[bouldercouncilhotline] Hotline: Stratton Property

[cmosupport at bouldercolorado.gov]

Sender: Lewis, Alisa

From: Patton, Mike
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2012 10:29 AM:

During the April 30 CAC meeting, a number of questions were raised regarding Consent Agenda Item 3E - the disposal of Stratton Open Space.  The following information is provided in response to the questions.  Open Space and Mountain Parks staff will be available at the Council meeting tonight to address any further questions.



*         Demolition of buildings:  Has there been an assessment of the historical value of the structures.  Yes, Boulder County determined there is no historical value.

*         Sustainable Ag:  Has the property been considered as a sustainable ag site?  Only a small portion of the five acres are able to be irrigated (about 2 acres).  The majority of the site would need to be cleared of trees and other vegetation as well as a number of outbuildings.  The current house on the property had been vacant for many years prior to acquisition, has significant structural problems and is considered uninhabitable.  OSMP staff worked for several months with owners of a local restaurant interested in buying the five acres and leasing another 100+ adjoining acres to expand a current farm to table operation.  After careful consideration the owners determined costs associated with the house made the operation unfeasible.

*         Why allow this property to be developed for a home site like the neighborhood?  Due to the location of the original homestead and existing development adjacent to the site, impact to the remainder of the open space is minimal.  The homestead is located at the corner of the property adjacent to other developed sites at the intersection of Nimbus Road and N. 41st Street. Also given the location and current condition sale of the property seemed a preferable alternative to the expense of ongoing maintenance or deconstruction.

*         What is the potential for this property to be subdivided into two 2.5 acre parcels?   There is no potential for any further subdivision.