RFL residents support planning

By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News

A pulse check by county officials visiting Red Feather Lakes in June indicated residents are ready to talk about land use planning for the area.

Larimer County Commissioners met with more than a hundred residents on June 16 to ask what they think the mountain community should look like in 10 years. Plenty of visions on what to do and what not to do resulted from small-group brainstorming.

Red Feather Lakes is governed by the county because it is not incorporated. With more people moving to the area, and more ideas for commercial development, many think it's time to do some specific planning for the future. Red Feather could fashion a land use plan similar to what LaPorte has done to describe where and how residential and commercial development should occur.

The catch is that the county would have to include such a project in its 2005 budget if county staff is going to help the community write the plan. If the county commissioners cannot set aside those funds, area residents will have to decide if they want to proceed without help from the planning department.

With or without a budget, the June meeting was a first step toward compiling community expectations.

Following are some observations residents made to stimulate thinking.

Red Feather Lakes needs water and sewer utilities, a permanent waste transfer station and recycling area, roadside emergency phones, expanded health services, buried telephone and electric lines, better security, a parking area with a picnic tables, public flush toilets, more independently owned community businesses, a Laundromat, a visitor information booth and a small branch bank.

Red Feather needs to balance property rights with what is good for the community, pave Creedmore Road or build a car wash, consolidate businesses in one area, maintain the quaintness of the area and restrict the use of ATVs. Others thought it best to spread commercial activity throughout the area.

Red Feather doesn't need large concerts, chain stores or stoplights, several said, but a larger grocery store would be welcome.

"Don't expect to come up with a clear vision after one meeting," planning director Larry Timm told the group.

County Commissioner Kathay Rennels holds monthly meetings in Red Feather to hear residents' questions and concerns. Planning is often a discussion topic. The next meeting is July 21 at 7 p.m. in the library.