[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6236343,"mediaKeyId","3365606-e2b17c7489501a32b84d0a894c92e53e","parentId",3365606,"title","Council rezones 14 acres near Monument Ridge Elementary to community residential over opposition on traffic and growth","audioSeconds",2062,"startMs",3726000,"endMs",5788000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3365606-e2b17c7489501a32b84d0a894c92e53e&start=3726&end=5788","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3365606-e2b17c7489501a32b84d0a894c92e53e/thumbnail_3726000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6236343/Fruita-City/Mesa-County/Colorado/Council-rezones-14-acres-near-Monument-Ridge-Elementary-to-community-residential-over-opposition-on-traffic-and-growth","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236343-cf89431b6d35feb46c58c3aa468e5352/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175556&Signature=E4v3e9Kl-eY4BgSMsSyYvcHKlaBYlneMsgY2Lwqr4BlgbjT9s7gCQuWEROD2b67Ih3LCjt1CE6Zrjm2X2lA5zqGVQvEbNwT1elQAr8jUIGDtl77FquSLaHXczTl5y9rxYHoNGcus9HXFGpvtYzqxFfT7BQUrzMVBOpI4oR8EHc8iQRDCF7cAJbGrO92e8rRSbiVnYxakLED5o1GizGB7~3fVCePrYU0B~VEirq4CtC~1jcIuJf-DCAdIZ2ZRZKGVAtl6TaiwW8DBENZ88xrWUkoY9h2wdPyxqza1gDaJPqCkzbMxlUfwtdfYOQlhOvhgzwRAjyRCx6d1anOMRYZS6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-16T16:38:55Z","article","The Fruita City Council voted 4–1 on May 6 to rezone roughly 14 acres at 1130 and 1138 18 and a Half Road from a planned unit development (PUD) to a Community Residential (CR) zone, advancing the site toward higher residential density consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan.

Why it matters: Council and staff said the proposed CR zoning aligns the parcel with the city’s future land‑use map and makes permitted uses and density clearer for future subdivision review. Opponents said the rezoning could increase traffic, further reduce agricultural land, and was occurring while the property was under a city contract for affordable‑housing land banking.

Staff presentation and recommendation

Henry (Planning staff) told council the 14‑acre parcel was part of a long‑standing Burn Heide PUD that never fully developed. He said the city’s comprehensive plan supports community residential density in that area and that, after review, staff recommended rezoning from PUD to CR because the change is consistent with the plan and compatible with surrounding subdivisions and the nearby Monument Ridge Elementary School. Henry noted planning commission had recommended approval 5–0.

Public comment and key concerns

Neighbors spoke largely about traffic and the future scale of development. Paul Schultz asked council to “immediately correct all inflated roadway classifications within the urban growth boundary” and said the city had relied on exaggerated classifications to justify right‑of‑way acquisitions and a $6 million 19 Road expansion. Several residents near the site urged the council to consider farming rights and infrastructure impacts; Bill Burton asked that future development “be done with respect to the houses that are there.” Charles Bernhaddy, who grew up on nearby farmland, said the proposed development could provide housing for teachers and first responders and voiced support for the project’s goals.

Council debate and city disclosures

Council members asked about traffic impacts. Staff said any future subdivision or site plan for the parcel would require a traffic impact study and engineering review, and that the city would evaluate intersection and sidewalk needs before permitting construction. Council also discussed a land‑banking contract and a grant the city received for affordable housing land‑banking; one councilor and members of the public referenced a state “1,2,3” grant and a contract to use up to $1,500,000 for land banking, and asked whether that timing created a conflict; city counsel advised that the rezone is a separate, quasi‑judicial decision and must be judged on the zoning criteria.

Council vote and outcome

After deliberation Council adopted Ordinance 2025‑09 rezoning the parcels from PUD to CR. The roll call produced four yes votes and one no (motion adopted 4–1). Staff said this step does not authorize construction — any subdivision or development proposal would return to staff and the planning commission for review, with neighborhood notices and required traffic and infrastructure analyses.

Ending

The rezone aligns the property’s zoning with Fruita’s comprehensive plan but will not by itself authorize any specific housing type or density. Neighbors and councilors asked staff to ensure project‑level traffic studies and neighborhood notices occur before any building permits are issued.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fruita City Council - May 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Fruita City Council voted 4–1 on May 6 to rezone roughly 14 acres at 1130 and 1138 18 and a Half Road from a planned unit development to Community Residential.","taxTitle","Fruita City, Mesa County, Colorado","taxId",70581,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6236348,"Residents petition Fruita council to cut speed limit, staff to study 18 and a Half Road safety",4256,1860000,6116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3365606-e2b17c7489501a32b84d0a894c92e53e&start=1860&end=6116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3365606-e2b17c7489501a32b84d0a894c92e53e/thumbnail_1860000.jpg","/articles/6236348/Fruita-City/Mesa-County/Colorado/Residents-petition-Fruita-council-to-cut-speed-limit-staff-to-study-18-and-a-Half-Road-safety","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236348-84c81401cd135d1aba541225751f24cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175556&Signature=gCIptx6iW~xDrLBbZv8KPpOdW4gD9DdFFDD~tBQ0zUxtFsMsapcMPh-Owke~EA6xfi8FFfYrY0unoqKuHE7F4Is-y7~akTodaNf~ko6b5nFxpEdOuDRhmgUee9hw-W3V8ndCKiANL75La-VMsEu8hRUIASVEcxEC5t8Vru~VQoUVzGj7IaI9lKfmrCwEsemBftQ3zj99itv1nN7AZZOZpi8H0RIVBlh86IYsmVbog4rQXuXplOqx1SFyoN1bjEBST6UfLjCtWctSiJMMorrQy0tUWw3j-Z812YzJHCpsMctuDwTlJ77x0vEIg4hiYd7Gj0WLIyspNVZvKp5cZGFKsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents who live along 18 and a Half Road asked the Fruita City Council on May 6 to reduce the posted speed limit, add signage and stricter enforcement after a speeding vehicle crashed into a home in April.

The petition, read into the record by Jane Soichak, called on the city to “reduce the speed limit on 18 Road by Adobe Falls Subdivision from 35 to 25 miles per hour,” citing pedestrian safety, frequent speeding, and a April 2025 crash in which a pickup “broke through a fence, crossed a golf cart path, and crashed into a home.”

Why it matters: Residents said families, bicyclists and golf‑course patrons use the road and fear the existing 35 mph limit does not protect them. City staff and police told the council they are gathering speed and crash data and increasing targeted enforcement before making any engineering or regulatory changes.

Residents’ concerns and evidence

Jane Soichak said she brought a petition of more than 40 names, and displayed photos and video of damage after the April crash. Her husband, Steve Soichak, told council the video suggested the vehicle “was going about 80 miles an hour” and said drag‑racing and habitual speeding are common. Andrea Ward, the homeowner whose house was struck, said: “I’ve been devastated by it.” Several other neighbors described frequent high speeds and near misses, and urged physical changes such as speed bumps or additional signage.

Staff and police response

Assistant City Manager Dan Karas and Police Chief Dave Krause told the council staff is already collecting technical data and coordinating enforcement. Karas said staff has deployed a radar trailer and temporary traffic tubes and will compile the measurements; he told council the traffic‑safety committee — which includes public works, police, planning and engineering staff — is reviewing the complaint.

Krause and staff outlined interim enforcement and data collection already done: targeted patrols totaling about nine hours of on‑site enforcement, nine traffic stops with warnings, and a review of crash history showing two crashes on that stretch since 2020. Karas said the city expects to have the assembled data and a staff recommendation within about two to four weeks.

Next steps and unanswered questions

Councilors asked whether engineering changes such as narrowed lanes, pedestrian islands, or speed cushions were under consideration; staff said traffic calming options will be evaluated after the city reviews the speed and volume data. Police said they are coordinating educational outreach with Adobe Creek Golf Course about safe driving and responsible alcohol use because alcohol was a factor in the April crash.

No ordinance or formal change was proposed or approved at the meeting. Instead, council directed staff and the traffic‑safety committee to complete the speed study, report back to council with results and recommended countermeasures, and continue targeted enforcement in the interim.

Ending

Residents asked for faster action; staff and the police department asked for time to finish technical review and recommended enforcement. The council did not set a firm date for formal policy changes but staff said it will return to council with findings and recommended measures in the coming weeks.","Residents backing Adobe Falls Subdivision and the Adobe Creek Golf Course urged the Fruita City Council to cut the speed limit on 18 and a Half Road to 25 mph and add signage, enforcement and traffic controls after a vehicle crashed into a home in April. Staff and police said they are collecting speed data and will report back within weeks.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6236339,"Council vacates temporary easement on Lot 1 of Santa Ana Subdivision",687,3004000,3691000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3365606-e2b17c7489501a32b84d0a894c92e53e&start=3004&end=3691","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3365606-e2b17c7489501a32b84d0a894c92e53e/thumbnail_3004000.jpg","/articles/6236339/Fruita-City/Mesa-County/Colorado/Council-vacates-temporary-easement-on-Lot-1-of-Santa-Ana-Subdivision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236339-a2b15f28a09a3ed6551c4bb2870b5e84/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175556&Signature=gbX8R1LrUt4ECzxf5EMv1YILgQNS0feNmhwfd2XUUQTnL1c0sZ54bzTphCP3w5RBZHKkvdn4VllrLRk7omcgsHS8rvdIapd1ucGC-NMCMUKkqGL5RwWoE1BGVlcxPMBus9Q0nzqaMw9QecMjVl17MOLB6V7syAsV90gUEqdeGAVyEBs9GeCIL-5TbNXhc8YIytu~TKz4qGkQDmqZ8pwiGpE8yjceaiXkQRzjqiqqif~yg-GQekui0skDnwG9YhQu16AhUDwQTUGSmmwDewck8SfgkLjJxaolsI2GhtL54RFN7t1wxmxVyRhu4PaRZrn3XeLzuvxPAXuWPg~LTAsT0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fruita City Council on May 6 adopted Ordinance 2025‑08, vacating a temporary city easement that covered the east 12 feet and south 15 feet of Lot 1 in the Santa Ana Subdivision.

Why it matters: The recorded easement had been dedicated for park/recreation and stormwater detention purposes. City staff said utility providers and public‑works reviewers found no conflicts with utilities or infrastructure and that the easement had not been used for its original purpose for many years.

Staff presentation

Henry (planning staff) explained the easement was recorded with the 2008 plat and was intended for public recreation and stormwater‑detention operation, maintenance and repair. He said the city contacted utility providers — including water, Xcel Energy, Grand Valley Drainage District and Grand Valley Irrigation Company — and none objected. Staff also noted an error in early legal notice for the process that staff corrected before the first reading; planning commission held an initial public hearing and voted 6–0 to recommend vacation.

Applicant and public comment

Applicant Glenn Howell, owner of the Lot 1 property, said the detention pond area had not functioned as intended for years and that the easement had inhibited property maintenance for homeowners. The Santa Ana homeowners association submitted written comments expressing concern about access for maintenance of a neighboring tract but staff said the easement had not been established for that purpose and that neighboring property owners nonetheless have reasonable separation to access and maintain their tract.

Council action and outcome

A councilor moved to adopt Ordinance 2025‑08; the council approved the ordinance by roll call vote 5–0. Staff advised the vacation would not affect nearby Tract A and that property owners retain normal private maintenance remedies where appropriate.

Ending

The vacation clears the temporary city easement from Lot 1; any future development or maintenance on the parcel will follow standard private property and HOA processes and applicable city permitting requirements.","Fruita City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025‑08 on May 6 to vacate a temporary easement that encumbered portions of Lot 1 in the Santa Ana Subdivision. Staff and utility providers reported no conflicts; the planning commission recommended approval 6‑0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council rezones 14 acres near Monument Ridge Elementary to community residential over opposition on traffic and growth

Residents petition Fruita council to cut speed limit, staff to study 18 and a Half Road safety

Council vacates temporary easement on Lot 1 of Santa Ana Subdivision