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Staff presents concept plan for mixed development; Fierce Firearms relocation and townhome/subdivision proposals discussed
Summary
Planning staff presented a concept layout showing three commercial buildings along Highway 89 (including space for a firearms business relocating operations), townhome units and a proposed subdivision on property between 200 East and 400 South; commissioners discussed utilities, traffic and next steps but no formal action was taken.
Gunnison planning staff presented a concept plan on March 26 for a property fronting Highway 89 that would include three commercial buildings, truck access and a rear area with four-unit townhome structures and open space. Staff said one prospective tenant is Fierce Firearms, which is reportedly considering relocating parts of its operation from Sevier County and would occupy commercial buildings fronting the highway.
City staff described the concept as including truck access and parking off 200 East and said all vehicle access for the commercial portion would need to come from that street. Staff also said the development would require utility extensions, revisions to access and possible road improvements, and would be subject to subdivision review and a master development agreement if the council favors the proposal.
Marker noted county support: the county recently approved a $20,000 economic grant to Fierce Firearms to help facilitate the move. Staff also said the developers noted pieces of equipment with high private value (staff quoted figures, saying some pieces were "each worth 1 and a half million dollars each").
Commissioners asked about zoning and capacity. Staff noted portions of the property were rezoned earlier to allow townhome development under an RC designation; the rear parcels could support four-unit townhouse structures and open space, but any expansion beyond duplexes or fourplexes on some parcels would require rezoning and additional review. Another nearby parcel concept discussed would create three lots (one retaining the existing home) and potentially add two or three new dwelling units; staff said the parcel is roughly 0.99 acres and that future subdivisions would be treated as a major subdivision and require detailed engineering review.
Commissioners raised traffic and safety concerns for 200 East and nearby 400 South, especially given the hill, curve and children playing near the river and bridge. Staff said future development would require right-of-way improvements or payments toward future road upgrades and could require emergency-access connections. No binding decision or vote was taken; staff said the plan would return for further review if the property owner proceeds.
