The Transcript 5
November 28, 2013
Jeffco board upholds zoning decision By Amy Woodward
awoodward@ourcoloradonews.com Jefferson County Board of Adjustment upheld a decision by the county zoning administrator during an appeals hearing on Nov. 20 which allowed for the construction of a dirt track for motor bikes located on the property of a private residence — a decision unfavorable to a neighbor whose property is used as a vacation rental. Jeri Mickels, who lives in unincorporated Jeffco on Blueridge Drive nestled between Highway 40 and Interstate 70, just east of Genesee, has rented out her previous home as a vacation rental to national and international guests for a couple of years. But when her neighbor decided to build a dirt path for the purpose of riding dirt bikes, Mickels became concerned about the noise impact on her business. “I’m afraid for my business,” Mickels
said. “It is very, very, very noisy, and in fact you can’t be inside and enjoy the peace and quiet of your property.” Her property was zoned as a planned development in 2009 to fit county regulations for operating a bed and breakfast type business. If the county allows for the use of multiple dirt bikes next to her property, and in an agricultural zoning like her neighbor’s property, than this can happen anywhere, Mickels said. But the issue of noise is not an issue the Board of Adjustment handles. “We understand there’s a problem with noise, that’s not a problem we can address here,” Ed Ford, chairman for the board of adjustment said. Instead, Mickels will need to address her problems with noise to the sheriff’s office. Although her neighbor’s property is zoned as agricultural, specifically, an A2
zoning, which does not list motocross, or motor bikes as a permissible use for the property, other sections in the zoning resolution states that a motocross track is a use by right. “This is a 10-acre property, and people can operate vehicles on their property as they see fit, the only criteria that the zoning resolution has is non-commercial type vehicles shall be considered accessory to residential uses,” Mike Chadwick, zoning administrator said. With or without county interference, riding bikes would still go on at the property, he said. Since the property owner is building jumps and has been grading, the owner is required to have permits, for which the owner is in violation of obtaining. That matter will be handled by a county court next month. In the meantime, the best solution the board sees is making sure
the property owner is in compliance with county regulations, and to ensure the dirt path has a defined space in order to minimize drainage to Mickels’ property, to limit erosion, and prevent sediment accumulation, which has also been an issue Mickels has had to deal with, she said. Chadwick stated that any damages she feels she has received will need to be dealt with in a civil court and is not an assessment the board of adjustment can make. “The county is trying to get control on this project, is trying to maintain control on this project over the long term as opposed to just ignoring it,” Ford said. “With the conditions that Mr. Chadwick has proposed, there will now be an accessory use permit that will have to be renewed, everything I have heard from this testimony so far indicate that given the options this is the best possible solution.”
Christmas concert to Children learn with animals help Boys and Girls Club Key figures in club’s implementation to be honored By Clarke Reader
creader@ourcoloradonews.com The Lakewood Symphony Orchestra, Rocky Mountain Ringers and Lakewood Stake Choir are teaming up for a Christmas concert to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson County. The “Sing, Choirs of Angels” concert will be at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 6465 West Jewell Ave. on Thursday, Dec. 5, and Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. There will be a reception at 6:30 p.m. The show is first come, first serve. “This is our second show like this. Last year we did one that benefitted the Action Center,” Anne Jefferies, public affairs representative for the Lakewood Stake said. “We’re taking donations of gifts, toys and financial aid for the Boys and Girls Club.” The evening is honoring the work of those who made it possible for the group to set up its first Lakewood location at O’Connell Middle School. Jeffco District Attorney Scott Storey, Lakewood mayor Bob Murphy, Lakewood Ward 3 councilwoman Sue King, Lakewood Police Chief Kevin Paletta and executive director of the Alameda Gateway Community George Valuck are being honored. “We wanted to highlight some of the changes that have happened in the area since the (Boys and Girls) club was founded,” Jefferies said. “We’ll also have some students from the club singing on a few songs.” Valuck said that in the three years that
IF YOU GO WHAT: Sing, Choirs of Angels - A Christmas Celebration WHERE: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 6465 W. Jewell Ave., Lakewood WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 5, and Friday, Dec. 6 6:30 p.m. reception 7:30 p.m. concert COST: Donations accepted for Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson County INFORMATION: LakewoodStakePublicAffairs@gmail. com
the club has been at O’Connell, it has served more than 1,000 students in the community. “About 150 kids are served a day,” he said. “According to the Lakewood police department, since the club opened juvenile crime in the surrounding area has declined by 15 percent.” King said that the group is thrilled with the recognition, and the fact that some of its members will be singing during the performance. “The club is something very meaningful for the kids to have,” she said. “Gives them a lot of focus, and provides them with a sense of community.” Jefferies said that the great impact the Boys and Girls Club has had on the community was the reason it was selected to be the recipient of donations this year. “It gives students an opportunity to do good things,” Valuck said. “Kids are taught to become responsible citizens, and it helps them to avoid the effects of gangs, violence and drugs.”
There is an undeniable bond between humans and animals. A pet can be a friend to talk to, an exercise partner, a protector, a service animal, a lap warmer, and much more. Pets offer great companionship to people of all ages and teach compassion. According to the Humane Society responsible pet ownership starts with children. For more ideas to help teach children responsibility see grandparentsteachtoo.org. What to do: Using animals as an education tool is an excellent gateway to learning about compassion, care, and responsibility. Adults can teach many lessons through animal interaction and discussion. Asking about children’s favorite pet or what kind of pet they would like to have is a great way to engage in a conversation. This can evolve into a discussion about responsibility and what care needs to be provided for their favorite animal. If the family thinks they might enjoy having a pet, research their needs together like feeding, enrichment, cage recommendations, cleaning, time commitments, and cost of care. Information source Your local humane society is a great place to find information. Teaching children about proper care and treatment of animals needs to happen at a young age to create the responsible pet owners of the future. In addition to learning about necessary care prior to acquiring a new animal, it is equally important to learn about which pet is the right match for your family. This may mean an older dog is a better match than a puppy based on your family’s activity level, but it may also mean a dog is not an appropriate companion all together. Perhaps a guinea pig is a better match. Local humane societies are great places to learn about which
animal is right for you. Grandparents and grand kids are welcome to volunteer as teams at most humane societies. Check age requirements for volunteer children and visitors in your area. While volunteering, children can get hands-on experience with the daily cleaning of animal cages, exercising, and learning about animal behavior and appropriate interaction. Compassion Volunteering with animals is a great starting point to teach children compassion and empathy toward all creatures, which often times naturally spills over to similar feelings toward human-kind. Very young children can help with a relative’s or neighbor’s pet. In turn pets are great listeners while children practice their reading. Many studies indicate young caring volunteers become adults who contribute to the community and give back throughout their lives. Adults can use the strong human-animal bond to interest children in volunteering and learning about the concept of giving time to those in need. Anita Ganeri writes a series of pet guides for young children available at libraries. Esther Macalady is a former teacher, lives in Golden and participates in the Grandparents Teach Too writing group.
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