HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/16/2020 - Planning And Zoning Board - Supplemental Documents - Regular MeetingJanuary 15, 2020
RE: Larimer County Jail Expansion SPAR 190004
To whom it may concern:
I am writing on behalf of the Bucking Horse HOA Board with regards to the proposed Larimer County Jail
Expansion currently proposed near Midpoint Drive. While we are neither for nor against the project, we
are writing to request your consideration of measures that can lessen the impact of the project on our
subdivision should the project proceed.
As you are likely aware, our subdivision has numerous homes that are adjacent to the proposed project.
These homes are between 350’ and 500’ from the current parking lots located on the south side of the
existing building. This distance has historically provided a buffer between the homes and the activities
at the jail. The proposed parking area will be nearly 200’ closer to many of the homes.
With the reduced distance between the homes and the parking areas and the resulting increase in light
and sound impacts on the adjacent single-family homes, we would kindly request that screening be
provided to mitigate the reduced buffer. This screening would be most beneficial in the form of larger
evergreen trees planted more densely than currently shown on the landscaping plans that we have
reviewed. This type of screening would provide year-round screening of headlights from the parking lot
and would also help to mitigate some of the noise that will originate on the jail property. The drawback
to landscaping as screening is the amount of time it takes to mature and become effective, so an
additional screening measure that we would appreciate consideration of is the addition of berms 3’-4’
high (minimum) along the parking areas and drive aisles. An additional screening solution to consider
and incorporate would be solid fencing. Fencing along the entire length of the project would provide
the most effective screening for affected homes, but we recognize that there are cost implications that
likely preclude the ability to fence such a large area. We would suggest adding fencing in areas that will
have the greatest impacts for the neighbors. For example, fencing along the south edge of the
southern-most parking area would restrict the headlights from cars driving down the side aisles as well
as parking vehicles facing south.
I addition to the requested screening, we ask that design elements frequently seen in projects like this
be included with the project. This would include full-cutoff light fixtures that minimize light spillage
beyond the limits of the parking area and cut-off wall pack lighting on the building itself. We would also
ask that any measures to minimize sound from the facility be included, whether that is by orienting
speakers so they are not directed at homes and by decreasing volume to minimum levels possible.
Thank you very much for your consideration of our concerns and your willingness to be a good neighbor.
If you have any questions about these requests or would like to meet to discuss our concerns in person,
please feel free to contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Andy Reese
Bucking Horse Resident and HOA Board Member
ITEM 2, Correspondence