HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 SOUTHWEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITE PLAN ADVISORY REVIEW - 16 91 - CORRESPONDENCE - CORRESPONDENCE-NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGII(IE���I'II
WAR i a issi
A01l.. i
�� Front Range mvnity College
WA
Larimer County Center
4616 South Shields. P.O. Box 2097, Fort Collins. CO 80522
Fort Collins (303) 226-2500 Loveland (003) 667-2808
Dear Students, Parents, Advisory Committee Members, Instructors and residents of Larimer County,
A unique learning opportunity exists at Front Range Community College/Larimer County Center in the
form of the Biotechnology Outdoor Learning Laboratory. This educational plan embraces the
concepts of open space, natural wildlife habitat, agricultural research and an outdoor learning
laboratory available to all residents. Plans for the wise use of this property include a nature trail and
outdoor classroom to provide environmental education for the public as well as the community
college. We are writing in concern at the potential loss of this valuable asset.
As many of you know, the Larimer Center property, inclusive of the land east of the college, belongs
to the three local school districts (Poudre R-1, Thompson R2-J and Park). This property was
originally acquired exclusively for the education of Larimer County residents. On January 15, 1991,
Thompson R2-J (Loveland) and Park (Estes Park) passed a resolution to sell their interest in the 55
acres east of the campus to Poudre R-1 (Ft. Collins). This action allows Poudre R-1 full
responsibility in the use and distribution of the land.
Poudre R-1's plans for the property include development of an elementary school and a park, while
proposed ideas include a bus barn and high school at the same location. Because the Biotechnology
Learning Center is located on this 55 acres, it is critical to plan wisely in the placement of any new
developments. Proper planning of any additions will encourage a cooperative learning environment to
benefit ALL residents, while improper planning may result in the destruction of this valuable resource
for housing developments only.
Construction of the elementary school is currently underway, while discussions for placement of the
park are ongoing. The proposed location of the park and associated roadway eliminates any
agricultural research and the property's value as wildlife habitat. This would be unfortunate for the
recovered hawks that have been released in the area by the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. An
open community meeting is planned for March 20, 1991, 7 p.m. at Johnson Elementary for those who
would like to voice their concerns.
We are asking for your support in maintaining this land as a unique learning environment that
combines green space, nature trails and agricultural use all in the same vicinity; a rarity in Larimer
County. We feel the value of an environment that is conducive to wildlife and residents alike far
outweighs any profit gained by the sale and residential development of the land. Please write to one
or more of the Poudre district representatives (list on reverse) as soon as possible (and/or attend the
meeting mentioned above), to voice your opinion on this matter. Thank you for assisting in the future
of education.
Sincerely,
Deborah Wiepz, Biotechnology Department Chair
Barbara Patterson, Faculty/Forestry and Natural Resources
Glen Flask, Faculty/Agribusiness
Use this address for any of the following representatives:
2407 LaPorte Ave.
Ft. Collins, CO. 80521
Superintendent (S) and Cabinet
Mr. Armon Johannsen
Mr. Gary Bamford
Dr. Ann Foster
Mr. Monte Peterson
Board of Education
(S) Mr. Carlos Alers
Dr. Keith Dixon
Mr. James Law
Mr. James Sandoval
Dr. Joseph Daly, President Mr. Louis Brown
Mr. Daryl Knoblock Mr. Mark Korb
Dr. William G. McBride Dr. Jerry D. Vedvik
Mrs. Sally Weisser