By Janet Sellers
At the Monument Planning Commission meeting on May 14, the focus was on two projects that needed recommendations for approval by the commission. Commissioners present were Vice Chair Chad Smith, Ray Egly, Cathy Green, Danny Ours, Corey Peterson, Donna Hatch, Planner 1 Rey Medina, and Planning Director Dan Ungerleider. Chair Martin Trujillo was absent.
Storage at 836 Synthes
The first hearing and meeting item for the Monument Planning Commission included a public hearing for a request for conditional use approval for outdoor storage as part of the development at 836 Synthes Ave.
During the public portion of the hearing, questions were raised about landscaping and lighting for the proposed development.
The applicant, introduced as Mr. Chandler, confirmed that a row of trees would be maintained to ensure privacy and that lighting would be designed to face downward. Inquiries about outdoor storage were addressed, with Chandler explaining that the storage would comply with town regulations and would primarily involve service-related items.
The planning commissioners discussed the anticipated service industry uses which may include landscaping and utility storage. Concerns were raised about height restrictions confirming a 30-foot limit for buildings but not for equipment. The need for conditions on height and lighting were to protect nearby residential areas, and future compliance was suggested with any new lighting ordinances.
Commissioner Green commented for discussion regarding lighting (possible light pollution) even in terms of downward-facing lights that may cause a concern. Green made a motion to make a recommendation to approve the conditional use for outdoor storage at 836 Synthes Ave. as supported by the attached finding of fact with the conditions that the outdoor storage must not exceed 30 feet in height, which is the maximum building height for light industrial zoning. Commissioner Egly seconded the motion, and it passed with a vote 5 to 1.
Legacy at Jackson Landing
The sketch plan for the Legacy at Jackson Landing proposes a 30-acre commercial development which includes a 129,000 square foot “major” retailer, a potential hotel, restaurants, and additional retail space. It is located next to I-25, just north of Baptist Road. The public hearing on the sketch plan was opened and closed with members of the public present. There were no public comments.
A staff presentation was made by Ungerleider, who presented the project to the Planning Commission, and a detailed presentation was made by the representatives of Legacy at Jackson Landing that included speakers from Legacy Development partners, specifically Carl Barton, Chris Hake, and Noel Bremer representing Kimley Horn Engineering and Development Team that includes Legacy Development Partners, the Garrett Companies, RSP Architects, and others.
They stated their focus is on designing “innovative real estate solutions with a focus on high-growth markets across the United States. They specialize in the development and redevelopment of single tenant out parcels, multi-tenant shop buildings, grocery-anchored projects, and mixed-use developments.”
The presentation included information regarding creating a regionally significant destination retail development to bring visitors and dollars to Monument, using a national anchor retailer, quality site amenities and landscaping, convenient and safe parking circulation, optimizing economic impact, and bringing in local and visitor dollars. The development includes intended open space for safe pedestrian circulation.
The commissioners discussed clarification on the project’s design guidelines and the lack of residential elements. It was confirmed that the project would consist of a consolidated preliminary and final planned unit development without residential components. The signalized intersection at Jackson Creek Parkway was discussed as an improvement and planned for Blevins Buckle Trail. A traffic study would determine the need for a signal that is likely to be required for safe traffic flow, and concerns were expressed by the commissioners regarding potential congestion and safety hazards without guaranteed traffic signals.
Developers for this project discussed with the commissioners the importance of multiple access points for the new development, emphasizing the commitment of a major anchor tenant that will drive interest from other businesses. This engaged a discussion of traffic concerns for the Baptist Road at Jackson Creek Parkway intersection which was acknowledged with plans for further analysis. A strong interest for a sit-down restaurant into the development to meet community needs was also expressed by the commission.
In the interest of addressing potential effects on local infrastructure, there was discussion regarding a comprehensive traffic impact study due to the significant development being highlighted for the area. Public outreach was also addressed, and the commission discussed possible public engagement meetings for the community and was encouraged before any final approvals. Concerns were also raised about the town’s revenue situation with implications of an Economic Development Incentive Agreement on local finances.
Until a full-service traffic signal is required, a right-in right-out traffic condition was advocated for the intersection due to the necessity of having the traffic light installed at the beginning of the project rather than waiting for future phases. This conversation of the commission underscored the significance of traffic control measures in terms of the development’s initial phase.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved the Legacy of Jackson Landing sketch plan with incorporation of conditions outlined by the planning director in the draft resolution. Commissioner Smith made a motion to approve the sketch plan for Legacy Jackson Landing as supported by an attached finding of fact. Commissioner Ours seconded and the motion passed unanimously. There was some discussion on getting more community participation for the Planning Commission and on the requirements for living in the local boundaries, and the time frame of living in the town to be involved with the planning issues. As that was the final issue to review for recommendation, the meeting was then adjourned at 8:16pm.
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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 of the Monument Planning Commission was scheduled for June 11 but has been canceled, according to the Planning Commission website. 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, April 9 – Two recommendations for approval; high school students offered seat at the table (5/3/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, March 12 – Promontory Pointe water tank project recommended for approval (4/5/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Feb. 12 – Commission reduces development density for key projects; Dairy Queen and Subway approvals recommended with landscaping condition (3/1/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Jan. 8 – Commission elects Trehill as chair, hears concerns about traffic and access for Woodmoor Placer Replat B (2/1/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Dec. 11 – Planning Commission recommends approval of Panda Express and Falcon Commerce Center (1/4/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Nov. 13 – Board discusses Jackson Creek North plat; Panda Express public hearing moved to December (12/5/2024)
- Monument Planning Commission, Oct. 9 – Commission raises concerns about ultimate use for Jackson Creek North (11/2/2024)
- Monument Planning Commission – September meeting canceled (10/5/2024)
- Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 14 – Proposed Ziggi’s project examined (9/7/2024)
- Monument Planning Commission, July 10 – Orientation workshop for new members (8/3/2024)
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