HomeMy WebLinkAboutConstituent Letter - Mail Packet - 9/1/2020 - Memorandum From Land Conservation And Stewardship Board Re: Former Hughes Stadium Property
Natural Areas Department
1745 Hoffman Mill Road
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.416-2815
970.416-2211 - fax
fcgov.com/naturalareas
naturalareas@fcgov.com
Memorandum
To - Mayor and City Council
From - Land Conservation and Stewardship Board (LCSB)
Date: August 26, 2020
Subject - Former Hughes Stadium Property
Our understanding is that negotiations among CSU, the developer that made an early offer on
the Hughes Stadium property (Lennar), and the City, in its role as zoning authority, have stalled
and may have been abandoned. Thus, the City may now have an exceptional opportunity to
fully determine the fate of this unique land parcel. We see that the City’s strategy for the
Hughes property will be discussed in Council Executive Session on 1 September.
For more than 40 years the City has owned the Maxwell Natural Area, one of the City’s original
Natural Areas. Maxwell, together with its neighbor Pineridge (another of the first Natural
Areas), is one of the most accessible, often used, highly appreciated, and visible of our Natural
Areas. With timely action, the City may now have the chance to extend and improve upon the
legacy of these early Natural Areas that lie adjacent to the Hughes parcel. Such opportunities
occur rarely, given the Hughes property’s location in the community and proximity to existing
protected land.
e urge City Council to consider the unique long-term public benefits of the Hughes property
if its future is carefully and creatively planned. The site’s historic traits—wildlife, native
vegetation, native-American occupancy, and early agriculture by the Maxwell family—are
foundations for its future.
We view the best outcome as a graceful and gradual transition from natural to more developed
conditions. We imagine a future that includes expansion of the Maxwell Natural Area; nature
trails featuring the environmental transition from high plains to Rocky Mountain foothills; a
park-like zone including interpretive kiosks that reflect on the area’s natural and human history;
and carefully designed and located high priority housing. We do not advocate that the entire
Hughes property be acquired for Natural Area purposes, and Natural Areas funds should be
used only to the extent that Natural Areas are extended and enhanced. Other transitional
elements should be funded from Nature in the City and other appropriate sources.
he best way to assure an excellent outcome—and to make good on a rare opportunity—is
for the City to purchase the entire Hughes property. City ownership would secure full
control over the uses of the land, so that its destiny can be inspired by public benefits. This
is the surest path to a future that honors the site’s rich natural and historic heritage while
aligning the reuse of the property with the values of the City and its residents.
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