Erie council directs staff to pursue open‑space zoning, funding plan for Page property after extensive public comment

The Erie Town Council on May 20 moved to bring back an ordinance this summer to zone the approximately 50‑acre Page property for open space and to return in the 2027 budget cycle with a plan to replace ARPA funds used to acquire the land so those dollars can remain available for affordable housing.

The action followed more than an hour of public comment from residents who urged the council to keep the land as open space, citing wildlife habitat, a large pond that supports owls and aquatic birds, and opportunities to connect trails from Northridge to Old Town and Coal Creek Park. “I respectfully urge the Council to prioritize preservation of the Page property and to explore every available partnership and funding option before moving towards any development,” said Michael, a Northridge resident who spoke online.

Why this matters: The town purchased the site in October 2023 and annexed it in January 2024. Staff told the council the purchase cost is roughly $6.7 million, funded about half from the Trails and Natural Areas fund (TNAAC/TNAF) and half from ARPA; Dig Studios’ concept plan work cost about $172,000 with roughly $67,000 remaining for further study. Council members repeatedly balanced two community priorities: preserving open space and the town’s earlier commitment to use ARPA funds for affordable housing.

Council direction and next steps: The motion approved by voice vote asks staff to return with: - an ordinance to zone the Page property as agricultural/open space (with staff analysis this summer of which areas could be reserved open space and which could be ag open space), - a 2027 budget proposal that outlines a payment plan or other approach (including potential land swaps or phased repayment) to replace ARPA housing dollars tied to the property so those funds can be redeployed for affordable housing, and - a 2027 feasibility study, if funding is approved, on potential future amenities such as a nature or history center, trailhead connections, and a paved or gravel parking area to support Old Town overflow parking and trail access.

What staff said: Sarah Nirmala, director of planning and development, described the site’s constraints — floodplain and other encumbrances that limit buildable acreage — and noted prior concept work that identified a smaller developable footprint on the south end of the parcel and larger areas that could remain as open space. Finance Director Sarah Hancock confirmed the ARPA reporting and single‑audit process has been completed and that staff can examine internal transfers or an appropriation method to earmark funds for affordable housing if council wishes.

Dissent and conditions: Some council members stressed caution before drawing down the TNAAC fund, proposing a payment plan or other solutions so the open‑space fund is not unexpectedly depleted. Others pushed for a stronger, sooner commitment to affordable housing policy, recommending a housing needs advisory group and a joint session with the planning commission.

Context and community reaction: Dozens of residents — from longtime Northridge neighbors to students and Old Town residents — emphasized wildlife, trail connections, and the town’s character. Several speakers also raised concerns about traffic, water availability and the costs of building a major park facility. A previously reported pre‑application from a church for a land swap was withdrawn and is no longer active, staff said.

What happens next: Staff will return with zoning language and an analysis of which portions, if any, should be reserved open space versus ag open space, plus details about financial options to restore ARPA dollars for housing. Council signaled support for using remaining design funds and for considering TNAAC‑eligible uses (trails, parking, rehabilitation) in future budget cycles.

The council’s motion carried by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was announced. The council then moved on to other business.