HomeMy WebLinkAboutWILLOW BROOK AMENDED ODP - 27-10 - P&Z PACKET - CORRESPONDENCE-HEARINGs
The place you want to be.
-- -- plan-and-operate-an-observatoryso itseemed- like a perfect fit.---T-hey-have-been-a tenant -at - - -- - - - -
Stargazer Observatory ever since it opened and have used it continuously for daytime
classes in the classroom as well as evening lab nights in the dome and classroom. The
audiovisual equipment is wired so that images from the telescope in the dome can be
displayed on the big screen in the classroom. They also conduct monthly open house lab
nights for the residents and hold special events for unique celestial events such as lunar
eclipses. The lobby and staircase even integrate educational displays describing the history
and key events in astronomy.
Attached is a copy of the current lease with Front Range Community College as well as
their schedule for the current school year.
It is also worth noting that while Parcel A has been marketed for several years for allowed
Neighborhood Center uses, we have had no significant interest in it for any uses other than
residential.
Please let me know if you would like additional information or an on -site tour in order for
you to confirm that the facilities and uses on Parcel I satisfy the requirements of a
Neighborhood Center.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
rvelopment
8480 E. ORCHARD ROAD, SUITE 1000 GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111
303-795-1976 VILLAGEHOMES.COM
The place you want to be.
May 24, 2010
Ted Shepard
Chief Planner
City of Fort Collins
281 North College Avenue
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, Colorado 80522-0580 Delivered via a -mail
Re: Neighborhood Center at Willow Brook (Observatory Village)
Dear Ted,
Pursuant to our discussions, I am writing to make a request that the Neighborhood Center
designation of Parcel A at Willow Brook (Observatory Village) be removed and applied to
Parcel I at Willow Brook.
As you know, Division 4.5 of the Code calls for Neighborhood Centers to include at least
two of a variety of listed uses. We believe that Parcel I satisfies two of the listed uses; (1) a
Neighborhood support/recreation facilities, and (2), a School.
Parcel I was designed and developed to serve two distinct functions. Completed in July
2003, it serves as a clubhouse and recreation center for the residents of Observatory
Village, and it also serves as a school for the Astronomy Department at Front Range
Community College (FRCC). The site includes Stargazer Observatory (a two story
clubhouse with a working observatory), a large pool, a kiddy pool, a barbeque area,
lounging areas, landscaping and on -site parking. Stargazer Observatory includes a lobby
area, restrooms, a kitchen, and a large multi -purpose room (classroom), all on the ground
floor. The upstairs includes a working observatory in a dome, a telescope storage room,
and an outdoor viewing deck. Besides the pool related activities, the building is used
throughout the year by residents for various events such as meetings, parties, bunko night,
troop meetings, and even weddings, while FRCC uses it throughout the school year as well
as for some summer programs.
Stargazer Observatory was designed and programmed with the Astronomy Department at
FRCC. At the time, the Astronomy Department was using portable telescopes on a roof top
and parking lots at their Fort Collins campus and we were looking for the expertise to help
8480 E. ORCHARD ROAD, SUITE 1000 GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111
303-795-1976 VILLAGEHOMES.COM