Businesses object to plans for nearby trailer park on Road G

Businesses object to plans for nearby trailer park on Road G.2

July 28, 2001

By Jim Mimiaga
Journal Staff Writer

Neighborhood residents typically cringe when industrial businesses want to move in next door. But it also works the other way around.

That is the case with a proposed high-density subdivision on Road G.2 south of Cortez. The 18-home trailer-park development planned by Orville and Nick Lewis on three acres would sit in the midst of two busy trucking companies, a hot-oil plant, a blasting and mining company, and a heavy-equipment repair business.

At a public hearing for an urban-services zone request Thursday, representatives of six surrounding businesses expressed opposition to the plan in a letter presented to the board. They cited safety hazards, increased traffic on heavily traveled roads, and fears that future residents would complain about industrial noise and truck traffic.

"There is a huge amount of noise in that area within close proximity," said Steve Durall, owner of one of the trucking companies. "Heavy equipment from six industrial companies utilizes that road, driving in and out at all hours of the day and often at night, so having kids run around would be dangerous."

Placing fencing to prevent children from running out in the road may help minimize problems, but it would not prevent kids from being kids, Durall said, "and besides that, with all that loud metal-grinding going on next door, snuggling up to mom to get some good rest would be difficult."

The area, known as the Blue Door subdivision, is zoned for residential and commercial uses. RV sales and popular softball fields are also nearby.

But Montezuma County planners approved the urban-zoning request, noting that there are other trailer homes in the area and that, because of the mixed zoning already there, the Lewises have a right to start a trailer park regardless of its supposed incompatibility.

Nick Lewis said he and his dad have spent days and nights at the location and do not believe the noise or activity will be detrimental.

"I’ve lived in a New York apartment where Central Station trains went right by, so living in that kind of place is not all that uncommon," said planning-commission member Lawrence Wallington.

Planners said that there would be more opportunity for opponents to air their concerns during future public hearings on the specific development plan.