If you care about keeping our Open Space lands from development (even for a good cause…) please contact our City Council members and tell them your thoughts at: https://longmontcityxm.
Warning! Longmont’s open space program is under attack from Longmont Public Works and Utilities. Public Works has proposed a land exchange where land purchased by open space tax dollars would be converted to an intense industrial development involving composting with Boulder County, the fire training center and warehouse space. The exact size of the industrial development has not been revealed by Public Works.This proposal is commonly referred to as the Distel-Tull land exchange.
The Longmont City Council faces a huge dilemma since the Parks and Recreation Board (PRAB) did the right thing and recommended the council reject the conversion of open space to industry. Earlier this year per the city code, the City Council referred the proposed land exchange to PRAB to conduct a public hearing, analyze the proposal and advise the council. Chapter 14.52 of the code is titled Open Space Disposition.
Section 14.52.030B1 reads as follows: Before taking final action on any request to dispose of open space land, the City Council shall refer the request to the parks and recreation advisory board (PRAB), and other advisory boards the city council feels necessary, for their recommendation. Apparently the council only wanted a recommendation from PRAB since it was the only board to which it referred the matter. Part of the council’s dilemma comes from the fact PRAB recommended denial of the land exchange.
Section 14.52 clearly gives the City Council final authority to determine whether the exchange is appropriate. However, by ignoring the recommendation of the only advisory body given a specific role in the city code and the fact the council only asked for a recommendation from PRAB, the City Council’s rejection of PRAB’s recommendation will appear arrogant and condescending and will make a sham out of the open space disposition process outlined in the city code.
During PRAB’s public hearing on the proposed land exchange, numerous speakers had questions and comments particularly regarding issues covered by Section 14.52.0302 which reads as follows: the disposal should be sensitive to the integrity of the property features, including sensitive habitat and cultural and historical features, and generally should not adversely affect the remainder of the property. Members of PRAB had many similar questions regarding the application of the code. Approval of the land exchange would fragment the Distel open space. Members of PRAB, like the public, did not receive satisfactory answers from Pubic Works staff.
Another part of the City Council’s open space dilemma is the irony that last November the council referred ballot language to Longmont voters for approval to extend in perpetuity the open sales tax. It passed with 74% approval because Longmont residents value open space. I do not think most voters expect open space tax dollars to be used to purchase land for Public Works to convert to industry, even if Boulder County is dangling big dollars to get a partner for composting. Most residents expect open space purchases to be properly vetted before purchase and then remain open space. If the council thinks dissing the recommendation from PRAB will come only at a small price, the cost of the loss of public trust of 74% of voters should be carefully calculated, especially for any council candidates running for election next November.
The final part of the council’s open space dilemma stems from Section 4.04.130J of the city code which reads in part, once acquired, open space may be used only for purposes set forth in 4.04.130i. These purposes include preservation of natural areas, trails, conservation of natural resources, low-impact district parks and urban shaping buffers. Conversion to an industrial development is not listed. Stretching normal definitions beyond recognition by most residents is one way Public Works staff may try to spin the issue. But if the city council chooses to ignore PRAB’s recommendation it will make a precedent-setting, slippery slope decision that could threaten our open space program. What will be the next piece of open space to be stolen?
Gordon Pedrow served as Longmont city manager from 1993 until 2012.