Town of Erie

Printable Version

Town of Erie

ERIE’S GROWTH SLOWER, MORE STABLE THAN PERCEIVED
In 1992 the Town issued no single-family building permits. Through June 30, 2005, town officials have issues 353 single-family permits, on pace to match, but not exceed last year’s total of 673 permits. Since 1997, and prior to 2004, Erie’s single-family permits ranged from 318 to 466, except for 1998 and 1999 with 677 and 633 respectively. On a growth percentage basis, Erie was Colorado’s fourth fastest growing town during the 1990s. Erie officials believe the Town’s growth policies are more balanced today than in the past and things like the recently developed unified building code has improved the quality of development reviews.

LONG SOUGHT COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT APPEARS IMMINENT
Years of desire for commercial development in Erie may be on the near horizon if Town official approve plans for Erie commons this fall. Site improvement plans are moving forward and could be up for public review in early September. According to project developer, Community Development Group, Heritage Bank is the first business to finalize plans to open in Erie commons. In total, five buildings are part of the site improvement plan and they are expected to house professional offices rather than retail. Model homes were built in Erie Commons earlier this year. The proposed site of the future Erie recreation center and library is on a portion of the development’s land along the Leon Wurl Parkway and County Line Road.

LANDFILL EXPANSION ISSUE COULD REAPPEAR IN SEPTEMBER
Delays in negotiating a controversial landfill expansion request occurred when Town officials discovered they had not properly notified the public about a scheduled public hearing. Erie’s attorney discovered that the project is subject to state law rather than just local regulations, requiring a different level of public notice. Front Range Landfill’s proposed 122-acre expansion has been in a controversial review and discussion for more than two years. A recent discovery, that Front Range Landfill not having the necessary municipal certification on 92-acres of the expansion northeast of the existing landfill site, means that the Town is required to treat the expansion and if it were a new facility rather a than an expansion of an existing one. Prior to the discovery, the Erie Planning and Zoning Commission approved the expansion with 20 conditions including one that would not allow expansion to the northeast of the existing landfill. According to a recent Longmont Daily Times Call article, Erie Mayor, Andrew Moore, has indicated the expansion proposal will not have to go back to the Planning and Zoning Commission when discussions resume, likely on September 13.