Elizabeth trustees OK rezoning for growth

1. A need exists for the proposal.

 

“Based on a newly completed Elbert County housing needs assessment … total housing need in Elbert County over the next 10 years is estimated at approximately 3,050 units and nearly all the population and household growth over the past 20 years has occurred in the unincorporated areas of Elbert County. The maximum dwelling units in this proposal are 623 to be built over the next 10 years and therefore I believe that checks the box for `a need exists.’ There’s also some commercial components to this proposal, which this will provide jobs for local citizens and therefore cut down on commute time and pump more money into our community and county that can be used for improving wages to town and county employees and increase service levels, all of which are needed.”

 

2. The particular parcel of ground is indeed the correct site for the proposed development.

 

“Its west entrance is located just south of an already familiar developed intersection and the commercial component will be along Highway 86, providing good visibility for the future businesses. And this is the type of use envisioned in the 2019 comprehensive plan.”

 

3 and 4. There has been an error in the original zoning OR there have been significant changes to warrant a zone change.

 

“I don’t believe this to be the case, or has there been significant changes in the area to warrant a zone change. And that, I do believe is true. Seventy-one percent of the current housing stock per the new housing needs study in the county is in the northwest Elizabeth and Parker zip codes. Although the three incorporated towns, Elizabeth, Kiowa and Simla, only contain about 12% of the total units. That is down from 14%. More opportunities for jobs in an area where the majority of the population lives, I believe needs to occur. This will enable some of that.”

 

5. Adequate circulation exists, and traffic movement would not be impeded by development.

 

“Based on the traffic studies done and speaking with our traffic consultants and the developer’s traffic consultants, it will not reach the level of failing.”

 

6. Additional municipal service costs will not be incurred which the town is not prepared to meet.

 

“Based on the financial analysis done by the town’s finance director, an anticipated revenue to be generated at full build-out will exceed the anticipated cost. Therefore, it meets this criteria.”

 

7. There are minimal environmental impacts or impacts can be mitigated.

 

“Already in the PUD documents, there is a whole section on tree protection and preservation. This lays out the requirements to preserve a good sized section of standing trees. Therefore, I believe it meets that criteria.”

 

8. The proposal is consistent with the Town Master Plan maps, goals and policies.

 

“This proposal exceeds the anticipated open space acres that were in the original plan. Therefore, it meets that criteria.”

 

9. There is adequate waste and sewage disposal, water, schools, parks and recreation, and other services to the proportional degree necessary due to the impacts created by the proposed land use.

 

“Schools, parks and rec, fire, and other services that the town does not provide were all consulted on this proposal and have had their opportunity to enter comments and speak directly to the developer to come to an agreement as to what they believe their district needs. As far as water and sewage disposal, we are way below our capacity. There will be no additional issues taking on these additional homes as far as wastewater. After many questions about water and reuse … we have been assured by our water consultants that there is water sufficient for this project at complete buildout, which will be in approximately 10 years. Therefore, I am voting 'yes’ on this proposal.”