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Apartment-mania in Longmont?

Chris Ennis

The new year is off to a brisk start for us, and three issues have popped up on the rural radar.  Two of them have important events that are coming up soon this month, so we are sending our monthly email newsletter a bit earlier than usual.  Here goes!


8902 Quail Road: Annexation and proposed development in Longmont

  • The Longmont Planning and Zoning Commission voted in December to recommend annexation of 17 acres of agricultural parcels just east of Airport Road on the north side of Clover Basin Drive.  The parcels are currently in unincorporated Boulder County.

  • An Atlanta-based developer is proposing 310 rental apartment units for the parcel.  

  • The proposal now goes to the Longmont City Council for consideration and final approval/denial of the annexation and concept plan.

  • Many residents of surrounding neighborhoods object to the proposal because, in addition to the 2,178 apartment units already in existence within one mile of the site, a total of 885 additional apartments are approved and under construction, and still more (567) are proposed, all within the mile radius.  

  • The additional 1452 apartments proposed or under construction already represent a 67% increase in this housing type within this small area.

  • The area has become saturated with this housing type, and the neighbors believe that the Longmont City Council should think beyond rental apartments for the Quail Road site, and consider other types of housing that would create more opportunities for residents to build equity and invest long-term in the community of Longmont.

  • In addition, the residents ask the Council to pause and consider the cumulative impacts of this recent intense housing development on traffic (especially on Clover Basin Dr.), quality of life, and local resources in this small area of Longmont.

  • Two upcoming dates are critical for public feedback on this issue:  The January 14th “first reading” of the proposal by the Longmont City Council, and the January 28th “second reading” (and final vote on annexation) by the City Council.

The neighbors are asking community members to help in 3 ways:

  • Action 1:  Longmont residents are asked to write to the City Council ASAP, to express your concerns about this proposed development. Refer to the “8902 Quail Road annexation and development proposal.” The link for submitting comments online is https://cityoflongmont.wufoo.com/forms/m1l3awga0l4ia65/

  • Action 2:  Attend the January 14 City Council Meeting.  Consider offering your comments during the general public comment period associated with this meeting. (The meeting is at 7:00 pm, City Council Chambers, 350 Kimbark St., Longmont; make sure to sign up to speak on the sheet outside of Council Chambers before the start of the meeting. Comments are limited to 3 minutes.)

  • Action 3:  Attend the January 28 City Council Meeting.  This Council meeting is extremely important and will serve as the official "public hearing" for the 8902 Quail Rd. annexation application/proposed development.  It will include a final City Council vote on whether to approve or deny annexation. Consider offering your comments during the public comment period that is dedicated to this issue. (The meeting is at 7:00 pm, City Council Chambers, 350 Kimbark St.; see above)


County Commissioners Meeting January 16 to Dissolve the Gunbarrel Public Improvement District

  • The Boulder County Commissioners are meeting on Thursday January 16th at 9 a.m., and the first agenda item is the dissolution of the Gunbarrel Public Improvement District and transfer of the property (~290 acres) to the Boulder County Parks & Open Space Department.

  • This issue came up suddenly and with short notice over the holidays (a tiny newspaper announcement on December 29), and the implications of this sudden move are unknown.

  • We have many questions!  The County has not met the State statutes requiring 20-day notice, and requiring mailers to all electors in the district.  Why the rush, without engaging the Gunbarrel residents? And what are the long-range intentions of the County for this land? 


Gunbarrel residents would appreciate your support with two actions:

  • Action 1:  Residents ask you to write the Boulder County Commissioners ASAP and respectfully ask them to TABLE THIS HEARING for at least 180 days so that the electorate and members of the GPID can assess the implications of this action. This is an entirely reasonable request, and hearing it from many citizens will help the Commissioners understand that the community simply needs some time to research and understand the implications and the County’s intentions.  Your email should go to: commissioners@bouldercounty.org and olucas@bouldercounty.gov

  • Action 2:  Consider attending the January 16 meeting of the Commissioners.  The meeting takes place at 9 am at the Boulder County Courthouse (13th and Pearl Street, downtown Boulder, on the 3rd floor).  There will be opportunities for live virtual and in-person public comment.  To sign up to attend this meeting either virtually or in person, and make public comments at the meeting, please use the link below.  The meeting on the 16th is not yet published as of this mailing, so if you don't see it, check back at a later time. https://pub-bouldercounty.escribemeetings.com/


Background: Back in 1993, over 75% of Gunbarrel residents banded together and voted to create the GPID and a new tax that would exclusively fund the purchase of vacant land for preservation in Gunbarrel. The county agreed to match funds and deliver a park but broke both commitments. Now they want to dissolve the protections for 6 parcels owned by the GPID - worth over $90 Million according to the assessor's office - and simply hand it over without consideration! It is unclear what the considerations are for 7 other parcels that are privately held in this proposed transfer.  The County has not sent a mailing to all the electorates in the District as required under Colorado Law.  Also, the GPID Advisory Board has not met to discuss this radical change.  The Twin Lakes Action Group is a group of citizens formed many years ago to protect & preserve this rural area of Gunbarrel.  They can be contacted at TLAG.inbox@gmail.com 


Lafayette Annexation decision for 36 acres at Highway 287 and Arapahoe 

  • On January 7, the Lafayette City Council approved the first step in an annexation process for 35 acres of County land at the southwest corner of U.S. 287 and Arapahoe Road.

  • They unanimously approved the petition submitted by the owner (Tebo Partnership) and developer (Kensington Development Group).

  • If the annexation and zoning proposals are ultimately approved, the “Lafayette Marketplace” development would include 350 apartments, 115 townhomes, and a mixture of retail including a big-box store.

  • No binding decisions on the development were made at the January 7 meeting; it was merely determined that the petition is in “substantial compliance” with Colorado’s Municipal Annexation Act of 1965.

  • The next step is a February 18 “eligibility” hearing, in which the Council further considers whether the annexation is in compliance.  This is a public hearing and is likely a key opportunity for public input.   

  • Press coverage on this issue (possible paywall): (1) January 2025 story in Daily Camera    (2) Earlier (2023) coverage

  • Link to City of Lafayette website on this annexation

  • A Lafayette resident researches and tracks issues like this!  Read her very informative articles on this issue and others.  We suggest you start with the article “January 7th, first official step for the Tebo annexation” and then explore this very detailed article if you want the full history of the issue, “The evolution of the Lafayette Marketplace plans”. 


  • Actions:  Write to the Lafayette City Council.   Also:  Consider attending the February 18 hearing (1290 South Public Road, 5:30-9:30 pm) to give your input on this proposal.


 Background:  The land in question is in unincorporated Boulder County.  The BoCo Comprehensive Plan shows that the parcel is Agricultural Land of National Importance.  The 287/Arapahoe intersection is the site where two historic pillars were constructed in 1928 as a remembrance dedicated to the 1000 County residents who served in World War I.  The pillars also served as a “gateway” to entice travelers along the 287 highway to turn west on Arapahoe and visit Boulder.  Annexation/development discussions first started a couple of years ago and were met with strong public opposition.  In 2023, over 1300 residents signed a petition against the annexation and Kensington development.  Kensington withdrew their proposal in August 2023.  Now, the idea is resurfacing.  The developer held a neighborhood meeting with only 3 days’ notice, on December 19th during the busy holiday preparation period (people showed up!).  


Other Updates

  • No new news about the subdivision at 63rd and Niwot Road.  The applicants are considering next steps.

  • The Kanemoto opposition really appreciates the support of the community for their appeal in the Colorado State Courts.  If you haven't had a chance yet to help out, visit their GoFundMe site.  Donations in any amount are welcome and very appreciated.

  • A new docket has appeared on the County website.  It is for an equestrian center on 73rd Street, near where it curves and becomes 75th.  You can find the application materials at this link: LU-24-0017


As always, thank you for reading!

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