Monument Planning Commission, March 11 – Balancing growth and the “joy of being here”: Planning Commission recommends approval of auto dealership and Fire Training Facility

• Alpine Buick Dealership at Falcon Commerce Center
• Monument Fire Training Facility
• Administrative and Policy Updates
• Community relations

By Janet Sellers

The Monument Planning Commission convened on March 11 to review significant land use developments and administrative updates. The session was led by Chair Ray Egley, with Commissioners Donna Hatch, John Parr, and Martin Trujillo in attendance, establishing a quorum.

Alpine Buick Dealership at Falcon Commerce Center

The primary focus of the meeting was the application for the Alpine Buick GMC Dealership, a project involving both a final plat and a Final Planned Unit Development (PUD) plan for an automotive sales and service dealership. The proposed project spans 12.5 acres located in Phase 2 of the Falcon Commerce Center at the southeast corner of Terrazzo Drive and West Baptist Road, behind the Pilot Travel Center.

The facility features two main buildings: Building A would face Terrazzo Drive to create a strong street frontage, while Building B for service and parts would be set farther back. The landscaping strategy is designed to balance town requirements with business needs. Trees and shrubs will screen about two-thirds of the site—primarily the “inventory” parking—while keeping the southeastern corner open for vehicle displays visible to the public. Engineering plans were verified to comply with both Monument standards and Colorado Springs drainage criteria.

Monument Fire Training Facility

The commission recommended approval (3-1) for a final plat and rezoning to “Public Facilities” (PF) for a new Fire Training Facility at 18650 W. Highway 105. The project includes a classroom/garage building and a four-story training tower. Commissioner John Parr provided the sole “no” vote; while acknowledging the facility’s necessity, he expressed concern over its proximity to residential areas and the impact on the “joy of being here” for long-term residents and the aging population.

This project also prompted a broader discussion on community aesthetics. The commission scheduled a future workshop—likely leading off the April 8 meeting—to establish design standards for metal structures to ensure future developments remain consistent with Monument’s visual character.

Administrative and Policy Updates

Senior Planner Jenna Gourney introduced reformatted staff reports, a direct result of recent workshop feedback. These reports provide more granular detail on review criteria to assist the commission in making more precise, objective recommendations to the Town Council.

Community relations

During closing remarks, there was a strong push for the community and commission members to participate in “Coffee with a Cop” sessions. The discussion touched upon the importance of regional cooperation in emergency operations and law enforcement training, specifically noting partnerships with Colorado Springs and nearby municipalities.

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The Planning Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for April 8. For further information, please visit www.townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment or contact 719-884-8028. A recording with a transcript of each meeting is also available online.

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)