Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 14 – Proposed Ziggi’s project examined

By Janet Sellers

At the Aug. 14 meeting of the Monument Planning Commission (MPC), the commissioners considered a proposed Ziggi’s Coffee restaurant, discussed land development, and expressed concern about potential impacts of development on nearby homes and businesses. It also discussed a joint meeting with the Town Council concerning the scope of the Comprehensive Plan Update project.

The commissioners expressed concern about the orientation of buildings on Jackson Creek Parkway and suggested guidelines for development to create a welcoming look. Negotiating with developers during the preliminary process to set guidelines could limit frustration with buildings facing the “wrong direction,” starting the conversation earlier in the planning and design process.

The commission discussed the proposed development of Ziggi’s Coffee, a growing, nationwide coffee franchise, at Monument Marketplace North with the development representative and the owner. Concerns about zoning compliance, traffic generation, and pedestrian access were raised, while the developer emphasized a commitment to improving pedestrian access and addressing safety concerns. Design inconsistencies such as the drive-through design not resembling the front door and the building architecture facing Jackson Creek Parkway were physical issues of concern, as well as appropriate sidewalks.

The commissioners also discussed the visibility of new businesses in the area and the orientation of buildings on Jackson Creek Parkway. A commissioner expressed support for the project with regard to the supporting documents, while another commissioner raised concerns about safety in areas that “are not very safe.” Sign concerns were also raised, in the interest of making sure the businesses in that area will be successful.

Commissioner Ray Egley spoke up as it was noticed that the only access to the business is off what is being designated as a private road, which is off Harness Road. The concern was of snow removal and continuing maintenance of that road, not only for the businesses that are there but for the consumers who want to frequent those businesses. Commissioner Angley asked the developer, “… how would they address that, who’s taking care of that?” The developer replied that the entrance to the building is not on Jackson Creek Parkway but faces west. The owner of the business, Greg Flynn, owns five other Ziggi’s in Colorado and shared details of how the business plans to have a welcoming establishment with a fireplace indoors for atmosphere, banners at the high school, some in-house special days, and so on to show that it invests in the community.

The recommendation to approve the edifice of Ziggi’s was based on the final planned unit development for lot 4 of Monument Marketplace North, for a restaurant and drive through, supported by the display of facts on the meeting room screen and described by following documents that were shown for the site plan for the lot, prepared by MAH architectural group. Grading erosion control in site construction plans was prepared by the civil engineering group, with the drainage report for the marketplace filing 1 prepared by the same engineering group, and the traffic generation and analysis for Ziggi’s prepared by SM Roca LLC, the documents of which should include the attached findings of fact in support of the recommendation.

**********

The Monument Planning Commission usually meets the second Wednesday of each month. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www.townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment. Information: 719-884-8028 or www.townofmonument.org.

Janet Sellers can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Monument Planning Commission articles