/exits. Both
connect Longview to CR 31/2. Lifebridge planes to create several
entrances/exits, which will also connect to CR 3'/2. As I see it, residents of
Longview will be trapped in the development when functions at the Mega-plex
empty. As I understand, experts have projected high traffic numbers if the
entire area is used for homes only. This may be true, however; thousands of
residents do not leave their homes simultaneously, such as people leaving
events at the Mega-plex will. To make matters worse, CR 3'/2 would not be
expanded during phase 1 and possibly phase 2. So they county will force over
3500 people to use this little 2-lane (half dirt) road for several years. Does
sound inconvenient to you?
Again, increased traffic increases your chance for an accident. Again, we will
have a road that will not be able to support the massive amount of vehicles and
EXHIBIT
Floriolli Letter
page 1
people. As the Mega-plex grows, there will have to be another exit. As Bruce
Grinnell stated in Longview's community meeting in January, the fire
department insists upon having the Pearl Howlett Drive exit created.
However, in Longview's community meeting in February, Grinnell recanted this
information somewhat. He stated this exit would not be created in phase 1,
which misled several residents to believe that this exit would never be created.
What he didn't say is that eventually the exit will have to be created as the
Mega-plex grows. My question to you is "How many people like sitting in
traffic?" Not many if any! Almost everyone gets impatient when trying to leave
a function, so what will the ramifications be? People will use the Pearl Howlett
Drive exit to "out smart" other commuters. Note this exit goes right through a
development with children playing. How safe is this for a child, or anyone, in a
development. How many people will NOT follow the speed limit? There is too
great a chance for people, especially children to get hurt. Think back to when
you were 18-25 and attending college or a function. How many short cuts did
you take to beat the traffic? How fast did you drive through neighborhoods?
How often did you think about the consequences of your decisions?
As the transient traffic increases the chance for crime will also increase. Our
police force is strained as is and there is no extra money in the budget to assist
with protecting the residents. Think about our current response time. Yes we
may only be 4 miles from the police station, but that station is Boulder County,
NOT Weld County. Just recently, I had issues with being connected to the
proper fire station. The first two times I was connected with Boulder County
Fire. Unfortunately, they were unable to assist me since I live in Weld County.
As extra money is needed, residents'tax will increase. Lifebridge's Mega-plex
will be the main reason for the extra funds being needed; however, they will not
have to pay anything.
What about the noise and light pollution? Per Grinnell, Lifebridge opens
around 6 or 7 a.m. and closes at midnight. These hours mean noise of various
kinds almost continuously, not to mention the lights in the parking lot. If
Lifebridge is safety conscious, they will keep the parking lot lights on every
minute it's dark. The residents in this area chose NOT to live near the Twin
Peaks Mall. Why would we want something of that size near us now?
Has anyone thought of the no human lives we will be effecting? We have some
amazing waterfowl in this area. Remember, for every pair of eyes we see there
are at least 100 pairs we don't see. Wildlife of all kinds will be displaced in one
way or another. Yes you can argue that new residences will disperse them, but
not even close to the way the Mega-plex will. Think about the amount of
asphalt that will be used to make the parking lots alone plus the amount of
land for the numerous enormous buildings. Per Grinnell, they will preserve our
historical ditch by putting it under ground. How is that preserving it? "Look
honey at the beautiful canal of concrete." We are learning every day about how
precious our water resource is. What about the animals that use the ditch for
their livelihood? How are they going to get the resources they need if it is
buried under concrete?
Floriolli Letter
page 2
The main reason I am against the Mega-plex boils down to one thing... it is
NOT compatible with the area. The smallest building is going to 2 stories.
Okay, that sounds fine, but wait! That's 2 stories in commercial building,
which equates to a 5 story home or higher! A 5 stow home! How is that
compatible with the community? Many individuals moved to this area because
it was zoned as residential. The average person thinks residential... homes.
Not office size buildings, amphitheaters or concert halls in the middle of the
community. I am NOT against religion in any way. I agree with freedom of
speech and religion very much so. Grinnell said in Longview's February
meeting, "We want to be good neighbors." I don't see how this is possible when
a vast number of the community is against what Lifebridge is planning.
Lifebridge says this is a 40-year project. As a person in construction, I know all
they need is money to put this project in high gear. The ideas they are
proposing will increase the church's revenue a 100 times over. What about the
little man? What about the community? We pay taxes, yet we have no one to
support us in our time of need since our county commissioner has removed
himself from this situation due to conflict of interest. Doesn't this go against
my constitutional rights? Taxation without representation!
Before voting for or against this Mega-plex proposal, put yourself in the shoes of
the residence of the community. I doubt you would want something this
massive near your quiet community. Lifebridge wants to bring the community
closer together which is quite admirable. Yet the only thing I see Lifebridge
accomplishing, is alienating the existing community.
Please take time when reaching a decision. Your vote will effect many lives and
several species.
Thank you for your consideration involving this matter.
Michelle L. Flo
Longmont Resident
cc: Monica Daniels-Mika
Floriolli Letter
page 3
11703 Pleasant Hill Road
Longmont,CO 80504
Mark and Jennifer Hargrove 303-774-8075
c^ Weld County Planning Department
February 23, 2003 / -d GREELEY OFFICE
FEB 2 8 2003
Chairman Glenn Vaad RECEIVED
Weld County n Board of Commissioners
P.O. Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
Dear Mr. Vaad:
We are writing to express our concern over the proposal for re-zoning presented by the Lifebridge Church
for their property at Hwy.119 and County Road 3 'h. This property should not be re-zoned.
The development plan submitted by Lifebridge in no way conforms to the Weld County requirement for
congruent development and residential zoning. Our objections to the plan include:
1. Traffic. We used to live in the Shores area of Longmont and have driven by the current Lifebridge
building on Hwy. 66 right after Sunday services. Traffic was jammed in both directions, and they
required a police officer directing traffic. The roads around the proposed development site are even
less capable of carrying this kind of traffic load.
2. Noise and Light Pollution. Unincorporated Weld County is a quiet, peaceful place to live. Indeed, its
rural character is the very reason that many of us choose to live here. A"24/7" use complex would
change this area into another suburb, like so many others. Also,the 6000-seat outdoor amphitheater is
large enough to hold rock concerts, and there is no way to stop that from happening once the facility
is built. Putting the equivalent of Fiddler's Green in the middle of a residential area is absurd and
clearly violates what planners had in mind for the area.
3. Environmental and Aesthetic Impact. Weld County has no emissions test requirement for vehicles.
The traffic level from the proposed development would create smog. A parking lot that size would
almost certainly generate polluted run-off into the area's surface water. Migrating waterfowl and
other wildlife use these bodies of water. In addition,there is no community in this area, except urban
Denver,that contains buildings more than five stories tall. The fifteen-story structures proposed by
Lifebridge would dwarf everything else in the area, including the natural beauty.
4. Cost. Lifebridge, as a non-profit organization, does not pay taxes. However, we do. Lifebridge won't
be paying for extra police, fire, and rescue personnel, we will. Lifebridge won't be paying for road
improvements and maintenance, we will. Indeed, every resident of Weld County will.
Development in this area is inevitable. We would be pleased to have a typical neighborhood church as our
new neighbor. However, a"church"that is a three-story building, used heavily on Sunday by 1000-2000
people is not appropriate for this area. A church loans its facilities to members for special occasions, not
to renters for daily use. A church is a place for spiritual reflection, not a"24/7"center of commercial
enterprise. The Lifebridge proposal is not for a church; it is for a-mall/entertainment complex. And we
strongly object.
Sincerely,/niGtC/---r
Mark and Jennifer Hargrove
EXHIBIT
1/2,
rMike Geile- LBCC PUD request for rezoning Page 1
From: "Gene Merrill" <gcmrll@earthlink.net>
To: <gvaad@co.weld.co.us>, <dlong@co.weld.co.us>, <mgeile@co.weld.co.us>,
<wjerke@co.weld.co.us>, <rmasden@co.weld.co.us>
Date: 3/1/03 1:44PM
Subject: LBCC PUD request for rezoning
Weld County Board of Commissioners
PO. Box 758 c)
Greeley, Co. 80632
Dear Sirs:
As a tax paying citizen of Weld county residing at 11717 Elmer Linn in the Elms at Meadowvale, I
would like to express my concerns for the rezoning request of the land for the Life Bridge Christian Church
Mega center. This poses three major concerns.
First: The amount of traffic this will funnel through the residential areas of Meadowvale and Longview
makes very little sense. This will certainly require resources of security and maintenance that will severely
tax already slim funding. I am sure this is very apparent to everyone and should be one of the major points
in considering this proposal.
Second issue is the safety issue of children and pedestrians trying to use the neighborhood streets. Due to
the increase in traffic I hope that the Weld County is ready to accept the amount of injuries accidents and
possible deaths that are inevitable with the amount to traffic projected for the roads in and around the
Meadowvale and Longview Communities. This too should be a major consideration.
Third: Pollution: Large complexes with amphitheaters will generate not only noise but light pollution also. I
am certain that our county commissioners are well aware of how this relates to quality of life, which is why
most residents chose to live in this area. Maybe alternative site planning would be an option. (Put
residential areas next to the residential areas and the large and noisy sites near more industrial sites that
would be less affected by noise and light.)
In conclusion I would like to ask that the Weld County commissioners please take this rezoning request
seriously and consider all of the consequences of this decision. I am sure after all of the alternatives are
considered a reasonable solution can and will be achieved.
Sincerely,
Gene C. Merrill
EXHIBIT
41/43
Dale E. Tenny
2112 Bryant Drive
Longmont, Colorado 80504
Phone 720-494-8556 Fax 720-494-8557
F', } 9: 0 5
ter•; -
February 28, 2003
Weld County Planning Department
M. J. Geile GREELEY OFFICE
William Jerke
Commissioners at Large MAR 5 2003
Weld County 915 10th Street, 3`d Floor
Greeley, CO 80631 RECEIVED
RE: LifeBridge Christian Church, Proposed LBCC Development
Gentlemen:
I wrote earlier to District 2 Commissioner, Glenn Vaad, concerning this topic, without
realizing that he was an Elder of the LifeBridge Church, a virtual traitor to some of the
constituents who helped elect him, and—I suspect—a quietly proactive proponent of the
LifeBridge project. He should resign as Commissioner!
My wife and I moved here in late October, seeking a quiet, scenic, peaceful
neighborhood suitable for retirement. With no heads-up warning from area home builder,
Ryland (which undoubtedly knew about the LifeBridge church's plans), we have been
further betrayed by politicians actually seriously considering a change in existing law—to
accommodate a so-called non-profit (and non-tax-paying) church organization's
extraordinary ambitious and profit-generating commercial plans(e.g., 100 ft. to 200 ft.
tall buildings and paved parking for up to 5,000 automobiles).
Why in the world would you want to see non-taxable development, and existing property
value erosion, rather than continue to approve developments compatible with what is
here ... and infinitely more taxable (i.e., profitable)for government over the long haul?
If County government approves this program of outrageously incompatible development,
and the LifeBridge Church is able to destroy what we sought here, we will sell (at an
anticipated loss) -- and get out of Weld County. What a reputation Weld County and its
planners will likely have established for themselves in this community for years to come.
Sabotaging the intent of existing law because of political pressures from a non-tax-paying
(but apparently profit-hungry) group of church administrators will damage Weld County
budgets and reputation for the next 150 years. Who will pay(increased taxes) for the
costly governmental services (including road modifications, police and fire protection,
etc.) that will necessarily accompany a zoning change of the magnitude proposed? Not
us; we assure you—at least, not beyond the price we will pay to get out of Weld County
as quickly as possible— should you folks approve the zoning change.
EXFNMT
"4/y
M. J. Geile
William Jerke
February 28, 2003
Page two
It should be noted that the State of Colorado budget would also likely suffer if the
church's plans were approved. From all I can tell, more costs and less revenue is not an
advantage to anyone in the entire state.
Commercial development belongs in the area south of Highway 119, not in the area
apparently planned for profitable spin-off by the LifeBridge administrators. We sincerely
urge you not to approve this"no good for nothing" zoning change.
ery ru�� urs, f� 7,1
Dale E. Tenny Natalie P. Tenny
CC: The Editor
Daily Tribune
501 8th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
March 1, 2003 MAR 6 2003
Mr. David Long R.L ° 5'
Weld County Commissioners
P.O. Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
Dear Mr. Long,
We would really appreciate it if you would enforce the current rules and laws that are in
effect with regard to the proposed Lifebridge Christian Church(LBCC) expansion and
their subsequent rezoning request.
We do not have objections to LBCC building a church in our community but we do
strenuously object to the proposed MEGA Church that LBCC wants to build.
We have gone to church at Faith Community Lutheran which is one quarter mile west of
the current LBCC campus for about 20 years and we are well aware of the traffic
congestion and confusion caused by the many vehicles going in and out of the LBCC
campus. We do not need this congestion in our neighborhood and Weld County does not
need the tremendous added expense of providing county services to this facility. It would
appear that a large number of people who live in Boulder county are going to enjoy having
Weld County residents foot the service bills for the LBCC facility.
I would also ask where is the water going to come from to service this facility and is there
adequate sewage disposal facilities available to handle the large amount of waste that this
facility will create?
The proposed LBCC expansion will be very detrimental to both Weld County and its
residents, I can see absolutely no benefit to anyone except the few LBCC church
members who purchased property adjacent to the LBCC property.
Thank you for your consideration.
Roger B. Olsen
Dana
March 3, 2003 Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
Mr. David Long
rP.O. Box 758 MAR 6 2003
Greeley, CO 80632
—5 tci tO: 2^ RECE : VED
Subject: Rezoning for LifeBridge Church
We are opposed to the proposed zoning change for LifeBrid 'eht{i`eh tdr following reasons:
The Weld County Master Plan calls for the area to be used as residential. The loop hole is that residential
allows churches. However a 6000 seat amphitheater, a 6000 seat auditorium, a college, an outreach center, a
youth center and more is simply more then what the regulations had in mind. This mega-church is not the
church the zoning regulations spoke to.
The required study performed by the Department of Transportation indicated that, at maximum build-out, the
complex could produce up to 56,000 car trips per day. This is the same amount of traffic that travels between
Highway 7 and Highway 34 on Interstate 25 on a daily basis. How is that residential, or for that matter even
close.
The combined number of parking spaces would be twice the number of the Twin Peaks Mall and more than
Invesco Field. An outdoor amphitheater the size of Fiddler's Green in the middle of three residential
neighborhoods would create noise, air and light pollution. The 6000 seat auditorium will be twice as large as
the Buell theater.
Up to 30% of each building could have an allowable height of 150-200 feet. That is 10 times the height of a
standard house in the area.
The Southern area of the development will be sold off to independent developers to help LifeBridge pay for
their buildings. This means we will have no input on density, heights and use once the land is re-zoned.
Pearl Howlett Drive will be opened into the development, causing traffic to wind through our neighborhoods.
Weld County wants this opened to make interconnectivity between neighborhoods. The main entrance to the
church will face Pearl Howlett, meaning that much of the traffic will be diverted our way. This traffic will be
traveling next to a proposed playground, creating a hazard for children. Additionally traffic on WCR 3.5 will
carry several thousand car trips per day, along with WCR 26. The planners have now relaxed the requirement
for Pearl Howlett to be opened up. However, what safeguards are in place to permanently keep it closed?
Our county commissioner, Glenn Vaad is a LifeBridge elder. He has recused himself from the rezoning vote;
however, he ran for office at the same time that LifeBridge was attempting to buy the land. He may have
already influenced the other commissioners at large.
Since churches are non-profit and tax exempt,the surrounding residents will be forced to bear the financial
burden for highway and street upkeep and necessary law enforcement. We will be forced to do this while our
property values decline due to the existence of this "Mega Church".
b, u.L
Tony& Linda Mollohan
11686 Victor Drive
Longmont, CO 80504
EJ• NMBIT
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
March 3, 2003 MAR 6 2003
Sheri O'Neal "' '.z, 0 RECEIVED
d rJi
11278 Canyon Creek
Longmont, Colorado 80504 _'`.; I` i
Mr. David Long
P.O. Box 758
Greeley, Colorado 80632
I am writing to protest the re-zoning of land in Weld County for the Lifebridge Church.
The area of re-zoning is currently zoned for residential use and while a church is allowed
in this type of zoning my feeling is what Lifebridge wants to build is more like a campus
than just a stand alone church. The large auditorium and amphitheater, both of which will
seat 6000, outreach center and college are not meant for a residential area. The size and
height of these buildings are enormous and the increase in traffic would make it extremely
difficult to access Weld County road 3.5 for our community. I realize that this entire
project would be built over a long time period, but our concern should be for both future
and immediate development. I urge you to vote against rezoning the property to allow for
this massive development. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
en 'Neal
EXHIBIT
Weld County Planning Deinitn'h»
GREELEY OFFICE
MAR 6 2003 February 28, 2003
RECEIVED '- t+ "' 02 Terry-Lee Braun
11715 Elmer Linn Dr
t=l� Longmont, Colorado 80504
David Long, Pro-Tern
P.O. Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
David,
I recently became aware of a petition to re-zone land adjacent to the Elms at
Meadowvale development to make the land residential. I reviewed the proposal for—re-
zoning and a few things come to mind.
First, the required study performed by the Department of Transportation indicated that, at
maximum build-out, the complex could produce up to 56,000 car trips per day. That is
the same amount of traffic that travels between Highway 7 and Highway 34 on Interstate
25 on a daily basis. How is that residential, or for that matter even close.
Second, the area that Lifebridge is building on was stated to be residential in the Multi-
Use Development District plan. The loophole is that residential allows churches.
However a 6000-seat amphitheater, a 6000 auditorium, a college, an outreach center, a
youth center and more is simply more than what the regulations had in mind. This mega-
church is not the church the zoning regulations spoke to.
Thirdly, Pearl Howlett Drive will be opened into the development, causing traffic to wind
through our neighborhoods. Weld County wants this opened to make inter- connectivity
between neighborhoods. The main entrance to the church will face Pearl Howlett,
meaning that much of the traffic will be diverted our way. This traffic will be traveling
next to a proposed playground, creating a hazard for children. Additionally traffic on
WCR 3.5 will carry several thousand-car trips per day, along with WCR 26. The planners
have now relaxed the requirement for Pearl Howlett to be opened up. However what safe
guards are in place to permanently keep it closed.
I formally request that this petition be rejected on the grounds previously stated above.
Sincerely,
Terry-Le raun
EXHIBIT
d yf
March 1,2003
'..'. -5 !i 10: 13
Tom Geldmacher
11725 Pleasant Hill Road Weld County Planning Department
Longmont,CO 80504 - GREELEY OFFICE
MAR 6 2003
County Commissioner RECEIVED
David Long
P.O. Box 758
Greeley,CO 80632
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing this letter to bring some of my concerns as a homeowner regarding the proposed location
of the LifeBridge Church to your attention. It is my understanding that the land is currently zoned as
agricultural and that LifeBridge is requesting that the land be re-zoned as residential. It is also my
understanding that residential zoning allows "churches"because they are to be considered to be "compatible"
with residential dwellings.
It seems very dear to me that what LifeBridge is planning to put on this land is more than just a
"church" and challenges the definition and expectation of what a church would encompass. It is my
understanding that the master plan fin the land will include a 6000 seat amphitheater,a 6000 seat auditorium,
a college,an outreach center and a youth center.This sounds like much more than a"church".
I do not know of a 6000 seat auditorium in the middle of a residential neighborhood. The auditorium
LifeBridge is planning will be twice as large as the Buell Theater in downtown Denver. The Buell Theater is
in a commercial area where traffic is welcomed by neighboring businesses. It is safe to say that neighborhoods
do not welcome this volume of traffic through their streets and that this traffic would be to the degradation
of the residential and rural areas.This is not compatible with a residential neighborhood.
The proposed outdoor amphitheater is approximately the size of Fiddler's Green. However, Fiddler's
Green is located in the Denver Technological Center right next to I-25. This area is all commercial and
industrial.The amphitheater will create noise,air and light pollution. We do not have any neighbors who put
on broadcasts from their backyard or provide live entertainment.We also do not have any neighbors who have
high powered lights blaring in the evenings. Our neighborhood has dimly lit street lamps. We are able to gaze
at the stars on any given evening and see them all without light distractions. And again the traffic is welcomed
by nearby businesses in a commercial/industrial setting. This is not compatible with a residential
neighborhood.
LifeBridge plans on building a"church complex" that could produce at maximum build-out 56,000 care
trips per day. I have been informed that this is the amount of traffic that travels between Highway 7 and
Highway 34 on Interstate 25 daily.This is not compatible with a residential neighborhood.
In order to provide parking for this amount of traffic,LifeBridge plans to put in a parking lot with twice
as many parking spaces as Twin Peaks mall, and more than Invesco Field. This is also not compatible with a
residential neighborhood.
The houses in the Elms at Meadowvale are taller than many homes. They have high ceilings and thus
have high rooftops.The houses in this area are a maximum of two stories. LifeBridge plans of up to 30%of
each building being allowed to be up to 150-200 feet. This is 10 times the height of a standard house in this
area. Additionally,the maximum building height in most of the cities and counties along the Front Rant,- is
EXHIBIT
I y9
f
—2— March 1,2003
approximately 40-50 feet high.LifeBridge's development plan will allow buildings five times this height. There
are very few buildings in Longmont taller than five stories,and each of these is in a commercial or industrial
zone. These buildings are more suited for a commercial/industrial area. This is not compatible with a
residential neighborhood.
Perhaps the most concerning issue for me is the fact that the main entrance to the church will face Pearl
Howlett. Most of the traffic will be diverted through our neighborhood. This traffic will be traveling past a
proposed neighborhood playground,a community mail center and several school bus stops. This is obviously
a hazard for many children in our neighborhood along Pearl Howlett and along other streets in the
neighborhood where children can often be found playing games of street hockey, basketball, rollerblading,
riding bikes,scooters,etc. I feel comfortable allowing my children to play these games and riding their bikes in
the street because all of the traffic along my street is comprised of neighbors who know my children or their
guests who are aware that there are many children in the neighborhood out playing Having transient traffic,
people who have no vested interest in the area and are unaware of the number of children in this
neighborhood,will undoubtedly drive hastily through our streets trying to find the fastest way home.
The additional traffic will also bring crimes of opportunity. We can expect more petty crimes and
vandalism as a result of the additional traffic through our neighborhood. Additionally, having this much
transient traffic will bring many"strangers"through our streets.At this time when there is an unknown car on
my street I am able to call several neighbors to find out who they are and where they are. We know when
there is a stranger in our community.This development will bring an abrupt end to this very important aspect
or our community.
Sincerely,
Tom Geldmacher
,. -5 LI 1.^. ! 5 March 1,2003
Audra Geldmacher
11725 Pleasant Hill Road � - Weld County Planning Department
Longmont CO 80504 GREELEY OFFICE
RECEIVED
MAR 6 2003
County Commissioner
David Long
PO.Box 758
Greeley,CO 80632
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing this letter to bring some of my concerns as a homeowner regarding the proposed location
of the LifeBridge Church to your attention. It is my understanding that the land is currently zoned as
agricultural and that LifeBridge is requesting that the land be re-zoned as residential. It is also my
understanding that residential zoning allows"churches"because they are to be considered to be "compatible"
with residential dwellings.
It seems very clear to me that what LifeBridge is planning to put on this land is more than just a
"church" and challenges the definition and expectation of what a church would encompass. It is my
understanding that the master plan for the land will include a 6000 seat amphitheater,a 6000 seat auditorium,
a college, an outreach center and a youth center.. I grew up not far from a church. The church was a three-
story building that held two services on Sunday morning,one service on Saturday evening,and held catechism
one night a week.The church had a parking lot of less than 200 spaces and many of those spaces doubled as
basketball courts. The congregation was composed of 250 parishioners and only mildly increased the traffic
on Sunday mornings. The only "noise" coming from the church was from the bell tower that was used on
Sundays and during wedding ceremonies.
I do not know of a 6000 scat auditorium in the middle of a residential neighborhood. The auditorium
LifeBridge is planning will be twice as large as the Buell Theater in downtown Denver. The Buell Theater is
in a commercial area where traffic is welcomed by neighboring businesses. It is safe to say that neighborhoods
do not welcome this volume of traffic through their streets and that this traffic would be to the degradation
of the residential and rural areas.This is not compatible with a residential neighborhood.
The proposed outdoor amphitheater is approximately the size of Fiddler's Green. However, Fiddler's
Green is located in the Denver Technological Center right next to I-25. This area is all commercial and
industrial.The amphitheater will create noise, air and light pollution.We do not have any neighbors who put
on broadcasts from their backyard or provide live entertainment.We also do not have any neighbors who have
high powered lights blaring in the evenings. Our neighborhood has dimly lit street lamps.We are able to gaze
at the stars on any given evening and see them all without light distractions.And again the traffic is welcomed
by nearby businesses in a commercial/industrial setting. This is not compatible with a residential
neighborhood.
LifeBridge plans on building a "church complex" that could produce at maximum build-out 56,000 care
trips per day. I have been informed that this is the amount of traffic that travels between Highway 7 and
Highway 34 on Interstate 25 daily.This is not compatible with a residential neighborhood.
In order to provide parking for this amount of traffic,LifeBridge plans to put in a parking lot with twice
as many parking spaces as Twin Peaks mall, and more than Invesco Field. This is also not compatible with a
residential neighborhood.
—2— March 1,2003
The houses in the Elms at Meadowvale are taller than many homes. They have high ceilings and thus
have high rooftops.The houses in this area are a maximum of two stories. LifeBridge plans of up to 30% of
each building being allowed to be up to 150-200 feet. This is 10 times the height of a standard house in this
area. Additionally,the maximum building height in most of the cities and counties along the Front Range is
approximately 40-50 feet high.LifeBridge's development plan will allow buildings five times this height. There
are very few buildings in Longmont taller than five stories,and each of these is in a commercial or industrial
zone. These buildings are more suited for a commercial/industrial area. This is not compatible with a
residential neighborhood.
Perhaps the most concerning issue for me is the fact that the main entrance to the church will face Pearl
Howlett. Most of the traffic will be diverted through our neighborhood. This traffic will be traveling past a
proposed neighborhood playground,a community mail center and several school bus stops. This is obviously
a hazard for many children in our neighborhood along Pearl Howlett and along other streets in the
neighborhood where children can often be found playing games of street hockey, basketball, rolierblading,
riding bikes,scooters,etc. I feel comfortable allowing my children to play these games and riding their bikes in
the street because all of the traffic along my street is comprised of neighbors who know my children or their
guests who are aware that there are many children in the neighborhood out playing. Having transient traffic,
people who have no vested interest in the area and are unaware of the number of children in this
neighborhood,will undoubtedly drive hastily through our streets trying to find the fastest way home.
The additional traffic will also bring crimes of opportunity. We can expect more petty crimes and
vandalism as a result of the additional traffic through our neighborhood. Additionally, having this much
transient traffic will bring many"strangers"through our streets.At this time when there is an unknown car on
my street I am able to call several neighbors to find out who they are and where they are. We know when
there is a stranger in our community. This development will bring an abrupt end to this very important aspect
or our community.
Sincerely,
� �R� ccc-'r Ciu�
Audra Geldmacher
Weld County Planning Depart—±
GREELEY OFFICE
MAR 6 2003
` , 2143 Meadow Vale Road -
RECEI V ED Longmont, CO80504
March 3, 2003 'a 0
Mr. David Long H r(
ii
Weld County Commissioner
P.O. Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
Dear Mr. Long:
I am writing to voice my concerns about the LifeBridge development that is being
proposed for the intersection of Colorado Highway 119 and Weld County Road 3 1/2.
The proposed development has the look and feel of a very large commercial enterprise
masquerading as a church. While a church would be welcome in the neighborhood, a
complex that has a theater larger than any in Denver and that may be rented, structures
potentially 200 feet tall, athletic facilities, and space potentially for rent to Aims
Community College, guarantees an almost 24/7 impact on the surrounding
neighborhoods. I see no way that this will not bring noise, light, sound, and air pollution.
The increased traffic alone has the potential to make entrance and exit difficult and
dangerous for residents living off CR 3 Y2.
I'm anything but an expert in tax matters, but I'm concerned about the strain this facility
could place on county services, particularly since all governments are struggling with
budget deficits and this is a tax-exempt enterprise.
I'm also concerned about the integrity of the commissioners' vote on this matter. I know
that Commissioner Vaad is a LifeBridge elder and has recused himself, but I also know
that in politics, it's common to give support to one project in order to get support for
another. Would any commissioner feel comfortable voting against an issue that is
obviously so important to Mr. Vaad? How can even the appearance of impropriety be
avoided here?
All of us in this area moved to unincorporated Weld County for the quality of life it
offers. A development of this nature and magnitude would immediately destroy that
quality of life for the surrounding residents.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
4-14t �
Denton K. Farnsworth
EXHIBIT
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE March 3, 2003
MAR 6 2003
cRmmissioner Long; RECEIVED
We would like to take this opportunity to voice s 5ime con§erp s s opinions regarding the
Lifebridge Church "developement" near our place of residence.
1 . Traffic--Apparently there was a study done by M1 epartm,ent of Transportation that
revealed a possible 56,000 automobile trips in and out of the proposed Lifebridge
developement per day. Additionally, with a 6000 seat amphitheater, a 6000 seat
auditorium, and 5000-6000 space parking lot, we would submit that the traffic study
by the D.O.T. will have been greatly under estimated. This item is a big issue for us in
that we live in the Longview developement and our only ingress and egress is county
road 31 /2, which would carry the bulk of the afore mentioned traffic.
2. Developement--As you know, this land is presently zoned for residential developement.
We consider a church to be a desired addition to a residential neighborhood. However,
Lifebridge is proposing a huge developement---40% church campus, 331/3% residential,
and 24% unstated. If Lifebridge succeeds in it's rezoning request and subsequently
sells off the southern portion of it's property to a developer, who knows what kind of
commercial/industrial park might be built there. The maximum building height in most
cities and counties along the front range is forty to fifty feet. Lifebridge rezoning
request will allow for buildings five times that height, which will include the portion
they intend to sell. Our opinion would be for them to request a height variance for
'^ the size of the church buildings and build their church, but allow the present zoning
to remain intact.
3. Pollution--The use of a 6000 seat outdoor amphitheater, and a 6000 seat auditorium
for concerts and other activities would result in excess noise, air, and light pollution.
4. Since Lifebridge enjoys "tax-exempt" status, the taxpaying residents of the area will
have to bear the expense of utilities installation, and increased police protection for
this proposed huge developement.
5. It would appear to us that there may be moral and/or possible legal issues here.
Lifebridge, a church, as a non-profit, tax exempt organization, is buying and selling
property (for profit), to build a non-profit, tax-exempt church campus. We feel this
to be an endangerment to other churches tax exempt status.
6. We find it very interesting that Mr. Bruce Grinnell, the Lifebridge church administator
and several of his church associates own and plan to develope 56 acres of property
directly adjacent to the west side of the Longview developement. Could this somehow
be involved with the church developement?
7. Commissioner Vaad has recused himself from the rezoning vote due to his involvement
with Lifebridge as an elder. As a result, our district has no representation on this issue
within the County Commissioners office. This simulates taxation without
representation.
EXHIBIT
We therefore would respectfully urge the Weld County Commissioners to reject the
rezoning proposal put forth by the Lifebridge church.
,Jhank you for your kind attention to this issue.
Respectfully
William J. Whi
Jean L. White
34••• 11,44•C
- 2 -
Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
DUANE J . LEISE MAR 6 2003
February 23, 2003
Mr. M. J. Geile
Commissioner At Large
915 Tenth Street
P. O. Box 758
Greeley CO 80632
Re: Lack of Representation
Dear Sir:
Due to your position as an At Large Commissioner for Weld County, I ask that you
meet with the Meadowvale and Longview neighborhoods concerning our lack of
representation in the Weld County governmental process. The direct and primary
representative for our neighborhoods has direct and substantial interests in supporting a
mega-development that will harm, endanger and compromise the security and value of
our homes. Taxpayers representing well over One Hundred Million Dollars of taxed real
estate do not have direct representation due to the conflicted nature of Commissioner
Vaad's position with Lifebridge. Mr Vaad simply recusing himself from voting on the
issue does not replace a supportive voice for residents, taxpayers and citizens of Weld
County. The Lifebridge organization is not located in Weld County and has essentially
worn out their welcome to develop in Boulder County. Now taxpayers of Weld County
find themselves cut off from direct representation.
We look forward to working with you in supporting the proper functioning of the
democratic process.
Sincerely,
Duane J. Leise
Member of Elms Homeowners Association
2686 PEARL HOWLETT RD. o LONGMONT CO 0 80504 EXHIBIT
PHONE: 303-776-9888• FAX 303-678-9344
5O2
, .
From: "Duane J Leise"<dleise@peakpeak.com>
To: <wjerke@co.weld.co.us>, <mgeile@co.weld.co.us>
Date: 3/10/03 1:44PM
Subject: NO REPRESENTATION IN WELD COUNTY ----To Commissioners at Large M. J.
Geile and William Jerke
ATTACHED -The Word document of two physical letters I sent to each and both
Weld County Commissioners At Large M. J. Geile and William Jerke
on February 23, 2003
Dear Sirs;
I sent the same content physical letter to each of you on February 23, 2003. In those letters
I asked for a meeting with either of you concerning our lack of representation
in Weld County. Specifically the issue of representation deals with Gleen Vaad's
(District 2 Commissioner, our Commissioner) recusal regarding the Lifebridge
rezoning application. Simply not voting is far different from representation!
I did not ask you to meet with us concerning the rezoning. I specifically requested the
meeting concerning our lack of representation.
To date I have not heard anything from either of you. Not even an acknowledgement.
I would think that there would be some sensitivity to this issue since at the very least
the Vaad involvement appears highly suspect. Even the Greeley Tribune in a prominent
news article said that our representation would be through the Commissioners at Large since
Gleen Vaad was conflicted. However when I ask for a meeting, some contact, even
reassurance there is a complete disregard from the both of you for rightful concern.
Not even acknowledgement! We are tax payers! We are responsible citizens!
We deserve better!
I am herewith sending copies of this e-mail message to both Larry Blunt of channel 4
and Julie Hayden of Channel 7, both of which carried features concerning the Lifebridge
rezoning issue.
I am also sending blind copies to the e-mail contact base of East Longmont Citizens for Sensible
Development. The web site is www.eastlongmontCSD.org.
I did not think that I would be required to send a certified letter to get a simple acknowledgment
from my elected officials.
A Concerned Citizen
Duane J. Leise
303-776-9888
2686 Pearl Howlett Rd. -
Longmont CO 80504
CC: <julie_hayden@kmgh.com>, <Iblunt@cbs.com>
P
r
Weld Cu,: ,. .lair
/ a GREELEY UrltUE WELD COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
/ MAR 1 2 2003 915 TENTH STREET
P.O. BOX 758
n
• C E G °L: 7 GREELEY, CO 80632
WEBSITE: www.co.weld.co.us
PHONE: (970) 336-7235
Q FAX: (970) 352-0242
COLORADO
March 11, 2003
Duane J. Leise
Member of Elms Homeowners Association
2686 Pearl Howlett Road
Longmont, CO 80504
RE: Elms Homeowners Association
Dear Mr. Leise: - -
This letter is in response to your letter concerning the LifeBridge Church application dated February 23,
2003 addressed to Mr. William Jerke.
Please be advised that any communications directed to members of the Board of County Commissioners
regarding the LifeBridge Church application cannot be considered by them until such application is
before the Board at a formal hearing. Similarly, a meeting which is not part of the hearing process is not
appropriate at this time. The application is scheduled to be heard by the Weld County Planning
Commission on March 18,2003. A hearing on the application by the Board of County Commissioners
has not yet been scheduled.
It is my understanding that your letter will be placed in the Planning Commission file for its
consideration on March 18, 2003. That file will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for
inclusion in its file if and when the matter is set for hearing before the Board.
Please feel free to call me at(970) 356-4000, ext. 4395, if you have any questions or comments regarding
this letter.
Yours trul
Y
Lee . Morrison
Assis ant Weld County Attorney
pc: Monica Daniels-Mika
Bruce Barker, Weld County Attorney
M:\W PFILES\LE"I\DuaneLeise.wpd
Weld County Planei-q Department
GREELEY 0 " CE
MAR 6 2003
Vicki Braunagel
Duane Braunagel R E C E I V .:,
11677 Montgomery Circle
Longmont, CO 80504-5202
March 5, 2003
To: Weld County Planning Commissioners
RE: Life Bridge Christian Church application for re-zoning, Case Number PZ-1004
We are addressing the Weld County Planning Commission regarding the application of
Life Bridge Christian Church(LBCC)for re-zoning. We live at 11677 Montgomery
Circle, which abuts the LBCC property on the east side.
We purchased our property located in the Elms at Meadowvale residential community
because we like the location of the neighborhood and the semi-rural atmosphere. We
intend to retire here. Our ranch style house is oriented on the lot such that the large
picture windows in the living area, dining area, and master bedroom overlook the LBCC
property to the west. The proposed LBCC church"campus"would be centered in our
view to the west.
We are both 55 years old. We have worshiped our entire lives in neighborhood churches,
and at one time a church was our next door neighbor. We liked the idea that a church
was proposed on the adjacent vacant property. However,we are appalled at the
grandiose scale and intended commercial uses proposed by LBCC. We want to detail
and voice our objection that the proposed use is not compatible with the surrounding
residential neighborhoods. We also want to personalize the impact it will have on us.
The proposed use is not compatible with surrounding residential uses. While five factors
make this development incompatible, the proposed heights are our number one concern.
The other four factors are(1)excessive traffic; (2)excessive noise; (3)excessive lot
coverage; and (4) light pollution. These remaining four factors can be addressed by
normal county controls written into the planning process approvals and appropriate
enforcement during the life of the development.
Height
The I-25 Mixed Use Development Area Structural Plan(1-25 MUD)shows the area in
question to be planned for residential uses. A church can be located in this residential
area. For Block 3 LBCC was initially seeking an entitlement to build a 6,000 seat
Auditorium and Performing Arts Center,utilizing 918,000 gsf. In their initial
application,LBCC requested a building height of 120 feet,with a clock tower up to 200
1 FrI
feet. In their"clarifications" submitted 2/27/03, LBCC refers to a Fellowship Hall and
Dinner Theater, and has dropped the requested entitlement to 787,000 gsf. They also
neglected to specify the proposed seating capacity of the Fellowship Hall and Dinner
Theatre. They are still requesting a maximum building height of 120 feet,with an
architectural element permitted to 150 feet.
These heights are proposed in the middle of a residential neighborhood where residential
zoning is restricted to heights of 30 feet! The Auditorium and Performing Arts Center
(now also called the Fellowship Hall and Dinner Theatre)will be immediately to the west
of our home.
The tallest proposed building will be centered in our west-facing picture window and will
obliterate all views of Longs Peak.
This is a church in name only. The Monfort Concert Hall at Union Colony Civic Center
seats 1,665 (At 6,000 seats, LBCC is proposing a theatre 360%the size). Nottingham
Field at CSU seats 6,642. The Great Hall at the Island Grove Regional Park Events
Center seats 5,000 and is only 25 feet tall at the wall and 40 feet at the center(LBCC is
proposing a structure 300%the height). The building that LBCC is proposing will be
twice as tall as the Greeley National Bank(now Bank One),the stately Weld County
Courthouse,or the new State Farm offices in Promontory Park.
You have to go all the way to Denver to get something comparable to the size that LBCC
is proposing. The Pepsi Center in Denver seats 20,000 and is only 100 feet tall. LBCC is
proposing 120 feet, 20%higher than the Pepsi Center. The Pepsi Center is 675,000
square feet, and LBCC is proposing that only one part of their complex(e.g. Block 3 with
the revised figure of 787,000 gsf)be 16% larger. LBCC is proposing a Fellowship Hall
and Dinner Theatre 20%taller than the Pepsi Center, with a footprint 16%larger than the
Pepsi Center! The clock tower or similar architectural feature will be 50%taller than the
Pepsi Center, as tall as a 15 story building! It is ludicrous for LBCC to claim that this
"church" is compatible with the surrounding residential uses.
These heights are not driven by the need for worship at a church, but by the Dinner
Theatre requirements to have a fly space for scenery changes. This is a commercial
activity, not a conventional worship activity. Calling this a"church"as allowed in
residential areas should not fool the Planning Commission members into thinking that
this like any church they have ever attended. If it is designed like a theatre, looks like a
theatre, and is intended to be a theatre, it should not be judged to be a church and
therefore acceptable as a church under the terms of the PUD ordinances.
For us,this monstrous edifice just outside our picture windows will obliterate any view to
the west. We recognize that a view of the mountains is probably not a property right that
we can protect,but the massive heights and large footprint of the proposed"church"(on
the scale of the Pepsi Center)will be such a massive visual obstruction immediately
adjacent to our property that it becomes an unreasonable visual obstruction. It is not
compatible with our residential use.
0
Traffic
LBCC conducted a traffic study for their proposed development. The traffic for the
entitlement for the development that LBCC is requesting is estimated (by LBCC)to be
28,132 trip ends per day. That is, 14,000 cars will enter their site each day, and 14,000
will leave their site each day. This level of traffic is not associated with normal church
activities, but rather is associated with their 6000 seat(?)Dinner Theatre, 1500 seat
Outdoor Amphitheater, conference center, gymnasiums,restaurants, shops, 24 hour
usages, etc.
Let us put this in perspective. lithe average car contained a family of 3 people, then
every man, woman, and child in the City of Greeley would travel to the site every two
days. It is ridiculous for LBCC to claim that this use is compatible with the surrounding
residential areas. It is painfully obvious to us that the adjacent road infrastructure cannot
handle this level of traffic. The traffic experts at the City of Longmont have rated this
traffic situation"F', which represents total and unacceptable gridlock. LBCC admits that
traffic delays on WCR 3.5 and SH 119 will be 15-20 minutes,but these are"short in
duration".
The original LBCC application proposed a connection of the LBCC "ring road"to Pearl
Howlett through the Elms at Meadowvale residential neighborhood. Designated open
space of the Elms would have to be condemned by Weld County to make this connection.
No other single issue would galvanize the residents of Elms to rise up in opposition to
LBCC as the issue of traffic on Pearl Howlett. In their"clarification"dated 2/27/03,this
connection to Pearl Howlett has been removed. We encourage the Planning Commission
to support this change. We commend LBCC for listening to the concerns of the residents
in the Elms and making the requested changes.
I do not want the traffic in my immediate neighborhood to be in a constant state of
gridlock. Unless WCR 26 is paved, we will live under a perpetual dust cloud. Since we
are not traffic experts, we rely on the traffic experts within Weld County to identify the
necessary road improvements so that the proposed development is compatible with the
surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Noise
We have two major concerns regarding noise generated by the"church". The first
concern is related to the proposed 1500 seat outdoor amphitheatre for which LBCC is
seeking an entitlement. The second concern is the noise emanating from
Auditorium/Performing Arts Center/Fellowship Hall/Dinner Theatre.
The noise that will emanate from the property is not acceptable to the surrounding
residential areas unless strict regulations are imposed. Since LBCC is proposing to locate
between two existing residential neighborhoods and claims that their proposed use is
compatible, the Planning Commission should impose a residential noise standard on these
facilities rather than a commercial noise standard. This will ensure that the noise entering
residential neighborhoods is acceptable.
2
Let Coverage
Weld County regulations permit a maximum lot coverage of 50%in residential areas.
LBCC is requesting to have an entitlement in the"church campus"area for a 85%lot
coverage. To be consistent with the I-25 MUD,the restriction of 50% should be
imposed. The 85%request is not compatible with the surrounding residential areas.
Light Pollution
LBCC is to be commended for their commitment in their 2/27/03 "clarification"to use
directional lighting to minimize off site glare. The 4' to 6' tall landscaped berm that will
also be installed should be located in Phase 1 to minimize off-site glare of headlights.
Summary
LBCC is to be commended for their efforts to work with the surrounding residential
neighborhoods to mitigate the impacts of traffic, noise, and light pollution associated with
their proposed development. In our personal dealings with Barb Brunk and Bruce
Grinnell,they have been most professional and cooperative.
However,there is no way that they can mitigate the massive scale of the proposed
development. LBCC is asking for an entitlement for buildings that will be taller than the
Pepsi Center, and proposing buildings taller than any building in Greeley. LBCC is also
asking for an entitlement to a lot coverage of 85%.
One way to get these impacts to be commensurate with the surrounding residential areas
would to limit the building heights and lot coverage to something less massive in scale.
If the Great Hall at the Island Grove Regional Park Events Center can seat 5,000 people
and still be only 40 feet tall at its highest point, certainly this church does not need to be
120 feet tall. If LBCC truly needs something 120 feet tall so that it can be a
nonconventional "church", it should not be located in a residential area. Buildings that
are 70 feet to 120 feet tall are just not compatible with the surrounding residential areas,
the I-25 MUD, and the PUD ordinance. It strains the credibility of the Planning
Commission and the entire planning process to find that a building larger than the Pepsi
Center could be located in the middle of a residential area as a"compatible use".
Respectfully yours
-6'I 4A-Q),IkallMacp Vicki Braunagel Duane�Braunagel
r
A
March 3, 2003
L. C. O'Neal ' F,• n22
11278 Canyon Creek
Longmont, Colorado 80504 p -
` _ -_
Weld County Plai wing Department
GREELEY OFFICE
Mr. David Long MAR 7 2003
P.O. Box 758
Greeley, Colorado 80632 RECEIVED
I am writing to protest the re-zoning of land in Weld County for the Lifebridge Church.
The area of re-zoning is currently zoned for residential use. I understand churches are
allowed under this zoning, however what Lifebridge wants to do is far more than build a
church. The are asking to build more of a compound than a church. An outdoor
amphitheater, an auditorium, a college and outreach center these things are all more than a
typical church would have or be allowed to have in a residential area. I feel this would be
detrimental to property values in our area. If Lifebridge wants to build this complex why
not move further south into an area that is already zoned for commercial use. Thank you
for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, (�
L. C. O'Neal
EXHIBIT
1 51/
Robert D. Sanders c7, '' Y
11717 Montgomery Circle
Longmont, CO 80504 -5 r'I q: 27
303.485.0835/cell 303.775.1265
March 3, 2003
Weld County Plarnmg Department
GREELEY OFFICE
Mr. David Long MAR 7 2003
Weld County Commissioner
P. 0. Box 758
Greeley, COC80632 RECEIVED
O
RE: Lifebridge Development
Dear Mr. Long:
I am writing to voice my concerns about the planned development by Lifebridge. As a
resident of the Elms at Meadowvale, I expected that my neighborhood, with its large lot
sizes and country feel would stay that way. The plans that Lifebridge is proposing will
make that impossible.
The zoning for the area, as I understand it, is for residential. However,the traffic that the
new development will generate, as proposed, would be equal to that on I-25 between
Highway 7 on the south and Highway 34 on the north. This, in my estimation, is not
"residential." Opening Pearl Howlett Drive into that property will also affect the quiet,
residential nature of our neighborhood. And the traffic will not be intermittent, as
residential traffic usually is. Due to the nature of their business, there will be surges of
traffic in and out of this "mega-church" which will adversely affect our neighborhoods, in
terms of noise, traffic, safety and pollution. In fact, if they have to hire an off-duty
policeman to direct traffic in and out, then I consider that to be even less desirable.
It would make more sense to me to encourage Lifebridge to develop somewhere that
doesn't have existing residential neighborhoods surrounding it. Then the neighbors who
do decide to live near the church would be there because it is their choice, rather than to
have the church imposed upon them.
I implore you to turn down the rezoning of that land for the Lifebridge church.
Sincerely yours,
Rob Sanders
r
EXHIBIT
55
Jane Elizabeth Sanders
11717 Montgomery Circle , _„
Longmont, CO 80504 u I!! 9: 2/
303.485.0835/cell 303.775.1265 ^ /
E)
March 3, 2003 Weld County Planning Department
GREELEY OFFICE
Mr. David Long MAR 7 2003
Weld County Commissioner RECEIVED
P. O. Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
RE: Lifebridge Development
Dear Mr. Long:
I am writing to voice my concerns about the planned development by Lifebridge. As a
resident of the Elms at Meadowvale, I expected that my neighborhood, with its large lot
sizes and country feel would stay that way. The plans that Lifebridge is proposing will
make that impossible.
The zoning for the area, as I understand it, is for residential. However, the traffic that the
new development will generate, as proposed, would be equal to that on I-25 between
Highway 7 on the south and Highway 34 on the north. This, in my estimation, is not
"residential." Opening Pearl Howlett Drive into that property will also affect the quiet,
residential nature of our neighborhood. And the traffic will not be intermittent, as
residential traffic usually is. Due to the nature of their business, there will be surges of
traffic in and out of this "mega-church" which will adversely affect our neighborhoods, in
terms of noise, traffic, safety and pollution. In fact, if they have to hire an off-duty
policeman to direct traffic in and out,then I consider that to be even less desirable.
It would make more sense to me to encourage Lifebridge to develop somewhere that
doesn't have existing residential neighborhoods surrounding it. Then the neighbors who
do decide to live near the church would be there because it is their choice, rather than to
have the church imposed upon them.
I implore you to turn down the rezoning of that land for the Lifebridge church.
Sincerely yours,
Jan. Sanders
Hello