HomeMy WebLinkAboutFOSSIL CREEK ESTATES PUD PRELIMINARY - 50 92D - CORRESPONDENCE - WILDLIFE DOCUMENTS (2)FOSSIL CREEK PARTNERS
February 16, 1994
Mr. Tom Shoemaker
Natural Resources Director
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Dear Tom:
As you are aware, there are several outstanding issues surrounding my Fossil Creek Estates
project yet unresolved. While we have addressed these issues independently in very general
terms, I would like to suggest that we meet to see if we can resolve these issues once and
for all. At the very least, a meeting will allow us to focus on the core issues, and prepare
design criteria to resolve those issues. Based on some recent decisions by City Council
regarding this project, I have instructed my consultants to begin final design work for the
Phase 1 portion of the project. As a result, time is of the essence.
I believe the most important issue surrounding this project to be that of wildlife habitat, and
perhaps more specifically, how the proposed layout of the lots will affect existing habitat. As
I have maintained from our initial meeting some six months ago, I am always willing to
cooperate with all relative parties in an attempt to reach a mutually beneficial conclusion to
any concern. This is no different. I am certain that you will agree that we have been quite
liberal in our proposed mitigation and maintenance of the wetland site. In fact, I would
submit that we have been willing to do more in the way of possible mitigation than PAn
residential project before us.
I have been informed that you intend to contract an independent study to research the use
of certain trees as perch sites for specific species of wildlife. Due to the sincere concerns
of the neighborhood, I believe that to be a good idea. My concern however, as it relates to
the study, is one of timeliness. In fact, in the interest of expedience, I have decided to
contract an independent study of my own regarding this same issue. It has always been my
intention to preserve all of the trees on my property and, to the extent possible, preserve
those trees offsite as well. Just as "The Ridge" and "Brittany Knolls" have been able to
coexist with wildlife perching amongst the trees within their developments, I, similarly, believe
that wildlife can coexist within trees "offsite" of my project, so long as some realistic thought
goes into the design of the project with respect to those trees.
Finally, I would like to once again discuss the easement issue. I had requested easements
from you several months ago. At that tim"e, you mentioned that you needed an exhibit with
the general dimensions of the easements identified so that you could review the request. I
supplied you with that. Since that time, I have not heard from you regarding a resolution to
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Mr. Tom Shoemaker
February 16, 1994
Page Two
this issue. Indirectly, I have heard that you have said that Council still must approve the
easements in order for my final plat to be approved, and that you expected "all of the
controversy" to surface once again. I hope that, working together, we can avoid any
controversy and move forward with this request. I also would like to reiterate that I am only
looking for Phase 1 easements, which do not affect the wetlands, and, as you have said,
cover only that portion of the Natural Area which has little or no significant habitat value.
If we start now, working together, we can "design" my final submittal to meet many of the
concerns of all parties involved. However, we need to start now. That is why I am
requesting a meeting prior to your vacation next week. You mentioned at the Council
meeting last night that Friday, February I Sth may work for you in the afternoon. I will make
myself available at your convenience. Please give me a call to discuss this meeting or these
issues. Additionally, I will be mailing notices for a "neighborhood meeting" which I intend to
schedule for March 2nd. This will be sponsored by me, however, I would encourage City
Staff to attend if possible.
As always, I appreciate your efforts and attention to these matters. I look forward to your
response.
Carter B. Ewing
Managing Partner
cc, Kirsten Whetstone, City Planning Dept.
Jim Sell, Jim Sell Design
Lucia Lifey, March & Myett