Larimer County looks at town growth plans

September 16, 2009

By JoAn Bjarko

The Wellington

 

Rural residents living on the fringes of Wellington’s growth management area told county officials on Sept. 9 that they want nothing to do with Wellington’s expansion.

It was their first opportunity to speak publicly to county representatives since Wellington (Colorado) updated its comprehensive plan and growth management area boundary last year. The plan and GMA forecast likely land uses as the town grows over the next 20 years.

Waverly residents, who live west of town, encouraged the Larimer County Planning Commission and Larimer County Commissioners to maintain a buffer between their unincorporated rural area and Wellington. They specifically asked that the western edge of the town’s growth boundary stop at County Road 11.

Jon Slutsky, co-owner of LaLuna Dairy just west of County Road 9, also wanted his farm removed from the GMA. He questioned whether the town’s future plans could hinder his existing agricultural business.

“The county has a policy of protecting ag land,” Slutsky noted.

Several rural residents told county officials they wanted to continue farming and had no plans to subdivide and develop their lands for urban uses. They also objected to the prospect that Wellington might someday build a commercial airport north of County Road 70.

“We were not asked if we wanted to be a part of this plan,” said Michael Blehm, a North County Road 11 resident whose property is northwest of Wellington. “Wellington has made it clear they’re not interested in our input.”

Rural resident Karl Zeller said he loves having Wellington as a neighbor, but he added, “I really don’t want them sleeping in my guest bed.”

Calling himself the “lone ranger in support of the plan,” Wendell Nelson, who lives south of Wellington, said being part of the GMA gives a landowner more options for the future. At his request, the town has included his property in the GMA.

Nelson also noted that commercial growth would logically occur at the intersection of County Road 70 and Interstate 25, so it should be included in the growth plan.

County officials weighed in with opinions at the conclusion of the hearing, but made no official decision. A work session is scheduled for Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m., at the county offices building in downtown Fort Collins for county commissioners, planning commissioners and town officials to further discuss the boundary concerns.

Larimer County and Wellington need to agree on the boundary before they can adopt an intergovernmental agreement. The official agreement is intended to help the town and county make better development decisions as the area grows. For example, an agreement would guide the future locations of water, sewer and power transmission lines and roads.

“I have concerns about the growth management boundaries,” said planning commissioner Karen Weitkunat. “…The size to the north, given current economic conditions, might be overzealous.”

“It’s very important to listen to people when it comes to their property,” said planning commissioner Jana Hess. “If they want out, they should be out.”

At previous town board meetings, Wellington’s elected officials said they did not want to change the boundary. Even with no agreement in place, Wellington can still annex land at the request of property owners and developers and grow.