After unlimited public comment and lengthy discussions, the Central City Planning Commission on August 7, 2024, approved two resolutions for consideration by the City Council at their next meeting on August 20.

All members of the Planning Commission were present, with Chair Lisa Leben presiding over the meeting. Central City staff were represented by City Manager Daniel Miera and Community Development Planners Alison Lueck and Cara Castellow.

The first resolution (2024-PC-02) recommended that sexually oriented businesses (SOB) stay confined to properties zoned Industrial while maintaining the existing restrictions including the 1,000-foot distance from identified locations.

Public comments were entirely in favor of maintaining the current zoning classification for SOBs and for maintaining the current restrictions including the 1,000-foot buffer to residential areas and places of assembly like churches and schools. The resolution passed unanimously.

The second resolution (2024-PC-03) dealt with zoning 13 acres of City-owned property on the west side of town that is known as the Boodle Mine. City staff recommended zoning the area as Limited Community Commercial (LCC).

Public comment regarding the new zoning designation was concerned about subsequent development within the LCC status. Residents who live in Prospector Run and along Eureka Street commented on the increase in activity by off-road enthusiasts at the National Forest Service Columbine Campground.

The popular recreation area negatively impacts residents with lights, noise, trash, and recreational sport shooting. Wildlife in the area is also impacted, and the wildfire risks increase when off-road vehicles are used during fire restrictions. Residents were concerned that zoning the Boodle property as LCC would lead to more development that would just exacerbate these existing problems.

Additionally, about six acres of the land in the zoning request are designated wetlands and residents voiced concerns about protecting that part of the parcel.

Miera stated that the wetlands, as City property, would be protected. The City is currently studying using some of the land to expand the water treatment plant, but no decision has been made at this time. He said that any sale of property including development of a portion of this land would have to go through standard City applications and reviews.

During discussion on the resolution, questions to staff included asking if there was a better zoning status than LCC. Miera stated that LCC was suitable for the location and allowed for protection of the land with future possibilities.

The resolution passed 4-1 and will be sent to City Council for consideration and second reading at their August 20 meeting.

The Central City Planning Commission meets the first Wednesday of the month as needed. Please check their website for any future meetings. Minutes for the August 7 Planning Commission meeting can be reviewed at the Central City Planning Commission website (centralcity.colorado.gov/planning-commission) under the Minutes submenu.