Council designates Avamore lot as regional open space; developer raises idea of a ‘cowboy’ cemetery, some homeowners object

The council approved Avamore’s sub‑area plan number 2, which designates four northern parcels within Avamore for future land‑use districts (three rural‑residential, one regional open space). Brad Famular, Avamore’s general manager, said the developer wants the open‑space parcel reserved for possible future uses and described a vision that could include a low‑maintenance, natural cemetery at the top of the hill.

“Tonight all we’re doing is we’re putting the specific area plan and kind of putting a zoning on it right now,” Famular said, explaining that any future use other than open space would require separate platting and design‑review approvals. Several Avamore homeowners urged council to delay any cemetery planning until land‑use, environmental and feasibility studies and community engagement are completed; Barb Morrison told the council she and other residents did not want HOA fees tapped for perpetual‑care obligations and questioned whether additional cemetery capacity is needed in the region.

Councilmembers and staff emphasized this action only overlays the open‑space designation; any cemetery proposal would return for public review and would must comply with state cemetery laws and maintenance‑district rules. The motion to approve the SAP (with staff’s conditions) passed after council discussion.