Independent Log Co. owns a 10-acre parcel of land at 1050 Lebanon Road in Cortez. If its industrial re-zoning application is approved, ILC plans to mill logs, erect log cabin home displays and train wildland firefighters. Sounds like a good industrial business for Montezuma County, but not at this property!
ILC’s property borders the Montview neighborhood. It also borders the southwest corner of the Carpenter Natural Area, and its only entry road, parking area and restroom.
This spring, ILC’s property bordering the Carpenter flooded. ILC filled the drainage area with dirt and rock, crudely excavated from its ledge and hillside property to the south. My understanding is that this action was noncompliant for a property currently zoned commercial, though ILC may have been under a different impression.
Perhaps the city of Cortez code does not align with my experience in property development, but isn’t it standard to require the in-filling of property borders with drainages to be engineered? Utilizing specific soils, compaction and specific grading? I’m pretty sure the engineering didn’t happen. What will happen in future years when snowmelt or summer rains cause trail, parking or roadway flooding to the Carpenter due ILC’s in-filling? If this action is not reviewed and mitigated, then the city will bear the cost of damage reparation.
Since 1050 Lebanon Road borders our highly prized recreation and Carpenter Natural Area, Cortez City Council should vote “no“ to industrial and should encourage the city planner to assist Independent Log Co. to find a better venue.
Chris Hill
Cortez
