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November 29, 2018
Castle Rock Home & Holiday Show Saturday, December 8th 10am – 5pm Sunday, December 9th 11am – 4pm
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ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
Christmas tree lighting set for Dec. 7 Elizabeth celebration around town hall to begin at 5 p.m. BY TOM MUNDS TMUNDS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
the Dec. 5 BOCC land-use hearing, held at 1 p.m. The EDZ overlay would allow zoning changes to land along specific corridors within the county, including areas along highway 86 and US 24. Land within a half-mile of the centerline of the EDZ corridors would be rezoned to commercial, residential or industrial, instead of agricultural. Hotels, multi-family housing or self-storage facilities are just a few of the more than 40 uses allowed by right that could be built.
The Town of Elizabeth is preparing for a celebration that will feature the lighting of its community Christmas tree. “This is the first year we have a city Christmas tree,” said Grace Erickson, Elizabeth community development director. “We will decorate the tree and plan to have a number of activities on the day we turn the on the tree light.” The activities are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Dec. 7 in and around town hall at 151 S. Banner St. “We will have carriage rides, carolers and of course Santa will be there,” Erickson said. “There will be a stand with hot chocolate and hot cider set up in the area too.” The live tree is 24 feet tall and the town is purchasing the outdoor lights and ornaments. Volunteers from town staff will decorate the tree. Erickson said many businesses along Main Street and in other areas in Elizabeth will be open during the event. “We are hoping a lot of people join us for our first-ever tree lighting,” Erickson said. “After the tree lighting, all those attending are invited to stay around and visit our many shops and businesses that are remaining open during the event.”
SEE OVERLAY, P6
SEE LIGHTING, P15
Elbert County board of county commissioners, from left, Grant Thayer, Danny Willcox and Chris Richardson, listen to citizen concerns regarding the Economic Development Zone overlay during the Nov. 14 meeting. Commissioners denied the amended proposal for a second time, and will revisit the issue in the Dec. 5 meeting. TABATHA STEWART
County rejects EDZ overlay again Planning commission will take up issue as concerns continue BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The Elbert County Board of County Commissioners denied the approval of the Economic Development Zone overlay for a second time at a BOCC land-use hearing held Nov. 14, amid concerns expressed by citizens and BOCC
members about the right to special use process proposed in the overlay. A half-dozen citizens addressed commissioners, half for and half against the EDZ. The EDZ overlay was initially presented in March of this year, but commissioners declined to approve it Aug. 8, sending it back to the Community Development Services office for amendments. While CDS staff recommended approval of the amended proposal at the Nov. 14 meeting, commissioners agreed they were still not comfortable with the amended plan, and will reconsider a revised edition at
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The average American shopper will spend about $638 on gifts this holiday season. Source: National Retail Federation
VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 16 | CALENDAR: PAGE 2
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 123 | ISSUE 44