Montezuma County planning panel recommends approval of three land-use applications and flags scams, blight concerns

At its meeting in Cortez, the Montezuma County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of three separate development applications and raised two countywide administrative issues: scam invoices directed at applicants and the lack of a clear local definition or enforcement mechanism for blight.

The commission reviewed a 13.42‑acre single‑lot rezoning application submitted by Edward G. Merritt Family Partnerships (agent Ed Merritt Jr.). Planning staff reported that agencies were notified, Empire Electric can provide power, and Montezuma Water has a 4‑inch line nearby. "Water would be available for a tap for residential use," Planning Department staff member Don Haley said. Staff reported wildfire adaptive recommended a mitigation plan for moderate wildfire risk and county weed control recommended a waiver for a comprehensive weed plan. After public comment and brief discussion, the commission moved and unanimously…