Planning commission recommends denial of Lambert Park turnaround, citing code and easement concerns

The Alpine City Planning Commission on July 29 held a public hearing on a City Council‑budgeted proposal to add a turnaround and up to 11 parking stalls at the west end of Box Elder Way in Lambert Park. Staff described the project and warned that some proposed slopes exceed local grade limits; staff noted that “the grade through the turnaround exceeds the 3% Max” and that grades over 10% would require fire‑marshall approval.

Applicant Jason Thielen said the project has appeared in council budgets for years and argued it would provide safer turning and closer access to poppy‑season viewing. Residents speaking during the public hearing urged more neighborhood engagement and protection of trails and open space. Commissioner Jeff Davis moved to recommend denial, finding the request did not sufficiently meet the Alpine Development Code or the conservation easement; the motion (modified to note staff had not identified ordinance language allowing grade exceptions) passed 4–1 (ayes: Jeff Davis, Alan McDonald, John McKay, Michelle Shermer; nay: Troy Slade). The commission recommended denial to City Council and asked staff to obtain written fire‑marshal input and to cite any ordinance language that would permit exceptions before Council action.

“Language was not found in the current ordinance to grades that allow for an exception to cul de sac turnarounds,” the commission recorded as part of its modified finding. Resident Andrew Young told the commission “there was no resident input” near the circle and urged door‑to‑door outreach; Cheryl Dame urged commissioners to preserve Lambert Park as a city asset and to avoid changes that would degrade trails and open space. The commission’s recommendation is advisory; City Council will decide whether to proceed, whether to require additional design and environmental analysis, or whether to authorize exceptions to the code.