Cheyenne Mountain Neighborhood Association

Cheyenne Mt. Neighborhoos Assocation Newsletter - September 03

Aug 28, 2003

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Although Colorado State Parks is continuing to develop Cheyenne Mountain State Park, the issue of open fires in the park is still a great concern to us. NORAD is opposed to the use of open wood burning fires in the park and our City Councilmember, Jerry Heimlicher is still actively assisting us with this issue. We now believe that only NORAD who can express its opposition to the Governor can stop this dangerous policy. We will keep you informed.


Cheyenne Mountain Fire Mitigation Program


The Association, in cooperation with the Colorado Springs Fire Department has recently completed its series of four Fire Wise meeting this summer. Residents who attended these meetings were provided with valuable information on how to protect their homes in the event of a wildland fire. Look forward to more meetings in the future as the Association becomes more involved in fuels reduction and evacuation planning.

Since Cheyenne Mountain consists of about 8 distinct neighborhoods, a pilot project will be created to begin a comprehensive fuels reduction program in one neighborhood. It is expected that this pilot project will begin in the spring of 2004 and be include all aspects of fuel reduction. This will allow us to fine tune the program before it is used in other neighborhoods.

As well, the Association will start the evacuation planning portion of the Program sometime this fall. Our goal is to prepare evacuation planning materials and maps for the residents of Cheyenne Mountain. These materials will be distributed at a future membership meeting.

Several members have volunteered to assist the committees in implementing this program but we could use more help. If you are interested in helping, please contact John Vasilakis at johnicholas@adelphia.net or at 538-9190.

JL Ranch Project

The City Council has reviewed and approved the development plans for the JL Ranch development. Based upon comments from city agencies and our Association, the developer will be required to construct the NORAD Road extension to Broadmoor Bluffs Drive prior to any building permits being issued. As well, the developer must transport fill for his project using a temporary roadway from within his project and not use Broadmoor Bluffs Drive


Soaring Eagles Development Project

Planning continues on the project. YWAM is still considering developing its remaining parcel south of the Soaring Eagles Development project and has an agreement with the Spires to allow them to construct drainage debris dams on their property. This will allow YWAM access to the new streets that the Spires will be constructing. The Spires expects this new plan to be brought to the City Planning Commission sometime in September. If you have any comments on the proposed development or would like to see the proposed plans, please call John Vasilakis at 538-9190 or e-mail at johnicholas@adelphia.net.


Eckert Drug Project

The owner of the commercial parcel at the corner of Broadmoor Bluffs Drive and S. Academy Drive has proposed a zone change to allow the construction of an Eckert?’s Drugstore. The owner has proposed an entrance on Broadmoor Bluffs Drive opposite the Safeway entrance.

The City Planning Dept. is opposing the zone change due to traffic concerns on Broadmoor Bluffs Drive and to keep heavy commercial uses confined to areas east of Broadmoor Bluffs Drive. A neighborhood meeting was held several weeks ago with many neighbors attending the meeting to voice its opposition. It is not know if the developer will proceed with the development in light of the opposition by the City Planning Department and the neighbors.


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

NORAD has begun its new project of relocating its visitor?’s center and parking lot to its property line adjacent to Hardwick Drive. The project consists of the construction of the new visitor?’s center approximately the same size as the existing center at the top of the NORAD Road. The parking lot will have a capacity of about 50 cars and will include a security gatehouse in the center of the NORAD Road.

Several of the neighboring property owners have expressed concerns regarding light migration from the light standards to be used in parking lot as well as the visual impact of the visitor?’s center. We met with those property owners to explain the new project and to document their concerns. The Association is working with NORAD to mitigate the impact of the new project on the neighboring properties. Thus far NORAD seems cooperative in helping mitigate the impact.


Thanks everyone.