Montrose City Planning Commission recommends approval of amended Bridges at Black Canyon preliminary plat

The Montrose City Planning Commission on March 11 voted unanimously to recommend that city council approve an amended preliminary plat for the Bridges at Black Canyon subdivision that removes a planned roadway and bridge connection over a canal and converts Rimrock Court into a cul-de-sac.

City planner William told the commission the application concerns Outlot B of Filing 8, a site the staff described as roughly 27.61 acres with development focused on the western portion. ‘‘Staff finds that this plat is in compliance with subdivision regulations in the comprehensive plan as well as the R2 low-density district zoning,’’ William said, and recommended conditional approval subject to the standard preliminary-plat conditions and that staff verify all code and policy requirements before execution of the final plat.

Commissioners asked whether emergency access was acceptable after removing the connection; William confirmed the fire department ‘‘has reviewed and approved the plans as shown,’’ and said staff generally waits for that approval before bringing applications forward.

The developer, Jennings, who stated his address for the record, said the change is driven by cost and practicality. Jennings said the proposed bridge would ‘‘lead to nowhere’’ for the later phases of the project and that removing the connection was ‘‘just a cost thing’’ and in the best interest of the project and the city.

Planning Commissioner Phoebe Benzinger moved to recommend approval of the preliminary plat with the condition that city staff ensure all policies, regulations and staff concerns are satisfied before final plat execution. Richard Rogers seconded the motion; it passed unanimously.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to Montrose City Council; staff emphasized that the final plat may not be executed until all conditions cited in the commission motion and staff report are satisfied.