Cheyenne Mountain Neighborhood Association

December, 2003 Newsletter

Nov 26, 2003

Newsletter for December, 2003


JL Ranch Project

The extension of Broadmoor Bluffs Drive to NORAD Road is proceeding nicely. All of the rough grading is completed and fine grading and utilities work is taking place, alongside drainage work. Most of the trucks used in the construction of the road have been using NORAD Road, which is appreciated by the residents of Broadmoor Bluffs Drive. There have been some early problems with trucks leaving mud on Broadmoor Bluffs Drive but discussions by the Association with the City Grading Inspector and the contractor, Classic Construction have solved the problem.

We are looking forward to being to use NORAD Road shortly. Once the road is completed, the developer will be able to begin interior road & utility improvements and subsequently, lot sales.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Many of our members either wrote our local City Council Members or attended the City Council meeting to voice their concerns about open wood burning fires in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Although The Gazette reported that the issue is a dead one, in meetings with our City Council member, Jerry Heimlicher, we learned that the City Council is indeed interested in safeguarding our lives and property and is amenable to revisiting the resolution opposing the open fires once again.

Our Association?’s goal is to obtain a written agreement between the City of Colorado Springs and Colorado State Parks that guarantees that the fire mitigation measures promised to the City Council are implemented, not just the first year, but every year thereafter. The agreement would allow the City to shut down the campground if they are not adhered to. A major element of this agreement would be the use of natural gas fired campfires, which would eliminate the open fire and flying ember problems of open fires.

Bolstered by this support on City Council, we have also in hand a resolution from CONO (Council of Neighbors and Organizations), which opposes the use of open wood burning fires in the park. CONO is the largest organization in the City that represents homeowner and neighborhood associations.

As well, several of our members have met with the president of the Broadmoor Hotel to review the dangers of wildland fire to the hotel and its land holdings, especially since these land holdings are vulnerable to wildland fire along the flanks of Cheyenne Mountain. We are pleased to report that the Broadmoor Hotel is now opposed to the use of open wood burning fires in the park and will issue a letter indicating this position.

Finally, Brig. Gen. Duane Deal, Commander of the 21st Space Wing, NORAD, issued a letter to CO. State Parks that NORAD is opposed to the use of all open ignition sources in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, including gas grilles, charcoal grilles and campfires. A copy of his letter is attached to e-mail to members.

We have requested the City Council to consider once again our resolution to oppose open wood fires in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. It is our goal to use this resolution, along with support from CONO and NORAD to stop the use of open wood burning fires in the park. We have learned that the Governor is the key to stopping this dangerous practice. We will ask our members to contact the Governor shortly to express their opposition. If necessary, we will work with our State legislators to draft legislation prohibiting the construction of State campgrounds in wildland/urban interface areas such as Cheyenne Mountain.


Street Lighting

We learned from Jerry Heimlicher that Colorado Springs Utilities has presented to the City Council revised regulations regarding street lighting. These regulations are being considered at this time and include provisions for residents to either install new street lights where none exist or to remover or exclude their area from streetlights altogether. We will report these regulations once they are approved by the City Council.


Cheyenne Mountain Fire Mitigation Program


Our Association will be working this fall and winter on the first phase of our Fire Mitigation Plan. This first phase will include the development of a pilot program for fuels reduction in one neighborhood on Cheyenne Mountain as well as the development of an evacuation planning tool or document for use by all residents. Our goal is to complete our work this winter and implement both items this coming spring.

Soaring Eagles Development Project (YWAM Residential Development)

No change from our last newsletter has taken place.

Membership

The Association is still in need of some volunteers to help with membership activities. Your time can be as minimal as your schedule allows and any help is greatly appreciated. To volunteer, contact Maureen Frediani at Kwajmaureen@yahoo.com or 579-6643

Thanks for your help.

NORAD Visitor?’s Center Project

Work continues on the new NORAD Visitor?’s Center project on the NORAD Road. Work is scheduled to be completed this winter or early spring.

In cooperation with the neighbors and in response to our request, NORAD has proposed the planting of pine trees along the fence line of the new Visitor?’s Center, as well as near the parking lot. This should help to mitigate some of the visual impact of the new facility. As well, the color of the roof material was changed from Air Force Blue to Dark Brown. This should help as well. Light baffles for the parking lot lighting is proposed and NORAD has agreed to work with the neighbors to adjust the baffles when installed.

The Association will continue to work with the neighbors and NORAD to complete the project will as little impact as possible on their homes.


Snow Removal

No word as yet about the meeting between Jerry Heimlicher and the City Public Works Department regarding the snow removal policy on Cheyenne Mountain. With the completion of roads in some new developments, many of the roads have experienced increased traffic or re-routed traffic, which may elevate their status for purposes of snow removal. Two examples are Ellsworth and Paisley Drive, both formally dead end streets but now major connectors throughout the neighborhoods.

Broadmoor Bluffs Drive Subsidence Problem

The City and Gates Development are still in disagreement about the extent and cost to repair Broadmoor Bluffs Drive. Residents in the area have reported that geotechnical consultants are still monitoring the subsidence which further adds to the information gathered at the site. The City has committed to keeping the road in good repair while the issue is resolved.


Thanks everyone. As always, if you have any questions either call me at 538-9190 or e-mail at johnicholas@adelphia.net.