As we look to the future, what will the east entrance of the Grand Valley along the I-70 corridor look like? If the recommendations of land-use plans, in particular Mesa Countywide Land Use Plan adopted in 1996, which has undergone multiple revisions — the most current taking place in 2006 — we would find future land use maps showing the north side of I-70 beginning at the Colorado River and following along the base of the Bookcliffs to the I-70 Business loop, as rural 35 acre parcels, aside from land managed by BLM. Does industrial land use fit the rural and natural features of this area?

If an area plan is created, how do we ensure that elective officials will follow our land-use plans? How does the timely and costly process of defining public needs compete with a highly defined and organized development community? In this latest boom cycle, are we placing a value on the natural features of our landscape, such as its waterways and mesas, or is the approach that all areas are opened to development?

With development booming in the Grand Valley, we need to consider future costs along with future benefits. Can development, along the northeast entrance to the Grand Valley, establish access and services without jeopardizing properties to the natural drainage off the Bookcliffs? If public roadways are required, it will be the taxpayer, those making a long-term commitment to the community, who often assumes the responsibility of future repairs, not the developer, often represented by their limited liability company.

If prices continue to climb or needs go unfilled, development will find its niche. Do the citizens of Grand Valley have in place processes, procedures and political leadership who reflect the plan and direction of the community? Past experience has seen development that required costly cleanup. Can we use creative ways to develop this area, like conservation easements, to promote future urban development and protect the characteristics of the rural areas? It is quite evident what fuels this most recent development to our community as energy sources are tapped. What is unclear is whether we have leadership who can steer our course according to a community plan.

CHERYL MORELLI
Grand Junction

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 19th, 2008 at 10:13 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.