By Janet Sellers
At the Monument Planning Commission meeting on April 9, the focus was on public participation and fair review processes for land use matters in Monument. The commission emphasized the importance of transparency and community involvement.
The meeting covered public hearings for the Terrazzo Baja Commercial Development Final Plat and the Triview administration building. The commissioners discussed project details, traffic studies, and safety measures. A comprehensive traffic study is necessary for the Terrazzo development to ensure it meets local requirements and does not negatively impact traffic flow. This study will include stormwater management considerations.
The proposed final Planned Unit Development for the Triview administration building aims to consolidate utility services and administration into one location effectively. The design is intended to align with existing land use patterns and enhance the surrounding area.
Safety and infrastructure plans are being discussed for the proposed Triview building area, including vehicle maintenance and safety protocols for pedestrian crossings. Community input is important for enhancing these plans effectively because safety is a crucial concern during community interactions, particularly regarding pedestrian traffic and vehicle operations. Commissioner Danny Hours said drivers must be vigilant and slow down when approaching areas with pedestrians to prevent accidents.
Both projects received unanimous approval. Further information for the next stage of the comprehensive plan that includes the surveys for community input and focus groups is expected by the end of May, with discussions and meetings regarding the next steps soon after.
Commissioners Chad Smith, Martin Trujillo, and Donna Hatch attended the National Planning Commission meeting in Denver in late March. The conference highlighted the importance of community engagement in planning discussions, particularly regarding housing and water issues. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share insights and collaborate on these critical topics.
The commissioners indicated they felt they learned some effective tools and resources such as religious institution lands as a solution for housing in difficult areas around the Front Range, talks about water, and information on the housing crisis in Colorado. Smith indicated he will continue research in those kinds of areas. Upcoming, Monument Director of Planning Dan Ungerleider, offered to share the information and videos from the conference with the commission members for edification and solutions for many current concerns and issues that impact the community.
The Planning Commission still has two alternate commissioner vacancies open and requested participation of the community to fill the vacancies and “help shape the future of Monument.”
The meeting concluded with announcements and a call for high school student involvement in local governance. Local high school students interested in learning more about local government are encouraged to attend the Planning Commission meetings, especially to learn about the comprehensive plan process. Ungerleider indicated he is looking to bring back the student liaison program and is creating a formal program for this purpose.
The student participants will begin in the audience area, and eventually may have a seat with the commissioners, albeit non-voting seats. The comprehensive plan is for the future of the community, and Ungerleider said that “if it’s going to impact anybody, it’s going to impact our students.” Interested parties may contact Ungerleider at the Town of Monument or email him at dungerleider@tomgov.org
The community is invited to share thoughts with the town via the online website, and representatives will be present at events such as the weekly farmers market and the Fourth of July Parade. Residents also can visit the website, www.Monument2040.com.
The meeting adjourned at 6:41 pm.
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The Monument Planning Commission advises the Town Council on land use and development issues. The commission’s recommendations are based on local and state laws, zoning, and municipal codes. The Planning Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for May 14. For further information on Planning Commission meetings, please visit www.townofmonument.org/263/planning-commission-board-of-adjustment or contact 719-884-8028. A recording with a transcript of the meeting is also available.
Janet Sellers can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.
Other Monument Planning Commission articles
- Monument Planning Commission, Feb. 11 – Conexus proposes 158 apartments and townhomes on 23 acres (3/4/2026)
- Monument Planning Commission, Jan. 14 – Monument officials attend infrastructure workshop (2/4/2026)
- Monument Planning Commission, Dec. 10 – Commissioners recommend approval of 2026 zoning map, show appreciation for outgoing members (1/1/2026)
- Monument Planning Commission, Nov. 13 – Commission recommends controversial 158-home Conexus development and Commercial PUD (12/4/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Oct. 8 – Commission recommends approval of Legacy at Jackson Landing project (10/30/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Sept. 10 – September meeting cancelled (10/2/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 13 – Planning Commission seeks community input on future development (9/4/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, July 9 – Commission welcomes new leaders, reviews major development amendment and vision for Monument’s future (8/1/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, June 11 – June meeting cancelled (7/3/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, May 14 – Commission recommends approval of 30-acre commercial development (6/7/2025)
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