The Coalition will be working hard
in concert with other organizations to evolve and implement a
practical vision and plan to guide development of the Tri-Lakes area.
One
starting point for this effort is the Tri-Lakes
Comprehensive Plan developed for the El Paso County Planning Department.
The Town of Monument is preparing to
revise its Comprehensive Plan which has not been revised since
1984. Read the 1984
version on-line or download
it. Those interested in helping with the effort to update the plan are encouraged to contact Rick Sonnenburg, Monument Town Manager, 166 Second Street.
Once the plans have been revised, it is essential that zoning be
changed to match the plans. Some view this as "taking"
property rights. For an analysis of why this view is wrong, read
the Rep America report.
Colorado Governor Owens has taken a strong position in favor of Smart
Growth. This approach is likely to be a cornerstone for the vision of
the future of the Tri-Lakes area. To quote the Governor:
"We are the Stewards of Colorado's future. For the sake of our
children and grandchildren, we must preserve Colorado's natural beauty
and provide opportunities for future generations to pursue their own
dreams. Our task is to protect our special Colorado way of
life."
"Colorado is blessed with some of the most distinct and beautiful
lands in America. Our duty is to preserve and protect this heritage for
future generations."
Another resource is the Smart
Growth Network.
The Network's stated purpose is to help create national, regional, and
local coalitions to encourage metropolitan development that is -
Environmentally smart: Protecting air
and water quality, enhancing access to nature and encouraging
brownfields redevelopment.
Fiscally smart: Paying for itself and
providing high quality municipal services without constantly rising
property taxes.
Economically and socially smart:
Promoting community economic vitality, livability, resource
efficiency, equity and sense of place.
Lack of a widely accepted comprehensive
plan for Monument and the surrounding area and inconsistencies between
the concepts of Smart Growth and some of the current project proposals
have prompted many of the Coalition's objections to those proposals.
January 11, 2001: Governor Owens delivered his State
of the State address. A key topic was the need to pass legislation
to address growth issues.
We need to encourage small businesses through
support for the Historic Monument Merchants program of the Tri-Lakes
Chamber of Commerce. This could include identifying categories of
small businesses that would be an asset to the area. Some that have been
suggested are additional types of restaurants, bicycle rental near the
New Santa Fe Trail, and galleries and shops for artists and crafts
people.
Consider ways to encourage clustering of
shops so shoppers can stroll from shop to shop without having to bypass
so much intermixed office space.
Develop additional Tri-Lakes area events
(e.g., art shows, runs, walks).
There are many additional resources on our Reading List.
