Trustees approve Public‑Facilities zoning for town‑owned Valdez parcel

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously on July 27 to adopt Ordinance No. 1113, establishing Public Facilities zoning for a town‑owned parcel referred to in staff materials as the Valdez property. Town Planner Lauren Rice told trustees the 1.472‑acre parcel was acquired by the town on Jan. 14, 2026, and that the zoning change supports a planned Highway 66/County Road 7 pedestrian crossing and an underpass with a trail connection to the Liberty Ranch subdivision.

"Staff finds that the proposed initial zoning is generally consistent with the 2018 comprehensive plan and that the property provides land for a community‑related use that was not anticipated at the time the comprehensive plan was adopted," Rice said, recommending approval of Ordinance No. 1113. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After the public‑hearing period, a trustee moved to approve the ordinance; the motion passed by roll call vote.

Rice described the parcel as previously in unincorporated Weld County and noted staff’s review against the land‑use code criteria. Trustees asked clarifying questions about the difference between highway commercial and general commercial zoning and why the town chose Public Facilities for the parcel; staff said the town‑owned parcel will be used for public infrastructure related to the underpass and is challenging to develop for private commercial uses. The ordinance takes effect following the town’s normal ordinance process as recorded in the meeting packet.