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Developers and staff outline phased approach for Fruita parcel formerly used as sewer lagoons
Summary
2 Forks Ventures and Fruita staff reported a change in the entitlement sequence for roughly 40 acres along Raptor Road: seek zoning and infrastructure design first, then move to phased infrastructure, park planning and ultimately a PUD; no formal action was taken.
Fruita City Council heard an informational update on a private development of roughly the westernmost 40 acres along Raptor Road, land the city described as formerly used for decommissioned sewer lagoons.
Dan Karas, assistant city manager, introduced the presentation and said the city and the developer have completed multiple meetings under a development agreement that led to conveying 50% of the developable property to the private partner. Gavin Brook of 2 Forks Ventures told the council the partners are proposing a revised, phased approach to entitlements and implementation rather than pursuing one large permitting package.
"We're proposing a new approach, where we go after underlying zoning for the entire parcel, with some limitations on it, and then proceed into infrastructure drawings," Brook said. He described the sequence as: secure zoning, complete infrastructure and lot-level design, deliver off-site and on-site infrastructure and park planning, then enter a phase-one build and later a full Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Brook said the change is intended to reduce risk and prove market viability before committing to a detailed, full-scale PUD. He emphasized the proposal is informational; the team expects to return with a fuller, formal presentation and application in the coming weeks.
Council members and staff asked about public-use amenities and management. Brook and Karas said planning for public access had not been finalized and that, while the city had completed grading and seeding work, there was not yet a management plan for opening areas to the public. Karas noted the team planned to present a fuller packet to council at the next meeting and to begin application steps afterward if the council agrees.
No motion or vote occurred on the development approach; council received the presentation for future consideration. The council directed staff and the developer to return with detailed materials at the March follow-up and to clarify sequencing, public-use timing and infrastructure responsibilities.
The council also discussed the project team: planning lead Chaney Bostick and architect Claire Von Franz are on the team, River Restoration is advising on boat-ramp and floodplain matters, and civil and soils consultants are being finalized.
