HomeMy WebLinkAbout20000152.tiff From: Virginia & Ted Bajgert <vtbajgert@bwn.net>
To: <charding@co.weld.co.us>
Date: 1/17/00 2:06pm
Subject: Cement plant in Milliken
We understand that the Commissioners hearing on the subject plant is
scheduled for Wednesday, January 19, 2000. As new residents of Milliken
we are very interested in what action you will take on this matter. We
searched for where we wanted to live, and chose the Mad Russian area for
our new home. This area is very beautiful and as stewarts of the land,
we are obligated to maintain this beauty It it our opinion that the
cement plant being considered should be located elsewhere. In addition,
the dust, and traffic are factors that would mitigate against approval
for this plant in this location.
As a result we are asking you to disprove this matter when you vote on
in on Wednesday.
Thank you for your consideration.
Virginia and Ted Bajgert 1. EXHIBIT
From: "Carol McKenzie" <mckenziec@thompson.k12.co.us>
To: <charding@co.weld.co.us>
Date: 1/18/00 8:06am
Subject: Inclusion into the case file - public hearing: Special ReviewPermit #1237 for
Loveland Ready Mix
DATE: January 17, 2000
TO: Board of County Commissioners of Weld County
FROM: Kenneth J. and Carol R. McKenzie
RE: A site specific development plan and special review permit
#1237 for open cut gravel mining and a concrete batch
plant in the Agricultural Zone District: Part of the NE 1/4 of Section
3, Township 4 North, and part of the SE 1/4 of Section
34, Township 5 North, all in Range 67 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County,
Colorado.
Dear Commissioners:
My wife and I have contracted to purchase a home at 2149 Country Club
Parkway in the Mad Russian golf communities in
Milliken, CO. We have grave concerns about the development of a
gravel/mining operation by Loveland Ready Mix
Concrete, Inc. at the proposed site.
The destruction of the view, caused by the industrial development
required to mine, crush, process and store gravel, would be a
blight on the community. The dust in the atmosphere, caused by the
mining and crushing of rock, is a concern for our health as
well as the environment.
At peak operation, there could be 1 to 2 huge trucks every 3-5 minutes,
grinding their way uphill on Hwy. 257, past the Mad
Russian, and jake-braking their way back down the hill as they return to
the plant. This means clouds of black diesel fumes
being spewed as the trucks run back and forth, to say nothing of the
noise!
The development of this mining site would destroy the aesthetic and
quiet nature of the Mad Russian and other adjacent rural
settings and would greatly diminish the value of all neighboring
properties.
Another concern is the safety of the residents of the Mad Russian. The
added truck traffic caused by the development of this
mining facility would greatly jeopardize the safety of those using the
same highway. The last thing we want to see is 4 lanes of
noisy traffic going past our community...created to minimize the dangers
caused by the additional truck traffic.
It is our understanding that the Town of Milliken rejected a request by
(;. EXHIBIT
tz(5.c',6/JR "/
Loveland Ready Mix Concrete, Inc. to annex property
and approve the development of this operation. How, in good conscience,
can you override the wishes of the elected officials
of Milliken and its citizens? If this proposal were approved, the
county commissioners would be running roughshod over the
economic development of the Town of Milliken! What message are you
sending to other small communities within Weld
County?
We respectfully question whether any of the commissioners would approve
this operation if it were in the near vicinity of their
homes.
Finally, we feel that the meeting time for this public hearing excludes
the appearance of most employed individuals. Wouldn't it
be in the public's best interest if a "public" hearing were held at a
time when most people could attend? This feels like a "done
deal". We hope that this is not so!
Sincerely,
Kenneth and Carol McKenzie
Carol McKenzie
Assessment
Sent By Universal Environmental ServiceS;303 655 0607; Jan-18-00 10:21 ; Page 2/5
Alex Fischer and Anne Sha ffcr
9916 WCR 48 1/2
Milliken, Colorado 80543
January 11, 2000
Weld County
George Baxter, Glenn Vaad, Barbi.ra Kirkrneyer, Mike Celle and Dale hall
Board of County Commissioners
P.O. Box 758
Greeley, Colorado 806`2
Subject: Docket 14 2000-01, :IS;t-1237, Loveland Ready Mix Concrete,Inc.
After attending the Weld County Planting Commission Meeting held Tuesr!r
November 16, 1999, in the Jeld County Public Health/Planning Building, we arc very
disappointed with the econmended approval of the above -cferenced subject. We
question the Planning Commission's decision making process in regards to how I i r
decision affects myself and others within the community. Serious concerns arise with
their lack of accepting, addressing and considering input, via written or oral from the
community and own Planning Stair. It is apparent the Planning Commission is not
keeping the best interest of the overall community in mind in their decision making. We
are surprised that this decision was reached after limiting input from the community and
only after one session.
Ms. Anne Best Johnson (Staff Planner)recommended denial of Me application due to the
fact that the application is not in compliance with the following of the Weld County
Zoning Ordinance:
24.3.1.1 That the proposal is consistent with the Weld County COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN and other applicable Weld County Ordinance in effect;
24.31.3 That the USES which would he permitted will he compatible with the
existing surrounding land I/SES;
24.3-1 4 That the USES which would be permitted will he compatible with,fitture
development of the surrounding area as permitted by the existing zoning
and wit the future development as projected by the COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN or MASTER PLANS of affected municipalities; and
EXHIBIT
I
Sent By: Universal Environmental ServiceS;303 655 0687; Jan-18-00 10:21 ; Page 3/5
January 11,2000
Page 2
24.3.1.7 That there ix adequate provision / r the protection of the h€alth, safety
and welfare of the inhabitants ),T the NEIGll13ORHOOO and the
COUNTY
We have previously expressed our :oncer'.s in our July 11, 1999, correspondence an'l arc
very concerned with the following issues We ask that the Weld County Commissioners
take these into consideration in your decis'on making process.
• Ground Water. The applicant had not ::?rovided scientific sound documentation oil the
impact to the local groundwater table
There are non-registered groundwate wells locaeo within 500-feet of the proposed
gravel mine. Additionally, there au several ponds located within 500-feet of the
proposed ravel mine.
There is inadequate information n ;arding th,. le-watering effects on adi.cent
properties. An estimated pumping ra e for de-wetting and subsequent pumping rate
to maintain an appropriate drawdown :Mr mining ctivitics has not been demonstrated.
An estimated radius of influence (co zc of depress ,n) resulting from maintains ig a
continuous drawdown has not been presented. 'ihc estimated transmissivity and
storage capacity of the alluvial aqui er has not been adequately presented. These
items have an imy,act on the propertie- located within the near proximity and adjacent
to the proposed gravel mining operations.
Several questions arise and include:
How will the final reclamation of the mining operations affect the local
groundwater conditions of the adjacent properties?
There is inadequate information a hd documentation regarding the effects "lakes"
or "ponds" (final reclamation) and how they will affect the local groundwater
table. Will there be an artificial increase of the local groundwater table as a result
of the "lakes" or "ponds?," thus creating a mounding effect. This may lead to
seepage and/or flooding in subsu :ace structures such as basements, cellars, and
crawl spaces.
How will de-watering for the mining operations affect the structural integrity of
nearby homes'? There is concern of subsidence resulting from de-watering the
local groundwater table and how it may affect the structural integrity of our home.
Sent By: UniversaL Envircnmc-rtal ServiceS;303 655 0687; Jan-1B-00 10:22; I'age 4/5
;lanuary 11, 2000
Page 3
• Property rrlue Concern. The mining concrete operations on the north side of WCR
48 1/2 coil decrease the w coperty values of our home and property. It would change
our nei boyhood fr m a quite residential/agricultural setting to a
commerci 'industrialize( zone, which would he far less desirable to live in, or for
resale. Unsightly mining 'perations would be sect from all sides of the operation.
• Traffic cmt &ifei)). D; igerous traffic situaticw' would arise with the proposed
vehic tr2u'ic along Wel County Road (WCR) 4ti /2 and going north on SR 257
witho- an: passing lane. A very dangerous and significant situation occurs for
school buses and. comma' :rs along WCR 48 1/2 and the Mad Russian development
because of he nature oft e exists off of SD 257. Additionally, WCR 48 1/2 cannot
support the volume of Ira'tic that will result if the gravel mine/cement plant is built.
Nor is WCR 48 1/2 vide enough to allow for tw -lane access when both oversized
commercial cement neck and neighborhood tragic are on the road. There is no
right-of wa) on the south ide of WCR 48 1/2. The driveable width of WCR 48 1/2 is
approxiriat ly 20 feet. T} width of a Grimmer& cement truck is at least 9 feel; the
width of an average nun-c mmercial sedan s apt ruximately 6 feet. Clearly this does
not allow fo.r two way traffic.
The safety ef our neighborhood is at stake. Thro,;gh traffic from over-sized vehicles,
without posted adequate speed limits is an accident waiting to happen. The sudden
stops and the wide tufts required (hr access into and out of the plant pose threats to
pedestri«ns and ncighbonc( od traffic. The citizens who ride their bikes on road will he
endangered by the constant truck traffic. There is an extreme potential for serious
accident,: to hapl-en.
• Noise and Air (.twiny. The proposed hours of operations and accompanying noise
from the large trucks and equipment, back-up beeps and plant operations should not
be tolerated by any homeowner. Imagine the frustration we will feel when we realize
that the once quiet, early morning hours arc now violated with axle noise, continual
dust, and discord from mining operation equipment. What was once a beautiful
panorama of opc ; meadow., now becomes an unsightly wasteland.
The prevailing wind is from the north. The prevailing wind will carry noise and dust
created during tt. , process of gravel mining and affect properties located immediately
down wind, sout . of WCR 48 1/2.
• Wildlife_ The p °posed mining site is a haven for wildlife including bald eagles.
Additionally, a I :eble Meadow Jumping Mouse habitat assessment was completed in
March 1999 in( ieated that the site has a low potential to Preble's habitat and
recommended th it a survey not be completed.
Sent Ey: Universal Environmental ServiceS;303 655 0687; Jan-18-00 10:22; Page 5/5
January 11,2000
Page 4
The habitat evaluation was conducted in early sprin on March 4 and 9, 1999, when
herbaceous vegetation is not dense because of the w tier weather. Significant habitat
changes can occur over several months. It is unclear n consultants habitat assessment
whether plant species were actually collected or just reconnaissance was performed
to determine the habitat for the Preblc. According P the U. S. Fish and Wildliic the
Prehle hibernates underground in burrows from Sept, nher to May.
• Gravel Mining Operations. Currently, there is a ravel mining operation located
within two-miles of the proposed Loveland Ref_ y Mix site and other mining
operation Heated approximately four-miles north I the proposes site. Loveland
Ready Mix proposes to operate the facility for 33-ye :s and then ask for an extension.
Is really necessary to have three operations within uch a close proximity to each
other?
We ask that 'files, cot cents as well as the concerns of c tors be taken into consideration
prior to any 1`nal leci-ions. Please contact us at 970.58 2191 if you have any questions
regarding the aboac stated concerns.
Sincereelly�m
Gtr Ch I s ��
T� Ch --.
Alex is erand Ann er
December 1999
Homeowner at the Mad Russian Golf Course Communities
Hwy 257 and Mad Russian Boulevard _ .
Milliken, CO 80543
Weld County Commissioners David andEtnma Seaman
915 10th (.356-4000) 106 Eagle Drive
Greeley, CO 80631 Milliken Co 80543-9623
RE: PROPOSED CONCRETE BATCH PLANT--MILLIKEN, CO
Dear Weld County Commissioners:
It is of great concern to me to hear that the Weld County Planning Board
gave preliminary approval to the proposed concrete batch plant. Lt is my
understanding that the staff did not recommend its approval. I am asking
that you as the Weld County Commissioners do NOT RECOMMEND its approval.
The obvious reasons are as follows:
1. . TRAFFIC! SAFETY. . . .dangerous traffic conditions due to heavily loaded
concrete trucks leaving the plant (during full production) every 3 minutes.
A steep road grade exists to the North on Hwy 257. . .road is narrow with
little shoulder. . . .traffic speeds are high. . .School bus safety is a problem.
2. CONCRETE BATCH PLANT RESIDUAL DUST. . . .particularly effecting the newest
phase at the Mad Russian Golf Course Communities. . . .148 lots to be available
in the Spring of the year 2000.
3. NOISE. , . . .there is a higher number of retired people that have moved to
this beautiful and pastoral setting. . .they are home during the day. . ..from
early morning on the noise will be of concern.
4. LENGTH OF CONCRETE PROJECT. . . .the 33 year duration of the project is in
direct opposition to the growth plan that the Town of Milliken has previously
outlined for the area.
5. CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TOWN'S INTERESTS AND THE COUNTY'S INTEREST. . . . It is
my understanding that the county is called to respect the growth plans
that towns/cities have determined in their "city-plans". The Town of
Milliken has previously turned down the concrete hatch plant and by the way
forfeited the revenues in favor of a beautiful future for Milliken.
6. PROPERTY VALUES An industry that has noise, dust, visual issues, and
safety issues does not enhance our property values in a golf course
community.
7. WILDLIFE ISSUES. . . . .The area is a wildlife haven. In allowing this batch
plant you will be destroying their homes. It is a prime habitat for
rare and threatened species along the Front Range.
We ask that you do not recommend the approval of the Loveland Ready-Mix Concrete
batch plant. Thank you for your careful consideration of this matter.
SINCERELY, J 7'/J /( ( ;"( f( i ( 7 ) / .
HOMEOWNER AT THE MAD RUSSIAN GOLF COURSE
EXHIBIT
a )/J ' ,
From: caroline z clemetson <c_clemetson@juno.com>
To: <charding@co.weld.co.us>
Date: 1/19/00 8:52am
Subject: re: Proposed Loveland Ready-Mix Concrete Batch Plant
1/19/00 8:16:01 AM
2155 Country Club Parkway
Mad Russian Estates
Milliken, CO 80543
Weld County Commissioner
915 10th
Greeley, CO 80631
RE: Proposed Loveland Ready-Mix Concrete Batch Plant - Hwy 257, Milliken,
CO
Dear Weld County Commissioners:
On behalf of my family and as a resident of the City of Milliken I would
ask that the Weld County Commissioners delay the approval of the proposed
Loveland Ready-Mix gravel-mining pit- My concerns revolve around the
safety issues their heavy trucking industry would create. I have 3 small
children and the first one would start school next year. My understanding
is that the school bus system would stop on Hwy 257 to pick up and drop
off area students. Hwy 257 would become incredibly dangerous with the
slow moving concrete trucks moving to the North up the steep grade
causing other motorist to make "risky" passes to get by these trucks.
Also, the "empty" concrete trucks returning to the plant (going south on
Hwy 257) would come flying over the hill and have no chance of slowing
down for a stopped school bus. (NOTE: By law, school buses do not pull
over to the side of the road to drop off and pick up students). It would
be nice to think tha: truck drivers would take more precautions due to
the size of their trucks and inability to slow down at high speeds of 65
mph or greater, but being realistic, they would be returning to the plant
after a long day of work and they just want to get home. I do not have a
problem with this type of industry conducting business; I just feel that
the "location" is wrong.
Until the traffic safety issues have been carefully researched and
addressed I would ask that you do not quickly approve this project. The
Mad Russian Subdivision is in a major growth surge with another 148
homesites becomirg available the Spring of 2000. All homeowners will be
using the main road into and out of the subdivision (Country Club Pkwy
AKA Mad Russian Blvd.) and entering Hwy 257. The traffic/safety road
issues are a major concern. Please delay approval of the concrete batch
plant until these issues are researched and addressed. Thank you.
Sincerely,
EXHIBIT
1 EEC
1 acP a37
Caroline Clemetson
Homeowner
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