Family Links asks for storage container and parking adjustments as demand rises 40%

Family Links representatives asked the Nucla Board of Trustees for a variance to place a connex storage container on the south side of their Main Street property, describing a 40% year-over-year increase in demand for food, clothing and hygiene items.

"The Family Link has seen a 40% increase in demand for our services year-over-year," the representative said, adding the conex would be used to store food and items for a clothes closet. The representative also said the group plans to remove a large pine tree that is damaging the building’s foundation and interfering with water pipes, and will convert that area to handicapped-accessible parking.

Trustees asked staff to obtain written confirmation from the adjacent property owner that the setback variance would not interfere with their access. The building inspector said he would visit the site and review the plan for setbacks and traffic flow; he did not report any immediate objections to the proposed placement if setbacks are met.

The Family Links representative said the connex would be painted to match the building and used as a storage shell; power would not be connected. Trustees said a neighbor note or letter would allow the variance to move forward administratively.

What happens next: staff will collect a written neighbor acknowledgement and the building inspector will complete an on-site review. If the application demonstrates the required setbacks and documentation, the board indicated it was inclined to approve the variance.