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ST. VRAIN CONCERNED ' EiNs,
7050 Loma Linda Ct.,Longmont CO 80504 303 833 2992
June 15, 1999
Weld Board of County Commissioners
P 0 Box 758
Greeley CO 80632
Subject: St. Vrain Valley Trails and Open Space Project GOCO Proposal
Dear Commissioners:
We have the following comments on and suggestions for the Introduction paragraphs of
the above proposal that would render it more accurate as to the background of the area
leading to its present state of crisis, ecologically, environmentally, aesthetically, historically
and lacking of a program "for preservation of important conservation lands".
"The rolling topography of the county's southwestern border is quickly lulled into flat
wind-swept grasslands,". and "...Colorado's Rocky Mountains which often appear purple
against the contrasting golden grasslands". The presentation would be more effective if the
area description was solely of a factual nature rather than resorting to amateurish,
saccharine, poetic imagery.
"The settlement of Dacono, Erie, Firestone and Frederick and Longmont was a direct
result of influx from mining settlers and gold prospectors into Colorado in the early
1870's." The first four "settlements" were towns basically created for and inhabited by
immigrants brought over .directly from Europe circa 1900-1910 for the specific purpose
of working in local coal mines. The City of Longmont was a community created by
farmers who came directly to the area for agricultural purposes. [Also eliminate the
apostrophe front 1870's, it is not possessive]
"..the Weld Board of County Commissioners recognized the unique needs associated with
regional growth and adopted a plan for this area."
1. The MUD plan violates the intent of the Municipal Annexation Act of 1965 which
directs that urban development proceed by annexations to contiguous municipalities. The
purpose of the Act is to provide appropriate government and services for an area and
restrict urban sprawl.
2 "These communities comprised themselves of..". `These communities were comprised
of' would be a better construction.
3. The WBOCC "recognized the unique needs associated with regional growth and
adopted a plan for this area." The statement neglects to mention the role of the creation
and needs of a local sanitation district and the quest for tax revenues as motivations for
sacrificing the area to development in conflict with County regulations for the rest of Weld
County restricting non municipal development which are still in effect.
4. "The MUD Plan was modified and expanded to address the desires of the region's
citizens" 100 persons associated with The St. Vrain Concerned Citizens' for a start would
be in disagreement that the MUD Plan in any way addresses the desires of the regions
citizens. The Mud and its amendments have never been put to a vote of the people, but
have been enacted solely on decisions by the WBOCC.
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5. "The result is a group of citizens, regional and county elected officials committed to
working together." -add 'as long as it is in their self interest'. The group of citizens are
those land owners and developers seeking to profit by commercial, industrial and
residential urbanization. The focus has been solely on development, not preservation.
6. "Each entity bound themselves to act in harmony with land use decisions and
standards." The ink was hardly dry before Weld government violated those agreed
standards [Del Camino Junction].
7. "..the idea of compromise....now exemplifies the commitment to the region as
exemplified by each community." To this time, that commitment has been to urbanization.
If there is any genuine concern with "preservation of important conservation lands" let
Weld government first look to the dedication, philosophically, planning wise and
financially of Boulder County as a model before expecting funding from GOCO.
We are basically in agreement with the purposes of a trails system and preservation of
rural lands but think those who review this proposal would be more receptive and
positively reactive to factual statements rather than self promoting puffery.
Very truly yours,
St Vain Concerned Citizens
2 2 7
John S. Folsom
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