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OCN > 2508 > Monument Planning Commission – Commission welcomes new leaders, reviews major development amendment and vision for Monument’s future

Monument Planning Commission – Commission welcomes new leaders, reviews major development amendment and vision for Monument’s future

By Janet Sellers

In the July 9 meeting marked by new leadership and forward-looking discussion, the Monument Planning Commission addressed several significant developments shaping the future of the town. The agenda included the election of new officers, the introduction of a new commissioner, a detailed public hearing on a key development proposal, and updates on Monument 2040—the town’s comprehensive plan for long-term growth.

New Faces and Roles on the Commission

The evening began with the announcement that Chair Trujillo would be stepping down from his position. The Commission unanimously approved the May 14 meeting minutes, which included final clarifications on conditions related to the Legacy sketch plan. There was no June meeting.

Planning Director Dan Ungerlieder introduced John Parr as the newest member of the Commission. Parr brings over 40 years of construction experience, primarily in large-scale hospital, data center, and high-rise projects. Though new to municipal planning, Parr expressed enthusiasm for supporting Monument’s future through informed growth and community engagement.

Leadership elections followed, resulting in Ray Egley being unanimously elected as the new Chair, and Corey Peterson as Vice Chair.

Native Sun Construction Amendment Reviewed

A public hearing was held to consider a major amendment to the Native Sun Construction Planned Unit Development (PUD) at 15010 Woodcarver Road. The proposal, presented by architect Rohs Heck of F9 Productions on behalf of property owner Winston Jessup, included a series of design and site layout changes. These included an office building relocation to the southeast corner of Lot 2, shop building relocation to the northwest portion of the property, regrading of Lot 1 to accommodate the new layout, addition of a deceleration lane on Woodcarver Road to improve traffic flow, and reconfiguration of construction yards for open circulation, replacing the previously approved internal street network.

Town staff confirmed that the amended plan meets all zoning, design, and landscaping standards. Supporting documentation—including a traffic generation analysis and a final drainage report—was reviewed and supported by Jacob’s Engineering, the town’s contracted engineer. No public comments were submitted, and commissioners raised only technical questions related to the visual orientation of buildings from Woodcarver Road. Ultimately, the proposed changes were seen as compatible with the comprehensive plan and consistent with the town’s development goals, and a motion was approved for its recommendation to the town.

Comprehensive Planning: Monument 2040 Takes Shape

In a presentation that underscored the town’s long-term vision, Planning Director Dan Ungerlieder updated the Commission on the Monument 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Existing Conditions Report, compiled through four months of community outreach and consultant research, is now available on the Monument 2040 website. (Monument2040.com).

This foundational report outlines the current demographic, economic, land use, and infrastructure conditions in the town and will guide the next stage of the planning process—visioning. The upcoming visioning phase, expected to take three to six months, will explore what Monument should look like in the next 20 years. A joint work session with the Town Council took place on July 21 at 5:00 p.m., where commissioners, council members, and planning consultants will discuss trends, community input, and next steps. Ungerlieder encouraged participation and light-heartedly mentioned the possibility of food at the session. He also noted that the planning department is set to be fully staffed by the end of the month, expressing excitement about the expertise the new hire brings.

He says, community outreach has been robust, with staff making appearances at local events such as the farmers market, summer concert series, and the Fourth of July parade, distributing tote bags, pens, and information about the comprehensive plan.

“This plan won’t work unless the whole community is part of it,” Ungerlieder emphasized. “And once it’s approved, we have to implement it. That’s where the real work begins.”

Looking Ahead

With no additional comments or business, the Commission adjourned the meeting unanimously.

The evening highlighted not only a period of leadership transition but also a renewed dedication to community-driven planning. As the Monument 2040 visioning process unfolds, residents and officials alike will play an active role in defining how the town evolves in the decades to come.

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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 August 13, 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

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