[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6051453,"mediaKeyId","3444020-785cbc7e3060bb346112b4effe371956","parentId",3444020,"title","Council rezones 651 S. Highway 50 from PD to MU‑2 to expand redevelopment options","audioSeconds",426,"startMs",13172000,"endMs",13598000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444020-785cbc7e3060bb346112b4effe371956&start=13172&end=13598","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444020-785cbc7e3060bb346112b4effe371956/thumbnail_13172000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6051453/Grand-Junction/Mesa-County/Colorado/Council-rezones-651-S-Highway-50-from-PD-to-MU2-to-expand-redevelopment-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051453-04ca6770893a7666d8ca757940d9afed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151278&Signature=Pk2wt0TFANKp9yDpsi9jrtqN6~OxpPY1BBTRKc0msFdrg4g9GNL~d2YFiEpt5TdCcDpaTrn7aXiOFm5TwANuvJVxxMdEaiePoUBkHYnEmPXBp5k6OaYAZ13TqS3VDxuRXEBTN308SFoaBs4orGWgVol1OH-kw7BAVopXM5sL6KnCqEUNL~Jm0ZAMYeSC6c63LL6dDhjQT6-Pqv1MrXq7i-ge8nXg~7sKpXmSfJ-aXkRvqzWYzdGPUL~KoL4hh85H84Sf9fmRnYnyXv7tL6WgTEYxwQw8E6xKOW2TwcI8KMvHywuTmMFUt4AKXOElL8-e6iB8nT-JCpY8LzsoJR75Ng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Grand Junction CO","date","2025-05-07T00:00:00Z","article","The Grand Junction City Council voted unanimously, 7‑0, to rezone approximately 1.91 acres at 651 South Highway 50 from Planned Development (PD) to MU‑2 (Mixed Use Light Commercial). The applicant, Jeff Zimmerman of Fortin Home Development, sought the rezone to increase flexibility for future redevelopment of the site, which the city’s staff report said is currently limited by its PD designation to being operated as a mobile‑home park.

Jessica Johnson, zoning supervisor in the community development department, presented the request and staff’s analysis, concluding the proposed MU‑2 zone is consistent with the property’s Comprehensive Plan future land‑use designation (Commercial) and advances city goals to increase housing choices. The staff report also noted that any future project on the parcel would be subject to a separate site‑plan review process and applicable standards for MU‑2 development.

Councilmember Stout moved adoption of the rezoning ordinance on final passage and Mayor Cody Kennedy called the roll; the ordinance passed with all members voting yes. The planning commission had previously reviewed the request and the staff report recommended approval.

What happens next: With the MU‑2 zoning in place, the property owner or prospective developers may prepare site plans for higher‑density residential or mixed‑use redevelopment; those proposals will be subject to site-plan review and any conditional-use requirements in MU‑2.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Grand Junction City Council - Regular Meeting - May 07, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved a developer’s request to rezone 1.91 acres at 651 South Highway 50 from Planned Development (PD) to MU‑2 (Mixed Use Light Commercial) to allow a broader set of residential and commercial redevelopment options; the decision was unanimous, 7‑0.","taxTitle","Grand Junction, Mesa County, Colorado","taxId",5495,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6051458,"City council adopts zoning code changes to MU-1 and MU-3 districts, clarifies retail and outdoor-entertainment rules",743,12383000,13126000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444020-785cbc7e3060bb346112b4effe371956&start=12383&end=13126","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444020-785cbc7e3060bb346112b4effe371956/thumbnail_12383000.jpg","/articles/6051458/Grand-Junction/Mesa-County/Colorado/City-council-adopts-zoning-code-changes-to-MU-1-and-MU-3-districts-clarifies-retail-and-outdoor-entertainment-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051458-8253308948a2824cc95381878b51e146/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151278&Signature=lW8bI5-f0-geuGt69YDq3xglNRA07Uz4y0BKPepwTrR6rWUJII7LoPKyNGk9HMtyCXWAsktok3YAQBjkLuJodhHh~~n0nCSnoxICu5ajXi6t5JEpAt95Y1XzdvwE4lAVKH7XhbQlUTlhp~5NxIEqGgUYkvk--vbUlNhoSeFNZ6O9U9RfdZ7sd06Y8c4JzhvWRBMkHBZaL7qCkOao7cHg0gTdyiRNm9eyhUjK4wxShvH9VhWUA7OI3wufwPKldg~mCcY~r5AvNE3WuC4Q-qZScseYQWzlbuhjBPvfJFUB7bn80BQQvQRVfNs4Ud1l2QG~9VLhPPrhpm6-gscWtPvbNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Junction City Council adopted ordinance No. 52-60 on final passage to amend Title 21 of the zoning and development code, updating standards for the mixed-use neighborhood (MU‑1) and mixed-use downtown (MU‑3) zone districts.

The approved changes respond to conflicts that arose after the city’s 2023 code rewrite. Key elements include: clarifying that the MU‑1 sign standards (which had been drawn from a more restrictive residential code) apply only to MU‑1 properties whose land-use designation explicitly contains the word “residential,” while MU‑1 properties that function as neighborhood business areas revert to the mixed‑use/industrial sign standards; reintroducing a retail size tier in MU‑1 for medium retail (15,000 square feet) so properties formerly zoned B‑1 retain development flexibility; adding retail medium as an allowed/conditional use in MU‑1 (with conditional use review in residentially designated areas); adding outdoor entertainment and recreation as an allowed/conditional use in MU‑3 (with conditional use permit required for lots adjacent to residential zones); and reducing the MU‑3 accessory-structure front setback from 25 feet to 0 feet to allow more activation near the sidewalk.

Tim Laerbock, principal planner with community development, told council the edits strike a balance between protecting residential adjacencies and restoring expected business development opportunities along major thoroughfares that had been B‑1 under the prior code. The planning commission reviewed the amendments and voted 5‑0‑2 to recommend approval.

Councilmember Anna Stout moved adoption of the ordinance on final passage; the motion passed unanimously, 7‑0. Council will publish the ordinance in pamphlet form as required.

What happens next: The zoning changes take effect on final publication; projects in MU‑1 and MU‑3 will be subject to the clarified sign and use standards and to conditional-use review where the amendments require it. Staff and applicants are expected to use the updated definitions (retail thresholds adjusted from 10,000 to 15,000 square feet between medium and large) when preparing site plans and conditional‑use applications.","Council approved a package of amendments to Title 21 clarifying sign standards, retail size thresholds, and allowing outdoor entertainment in MU‑3 (with conditions), and reducing accessory structure front setbacks; the planning commission recommended approval 5‑0‑2 and the council passed the ordinance 7‑0.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6051463,"Grand Junction council elects Cody Kennedy mayor and Laurel Cole mayor pro tem; both sworn in",598,1614000,2212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444020-785cbc7e3060bb346112b4effe371956&start=1614&end=2212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444020-785cbc7e3060bb346112b4effe371956/thumbnail_1614000.jpg","/articles/6051463/Grand-Junction/Mesa-County/Colorado/Grand-Junction-council-elects-Cody-Kennedy-mayor-and-Laurel-Cole-mayor-pro-tem-both-sworn-in","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051463-c3c28ac61c6726f141e18085c53c8d1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151278&Signature=oLaPbhsPctYc-kMHU8f5G7MDc21xBrJbzpOML2TQp6zcMqyA2ShbdD5hiBZDl~o97HTHJtocmSVN28aKiHe2Lpnz0hdKahHDR1jAXcOIHLT-3~-ksrKzd253hOpCm5nMK9mJoad6bZVOY8b2yAVbh49TGIIjrau4zMqEWqL5~jtg4HOxevm-fCB5ik~SkwY~oOsEwKkZCuhudMEiN~tuItNGQ8iIzfO9qkLVSgoSMTgFptEUschd5k06CgVrUhXav937XgbhBw9Zv7tZuqOS4sgTHKoLiCWePLvkkqUsSR40HFR5q798n~CCx~RNzfrkxcibVkir1mwgPnFAAPVyog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Grand Junction City Council reorganized at the start of the meeting, appointing a temporary president pro tem and electing leadership for the 2025–2026 year. Councilmember Anna Stout moved to adopt Resolution No. 22-25 appointing Cody Kennedy as acting president pro tempore; the council adopted the resolution by acclamation.

After the temporary president pro tem was appointed, the council proceeded with nominations for city leadership. Councilmember Stout nominated Cody Kennedy for mayor; the motion passed 6–1 (one councilmember opposed). Council then nominated Laurel Cole for mayor pro tem; that motion passed unanimously, 7–0.

Both officials took the oath of office at the dais. The swearing-in ceremony followed the statutory oath to support the U.S. and Colorado constitutions and to “faithfully perform the duties of the office of president of the council ex officio mayor,” language used during the oath. Councilmembers and staff noted the procedural step was necessary because the council had not yet named a mayor or mayor pro tem prior to the meeting.

What happens next: Cody Kennedy will serve as mayor (president of the council) and Laurel Cole will serve as mayor pro tem for the council term identified during the reorganization. The council also scheduled administrative adjustments following the swearing-in and continued into the agenda of the evening.","Council reorganized at the start of the meeting: a temporary president pro tem was appointed, Cody Kennedy was chosen mayor in a 6–1 vote and Laurel Cole was elected mayor pro tem 7–0; both officials were formally sworn in.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6051469,"Grand Junction council votes 4-3 to revert Fourth and Fifth Street pilot after months of public comment",6869,5130000,11999000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444020-785cbc7e3060bb346112b4effe371956&start=5130&end=11999","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444020-785cbc7e3060bb346112b4effe371956/thumbnail_5130000.jpg","/articles/6051469/Grand-Junction/Mesa-County/Colorado/Grand-Junction-council-votes-4-3-to-revert-Fourth-and-Fifth-Street-pilot-after-months-of-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051469-1ac01c471529f03cea2f4f91a5cc283b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771151278&Signature=fqlpU6tZoTug8vOQuKAWImNOHUGR8xduOougwK2DpLLzPg6EI8y1eJRUMKP7jzBuyGwKrPlGwepuQCBXFMwqBK77cwpTJjkM9mPRVjjkOBLP5wcT1HmfkODgXyCh40wtefomy55c-uQEMRVJbs4M7IydHcj-KNvCPBU-43QubLU7a7vwzAKJrgYgnX1ZzCIRFql4~gJymIlRRdboSicT~T-aHVlF6024WvjhLK466plyNHgPSsupbBdfMmgpFqDI934aS8Vsk8iUlK9-Oju2YHbQ8RmZ4zWmhHwLJ6mn0Y6XcUa2QkQT7vvJ9sYvnBGRNaszfdyvYoCaD2GZq8pW2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Junction City Council voted 4-3 on Tuesday to return Fourth and Fifth streets to their pre-pilot configuration, reversing a temporary protected-bike-lane pilot that was installed last summer and had generated months of public comment. Councilmember Van Dyke moved to revert the corridors and the motion passed with Ballard, Cole, Van Dyke and Mayor Cody Kennedy voting yes and Councilmembers Bialfuss, Wynne and Stout voting no.

The decision follows hours of public comment and a staff briefing that showed modest safety gains: staff transportation data presented by transportation and engineering director Trent Prahl reported average speeds on Fourth Street had fallen about 4.3 miles per hour and speeds on Fifth Street had dropped from about 37 mph to roughly 32 mph after the pilot’s installation. Prahl also outlined an alternate design — previously described to council as “version 2” — that would remove the temporary white bollards and use diagonal parking with a buffered bike lane and a single travel lane, and that staff had estimated would cost roughly $40,000 to implement as an interim change.

Supporters of keeping a protected facility said the pilot had slowed traffic and made downtown quieter and more walkable. Ash Zolton, a downtown small-business owner and resident, said the pilot made the corridor feel “much safer” for people on bikes and that the project should proceed to a more permanent design. Several public-safety and health professionals, including Dr. Tanner Spies, a trauma surgeon, urged the council to keep changes that reduced speeds. “Early data has suggested that we have decreased speeds on Fourth and Fifth, which have led to a decrease in pedestrian and bike accidents,” Spies said.

Opponents, including many downtown business owners and residents, said the pilot harmed commerce, reduced usable parking, and created hazards for emergency vehicles and people with limited mobility. Councilmembers heard multiple accounts from merchants who reported fewer customers and from residents and drivers who said emergency vehicles had trouble getting through single-lane stretches. Nikki Hunt, owner of Thomas Hunt Jewelers, said parallel parking and access for people who use wheelchairs were made more difficult and called the changes “unsafe.” Nova Tucker, who described having mobility limitations, told council, “It is impossible to park and unload a wheelchair safely on Fourth Or Fifth Street.”

Council members debated three core goals: maintaining downtown access and business activity, keeping vehicle speeds low, and providing safer spaces for pedestrians and bicyclists. Several council members said the pilot had succeeded in slowing traffic but that the economic harm being reported by businesses and the operational problems described by emergency responders outweighed those benefits at this time. Councilmember Van Dyke said the city had to be mindful of downtown businesses that “might not make payroll next month.” Councilmember Stout and others asked for a faster decision timeline; Stout argued the council owed the downtown an answer rather than a prolonged pilot.

The motion that passed directed staff to restore Fourth and Fifth to their pre-pilot lane configuration and gave staff limited latitude — following recognized engineering standards — to adjust lane widths and striping while doing the reversion work. City staff confirmed the reversion work can be completed using funds available in this year’s transportation budget. Staff and council discussed, but did not adopt, a separate near-term alternative (version 2) that would have removed the bollards and used diagonal parking with a single driving lane while continuing engagement on longer-term options.

Council members on both sides said further work was needed on multimodal connections elsewhere in the city and on targeted traffic-calming measures that do not produce the operational problems described downtown. Transportation staff and councilmembers repeatedly referenced the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) as the standard that will guide any technical adjustments to lane widths or striping when staff implements the reversion. A number of councilmembers asked staff to bring a focused workshop on traffic-calming measures and alternative bike- and pedestrian-routing options to ensure future changes balance safety and economic vitality.

What happens next: City staff will schedule and implement the reversion to pre-pilot lane striping and parking patterns, using MUTCD and engineering standards for lane widths. Council and staff said they will continue a public engagement process and bring design options for targeted traffic-calming and multimodal connections back to the council for review. No permanent construction or curb changes were approved as part of the reversion vote.","After months of public comment and a staff presentation showing slower vehicle speeds but mixed business feedback, Grand Junction City Council voted 4-3 to return Fourth and Fifth streets to their pre-pilot configuration and directed staff to make technical adjustments to lane widths under engineering standards.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council rezones 651 S. Highway 50 from PD to MU‑2 to expand redevelopment options

City council adopts zoning code changes to MU-1 and MU-3 districts, clarifies retail and outdoor-entertainment rules

Grand Junction council elects Cody Kennedy mayor and Laurel Cole mayor pro tem; both sworn in

Grand Junction council votes 4-3 to revert Fourth and Fifth Street pilot after months of public comment