HomeMy WebLinkAboutGALATIA ANNEXATION AND ZONING - 36 90, A - CORRESPONDENCE - CITIZEN COMMUNICATION (9)0
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Planning and Zoning Board
City of Fort Collins
P O Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Ladies and Gentlemen:
October 19, 1990
RE: Galatia Annexation and Zoning
We are homeowners at 1601 Meadowaire, in Homestead Estates,
just south of the proposed Galatia annexation. We were present at
the September Planning & Zoning meeting and the October 15
neighborhood meeting between the developer, City staff and property
owners. This letter is intended to formally express our specific
concerns as well as suggestions we would like to be considered by
your board at the October 22 meeting.
Through attending meetings and numerous discussions with
planners, Planning & Zoning Board members, City Council and other
homeowners, we have educated ourselves and broadened our
perspective about this proposal. We no longer oppose the
annexation per se, -although we continue to be very concerned about
several major issues. Most of this concern results from the
developer's reluctance (unwillingness?) to be more specific in his
proposed zoning, leaving affected property owners with many
unanswered questions and uneasiness about the development that may
occur in this area.
We continue to oppose annexation of the portion of the parcel
which is outside the UGA boundary; though we could live with
development of this section if it were designated with a density of
no more than one unit per 3/4 - 1 acre. The UGA agreement
specifically states that (in areas in the UGA) new residential.
development "shall mitigate potential negative impacts on adjacent
existing residential development by maintaining the character and
density of existing development along common boundaries." In a
discussion with Mayor Kirkpatrick, she agreed that congruent land
use is an important issue and that it may be appropriate to
consider some creative zoning options in a manner similar to the
Foothills zoning, that would allow for a more transitional land use
in this fringe UGA area.
At the October neighborhood meeting the developer was quite
frank with us in disclosing that if he were to develop this land
(Zones L, M, and N on the. Cityscape map), he would seek the highest
density possible. We do not feel a high density zoning is
compatible or even remotely appropriate here.
The areas G, K and J which border the five -acre Kitchell
Estates are now proposed to be zoned transitional which is an
uncertain way at best to address the concern of IP, industrial park
Page two
adjacent to residences. We would like the developer to consider
designating a large (perhaps 200 300 feet) landscaped green belt
area between the IP and these residences to ensure an aesthetic
transition.
We have major concerns about increased traffic and safety
issues such as: adequate streets and ability to provide adequate
police protection to this remote area of the City. A very
substantial irrigation ditch runs close to the north side of
Prospect Street. There are no proposed solutions for avoiding
infringing on existing properties and an unwillingness on the part
of the City staff to even look into possible solutions, when asked.
In fact the ditch companies, Cache La Poudre Irrigation Company and
Lake Canal Ditch Company, were not informed by' staff of this
proposal.
At the neighborhood meeting and in others with City staff and
the developer, these problems are being taken lightly as though
this is merely another step in this process toward development
which is probably far in the future, so we can solve these problems
later. However, the zoning will be set now and we feel now is the
most appropriate and effective time to address these concerns. In
Homestead Estates we have the essence of rural living, yet are
still able to enjoy and be a part of. the City of Fort Collins and
we would like our lifestyle to survive.
Thank you for your consideration of our concerns. Please feel
free to contact us at 484-4990 if you have any questions.
sincerely_ yours,
Caryl J.B. Nichols
f/✓J , � /(///i �,
Barry A Nichols
cc:
City Council