Recommendation could change towns landscape

The physical landscape of downtown Pagosa Springs could be changed forever if town council follows a recommendation made by its planning commission this week.

Commission member Peter Adams, who recused himself from the Tuesday night discussion, was the one who had submitted the application to the planning department requesting the towns right of way (ROW) adjacent to his property be vacated and turned over to him.

Adams owns a strip of property between 6th Street and the shale cliff (along the San Juan River). He also owns more than half of the lots on the east side of 7th Street between Navajo and Piedra streets, on the top of the shale cliff. The town retains a ROW between those two properties that runs the full length of the ridge above the cliff.

Although the terrain would make construction of an alley nearly impossible in that area, and the strip of land remains undeveloped to this day, the towns ROW could also allow for other future uses, such as trails or utilities. However, if the town vacates its ROW, Adams plans to develop the area into private residences.

Although Adams could not testify at the planning commission meeting because it would be considered a conflict of interest, he did submit an email with his application to the planning department, and Town Planner James Dickhoff included it in the commissions agenda packet.

The alley in its (sic) current location will prevent me from getting to the crest of the hill to take advantage of the view, Adams wrote. As I consider developing this property it is simple economics. If I can utilize the views the nature of the housing I can provide will change dramatically. A more up scale experience with views of the river,town (sic) and mountains.

Without this option I would be forced to build lower income housing close to So. 7th. The rear yards would be a steep hill with none of the amenities mentioned above. This kind of construction is not my style and I would be reluctant to put my sign out front.

As a concession for Adams being able to take over the alley ROW and develop the top of the hill, Dickhoffs agenda materials explained, The Applicant has also stated he will work with the Town to formalize the 6th street ROW, which currently goes through his property. The town has a prescriptive Right (Easement) for 6th Street alignment, however, this is very limiting on what can occur along 6th Street. Formalizing the 6th Street ROW will ensure the Town can utilize the ROW for all utilities, road, future sidewalk/trails, etc.

Adams original application, which he submitted on March 27, asked the town to vacate the ROW for the entire alley between Navajo and Piedra, not just the portion next to his property. It also asked that the Navajo Street ROW from 6th Street to 7th Street be vacated, as well.

The April 29 planning commission meeting where this original application was to be discussed received proper notice, and a sizable crowd of neighbors showed up to offer public comments. However, at the last minute, Adams amended his application, narrowing the scope of the request to only include the portion of the alley ROW between his properties, excluding Navajo Street.

See the rest here:
Recommendation could change towns landscape