The Nederland Planning Commission met on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 6 p.m. to receive an update from SE Group regarding the Town’s Comprehensive Plan update. Commissioners also discussed a plan for affordable housing development in Big Springs.

Ayden Eickhoff from SE Group, after providing a presentation concerning the released results of their community outreach, answered questions from Commissioners.

Commissioner Roger Cornell recommended that SE Group focus more on annexation, and include more guidelines within the Comprehensive Plan update pertaining to the Town’s outward growth as opposed to infill development.

Commissioners also wished to discuss a Three Mile Plan, which is a long-range plan for potential annexation that the Town of Nederland currently does not have.

Eickhoff explained that SE Group expects to host a workshop with the Planning Commission specifically to discuss annexation and land use.

Commissioner Mike Dye noted that he was surprised by the results of SE Group’s public workshops and surveys, particularly regarding the Town’s sustainability goals. When asked to list their own priorities for the Town of Nederland, only 13.8% of the community listed sustainability education as a high priority.

Only 30% of the community indicated that the Town’s focus on solar energy was an important priority, and only 34% of the community supported sustainable building practices.

“Climate change is a reality and it’s going to increasingly impact us globally and locally,” Dye said. “It’s disappointing to see that it’s not the highest priority, according to this survey.”

Eickhoff suggested educating the public on separating those sustainability measures that are personal priorities or requirements from those that are expected to be required by the Town.

SE Group will be holding a focus group workshop on May 22 to discuss issues of land use with the Planning Commission and other stakeholders. The meeting is tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Nederland Community Center.

SE Group will also be returning to the Planning Commission on June 26 to discuss an initial draft of the Comprehensive Plan update and begin workshopping chapters.

Community Planner Britt DeMinck was scheduled to lead Commissioners in a discussion regarding a proposal for affordable housing to be constructed on Town-owned land. Studio Shed, a prefabricated Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) designer and installer based out of Louisville, is proposing building studio apartments in either the Old Town or Big Springs neighborhoods.

DeMinck reported that Town Attorney Jennifer Madsen identified that one of the Town-owned properties eyed by Studio Shed has a conservation easement placed on it from 1999, prohibiting the Town from leasing the land for anything other than a park and open space.

“We are going to take the time to dig into that more and just make sure,” DeMinck said, referring also to assessing the proposed Big Springs development. “We’re going to do this with all Town-owned lands moving forward.” DeMinck indicated that this process is necessary in order to update the Town’s records, which, she stated, were “pretty poor.”

Due to the discovery of the conservation easement and the necessity for more research, the item was removed from the Commission’s agenda. However, it was noted that Studio Shed was eager to move forward with any lots the Town may have available. Commissioners continued to discuss Studio Shed’s proposal and asked questions.

Commissioner Jim Reis had questions about Studio Shed asking to have Town-owned land leased to them not only for affordable housing but also for market rate studio apartments. Reis noted that Studio Shed was asking for a $1 lease and to have PIF fees waived.

“Look how controversial the TEENS, Inc. childcare unit has become,” Reis said, stating his belief that Commissioners can expect to hear a lot of community feedback on the matter.

Mayor Pro Tem Nichole Sterling asked why Studio Shed was only proposing one-bedroom studios, considering that the Town’s Housing Needs Assessment indicated that Nederland requires affordable family housing and housing for those who do not live alone.

Studio Shed is expected to give a proper presentation to the Planning Commission during their next meeting.

The Nederland Planning Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Their next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. Meetings can be attended online via WebEx.

For more information: https://townofnederland.colorado.gov/planning-commission.