HomeMy WebLinkAbout992652.tiff tacit County Planning Dept.
AUG 04 1999
RECEIVED
August 2 , 1999
WELD COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES
1555 N . 17TH AVENUE
GREELEY, CO 80631
RE: CASE NUMBER Z-530
ZONE CHANGE
The change of zoning and Mr . Ochsners ' plans for the
subject property is objected to by me and many of my
neighbors . This is an agriculture area and we who live
here would like to keep it so as long as possible . The
plan Mr . Ochsner presented to me is not what he has
presented to you at this time. If it were it might be
something we could live with. This is only the tip of the
iceberg.
Little more than three miles from the proposed zone
change is another subdivision presumably it can be
expanded and thus alleviate the need for another farm lost
and more of the urban sprawl we see happening all over the
county as well as the state. We do not see the need for
an housing division at every intersection on an already
over traveled highway. One only needs to drive State
Highway 66 to see the danger of existing congestion. The
intersection of Highway 66 and WCR 19 has far to many
accidents now. Do we really need to add to it by building
there?
Mr . Ochsner told me he wants to put 250 houses a
bank, grocery store and other retail outlets on the
property he has in Section 21 , T3N , R67W. He did approach
the town of Platteville with this plan also. Another
small town is not needed in this area . If his present
plan is allowed how long before he is back with the second
or third phase? The area can not support more of the same
and can only be detrimental to the existing businesses .
I do not know the formula used to determine prime
farm land, I do know it can be improved and productive so
long as it is not covered in concrete and houses. Once
the ground is gone it can never be replaced or productiv
f797,
again. •
992652
Weld County does have an comprehensive plan. We
should follow it and save our farms and agriculture
related businesses. Weld county is the second highest
agriculture producing county in the country. More urban
sprawl and houses are not a necessity at this time , food
is .
Respectfully
yours ,a4
-61-# xy-H7at,
Dorothy .,aS er
Mayer Family Farms , LLC
Sage pill $ arm
$234 County Road 28
Platteville, CO 8061
Phone/Fax: (970) 785-6034
August 23, 1999 County Planning Dept.
Department of Planning Services AUG 27 1999
1555 N. 17th Avenue RECEIVED
Greeley, CO 80631
RE: Case Number Z-530
Dear Sirs:
I strongly oppose the proposed zoning change from Agriculture to Estate Lots
which is being requested by Daniel Ochsner of Denver Canadian regarding the land
west of Weld County Road 19 and north of Highway 66. I oppose this change for
four reasons.
First, this zoning change would impact an area which is outside of the typical area of
multiple new home development in this part of Weld County. Currently this area is
completely free from urban sprawl. This area is still one hundred percent
working farms. This land falls in the area east of the St. Vrain River which is
under consideration by the towns of Platteville and Firestone as having very good
potential for being a permanent agricultural buffer zone between neighboring
towns.
Secondly, this land has the potential to be prime agricultural land. An irrigation
well is present right next to this piece of property. It would be easy for the
landowner to run a small sprinkler system from this well and thus have irrigated
farmland. The soil in this area is sandy, but it is suitable for sand-loving crops such
as watermelon. Or this soil could be amended to create a richer soil. While this
land does slope, it doesn't slope enough to prohibit efficient farming.
Thirdly, I resent the double standard which this zoning change would create. A
farmer in this area can only put up one new single family dwelling every ten years.
It would take a farmer 50 years to put up the five homes proposed by Mr. Ochsner.
The reason the one-home-every-ten-years rule was put into effect was specifically to
protect agricultural land.
Lastly, this proposed zoning change is not consistent with Weld County's
Comprehensive Plan (Ordinance 147-P). The Comprehensive Plan states: "A
dispersed pattern of urban type land uses makes large scale agricultural operation
difficult." (pg.. 1-13). In fact, the very first goal of the plan with regard to ag land
is to "preserve prime farmland for agricultural purposes which foster the economic
health and continuance of agriculture." (pg. 2-3) Furthermore, the Plan's guidelines
for growth in unincorporated communities states: "Accommodate new development
primarily through infill of existing vacant platted lots." (pg. 3-4) As stated
previously, there is currently NO urban development in this area. In the Residential
section of the plan, goal number two is: "Ensure that adequate public services and
facilities are available to serve the residential development." (pg. 3-9). This is not
the case on the Ochsner land. In fact, this proposed zoning change runs counter
to the guidelines in every single section of the Comprehensive Plan!
In conclusion, I urge the Weld County Planning Department and the County
Commissioners to refuse to grant this zoning change. Weld County has a good
Comprehensive Plan which protects agricultural land. Now is the time to
implement that plan! Please do the right thing and refuse this request for rezoning.
Sincerely,
4��AA 4,/,_
Cynthia Parker
Farm Owner
August 27, 1999 ..;...i Cc::nly Planning Dept.
Weld County Planning Commission SEP 1 1999
1555 N 17th Ave
Greeley, CO 80631 RECEIVED
RE: Case Number Z-530
Minor Subdivision Zone Change for 5 Lots
Dear Planning Commission Members,
I believe the Weld County Comprehensive Plan, (Ordinance 147-P) states exactly why I
am opposed to this rezoning. It states (page 1-13) "Increases in urban type uses will
bring about decreases in the land area dedicated for farmland. The percentage of urban
type use is not as significant as the pattern of use. A dispersed pattern_of urban type land
uses make large scale agricultural operations difficult" "The intent of efficient land use
planning in Weld County is to, when possible, minimize the impact of development on
agricultural lands. "
My family owns and operates 480 acres of prime agricultural property directly east of and
within a one mile radius of these proposed estate lots. We are concerned about our
Right to Farm. (Appendix of the Comprehensive Plan, page 7-1) Page 2-2 of this same
plan speaks to the tension between farming and nonfarming uses and admits that "many of
the problems stem from unrealistic expectations of those seeking a rural lifestyle. "
Right now this area west of Platteville is completely free of the approaching urban sprawl
that is currently happening to the south and west of our farms. If the Planning
Commission allows this rezoning, you will be sending a message to developers trying to
urbanize Weld County that the area at Highway 66 and CR 19 is available. I believe the
intent of Denver Canadian is to get a foot in the door of our area and then later approach
Weld County with more plans for development.
This 14 acre parcel could be integrated into the present fanning operations. For many
years this parcel was a feedlot and at the time the cattle operation ceased the land was not
reclaimed for farming. The previous and present owners have chosen not to supply
irrigation to this 14 acres. The water is available and with proper fanning techniques it
could be converted again to farming.
I believe Weld County needs to direct new urban growth to the existing
municipalities. Logically, development should happen from existing cores of the
municipalities. If developers are allowed to assume that when they can purchase
properties not contiguous to towns that they will be given blanket approval for their plan
to pay for it we have the potential for urban sprawl at its worst.
44
I - v
Page 2
Planning Commission
Services for this area are already or soon will be at their limits. Platteville schools are at
maximum capacity. The Platteville Fire Department will soon have 175 homes in
Platteville's Streed Annexation to care for. The Weld County Sheriffs Office will assume
responsibility for 800 homes east of Platteville in the Pelican Lakes Subdivision at WCR
32 and 39 and possibly(depending on a vote from the Commissioners) 800 homes at the
Siegrest Annexation at I-25 and WCR 28. Conservative estimates are for 6000 people
in these two developments alone. Highway 66 is a dangerous highway without additional
population in the area. In particular the intersection at WCR 19 and Hwy 66 is not able to
handle additional congestion.
The possibility of power lines, telephone lines, sewer lines and water lines that would
have to traverse farms in the Platteville area is very real. We are already in an area that
has had impact from the oil and gas industry. Pipelines of one sort or another spiderweb
their way through our farms already. How much can we be expected to endure for the
future of development?
I would encourage you to look closely at this 5 lot subdivision and deny it because of the
above reasons. Growth is cumulative and even though this is only 5 lots, it has the
potential of becoming fifty, then one hundred and so on.
Sincerely,
Cfl:lrt-d4"Yeatt-
Qr.-tea
Platteville
County Planning Dept.
September 1, 1999
Sheri Lockman SEP 2 1999
Weld County Department of Planning Services RECEIVED
1555 North 17`h Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
RE: Daniel Ochsner, %Denver Canadian
Minor Subdivision Change of Zone From Agricultural to Estate for 5 lots
Lot A of RE-2151; being part of Section21, T3N, R67W of the 6th P.M.
To Whom It May Concern:
My husband and I live approximately 3/4 of a mile from the above mentioned property.
We strenuously object to the Mr. Ochsner's request to rezone his property from
agricultural to 5 estate lots. We have read Weld County's Comprehensive Plan,
Ordinance 147-P (March 25, 1999). If Weld County Planning Services and the County
Commissioners approve Mr. Ochsner's rezoning request they would be in clear violation
of their own Comprehensive Plan. Because of a wrist injury I am unable to go into detail
in this letter regarding the County's violation; my husband is out of town on his job for
CDOT and he is also unable to expound on this travesty in this letter. One or both of us
hope to be at the Public Hearing on September 7, 1999. Please deny Mr. Ochsner's
request to rezone this property. Please stop the destructive urban sprawl and waste of
precious natural resources and farmlands in our County and State. Please obey County
and State regulations and stop wantonly rezoning agricultural land. Thank you.
Sincerely,
1 141Grant E. d Nan y . Fisher
9224 Hwy 66
Platteville, CO 8 651-9112
August 3O, 1999
Weld County Department of Planning Services
1555 N. 174 Avenue
Greeley, Colorado 80631
We oppose the minor subdivision change of zone from agricultural to estate for 5 lots,
west of and adjacent to Weld County Road #19 and less than 'A mile north of highway 66.
Our family has farmed for 3 generations in this area. This zone change is in the heart of
agricultural land and will disturb the agricultural environment we have protected and cared
for over the years.
This proposed zone change is too far from municipalities. Costs will be occurred to Weld
County residents in assisting with covering the costs of the services needed for these
estates, so far from fire, hospital and police protection.
Law enforcement is not quickly available to this area,this will delay emergency responses.
Police in Platteville cover the immediate Platteville area.
This proposal places an unnecessary burden on Platteville's fire department. The fire
department is provided by volunteers, which will delay fire protection to this area.
Platteville does not have a health care facility. Greeley's North Colorado Medical Center
is the closest. Ambulance service from Greeley(1/2 hour) and to Greeley(1/2 hour),
which will delay healthcare services in this area. Flight for life is available for an
astonishing amount of money.
Please vote no on this proposal to change this land from agriculture to estates.
Thank you.
Sincerely, ) ,/
William and Madeline b ay
September 2, 1999
Weld County Department of Planning Services
1555 N. 17th Avenue
Greeley, Colorado 80631
Dear Weld County Planning Commission,
This letter is in regards to the subdivision change of zone from agriculture to estate for 5
lots at WCR 19 and 1/2 mile north of highway 66.
Please vote "no" to this proposed zone change.
Please help preserve Weld County as the most productive agricultural county in
Colorado. Please continue to support the agricultural industry and provide open-space
areas, on the front range, to buffer and help maintain a sense of rural identity and
diversity.
This proposal is in the heart of an agricultural environment. Directly across the street
from this proposal is a potato/onion packaging shed, east 1/2 mile is a feedlot, north a
quarter mile is a turkey ranch, and'h mile west is a horse ranch. Estates in this area will
promote competition and conflict between urban and rural land use. Please minimize and
reduce the conflicts between agricultural uses and residential by not allowing this
proposal to occur. Estates in this area will contribute to higher costs for all Weld County
citizens because of the lack of services, e.g., fire, police and healthcare. If these estates
are approved, it will be the beginning of unnecessary urban sprawl in a highly
productive agricultural area.
The United States sends billions of dollars to save the rain forest, while here in the United
States every minute two acres of land is taken away as we approve endless building of
houses and mini malls. Please help
Why, in the middle of this rural farming community, would estate houses be built with an
identity of"IVY CREST"?
PLEASE SUPPORT AND HELP ENFORCE PLATTEVILLE'S COMPREHENSIVE
GROWTH PLAN WHICH STATES:
3.2.2 Key Land use Needs and Issues
• To protect Platteville from increasing growth occurring outside the town's growth
boundary in unincorporated Weld County and in neighboring communities.
3.3 LAND USE GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Objective LU 1.1
• To preserve and promote the Town's heritage and rural character through the
continued viability of ag land use which physically separates Platteville from
surrounding communities.
• To work with property owners, Weld County and neighboring jurisdictions to develop
and implement regulations, incentives, and strategies that preserve highly
productive agricultural land and direct development to less productive land.
Policy LU 2-1-1
• To encourage an overall development pattern which promotes the preservation of ag
land, radiates from existing town center, and is served by or adjacent to existing
infrastructure.
PLEASE SUPPORT AND ENFORCE WELD COUNTY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
(MARCH 25, 1999), WHICH STATES:
• The intent of efficient land use planning in Weld County is to, when possible,
minimize the impact of development on agricultural lands.
Platteville Elementary school in the fall of 1998 had an enrollment of 415 students. The
current capacity is 450 with little room for expansion on site. The current student/teacher
ratio is between 16 & 18 to 1 on average.
Platteville has approved an annexation of 175 homes within the town's Comprehensive
Growth Plan. The school district has stated, at .7 children per house, this will bring 123
additional children to Platteville's school. Per the school district, this will put the schools
in the area at maximum capacity. This annexation is a done deal and this growth does not
include the other annexations and growth planned in Platteville's Comprehensive Growth
Plan which will add to the volume of children attending school. This proposal for 5
estates does make a difference and it's negative. These 5 estates' children are NOT
included in the numbers listed here.
Highway 66 and WCR#19 is a dangerous intersection. Numerous accidents and deaths
occurred at this intersection. Highway 66 is already highly traveled and congested with
the daily commuters and farm equipment, without additional homes in this area.
Who really benefits from this zoning change? Platteville, taxes, the state of Colorado or a
developer from Wyoming? Please do not approve this zoning change.
Farmers are the Indians of the new millennium. Please help us....please help, us all
Thank you for your time and consideration to a very difficult situation.
Sincerely,
Kenneth &Lila Mayer ier
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