The new development plan for the chunk of land formerly known as 480 Donegan was approved mostly for storage facilities and some commercial units.
On Monday, the vote passed unanimously on the first reading with only a few minor amendments from Garfield County commissioners.
After the multifamily housing development named 480 Donegan was shot down by Glenwood Springs voters in May 2022, the property owners switched to proposing storage and commercial development instead.
“That annexation (with the City of Glenwood Spring) didn’t proceed and we are here today to ask for the minor subdivision and special-use permit,” said property attorney Haley Carmer.
The minor subdivision was divided into three lots and approved under the name the Cooper Minor Subdivision at 214 Center Dr.
The main concerns during public comment mainly focused on the height of the building and the lighting.
The 15.8-acre property was split into three lots behind the Glenwood Springs Mall, according to county documents.
Lot one is already developed with existing commercial buildings. Lot two was proposed as having three self-storage facilities, three employee housing units, some office spaces and additional warehouse storage spaces.
Lot three is slated for future commercial development.
Lot one already has water and sewer while lots two and three will be served by the city of Glenwood Springs’ central water and by West Glenwood Sanitation District for sewer.
“As of now, there’s only firm plans to develop lot two,” Carmer said.
The two buildings illustrated in county documents are more for a frame of reference for the traffic study for the development. They are not actual buildings being proposed.
The storage facilities will have 24-hour service with lighting along the building but no parking lot lighting.
“It will have to comply with the county code, which is again downward, inward and not reflective and disturbance on other properties,” Garfield County Commission Chair John Martin said.
The buildings will not be taller than 25-feet. The storage facilities will be climate controlled and have water sprinkling systems in them for fire protection.
The development will be required to make the following pedestrian improvements to the surrounding pedestrian walkways according to the packet.
A pedestrian crosswalk striping at the Donegan Road/Storm King Road intersection and the Center Drive/Storm King Road intersections.
Extension of the Donegan Road sidewalk to across the north side of lot three.
Additional extension of the Donegan Road sidewalk to Mel Ray Road.
“I just wanted to say to Mr. Deimoz, (the owner of the land) thank you for changing things up,” County Commissioner Greg Samson said. “The first go round was contentious and I appreciate your willingness to work with people. It’s hard sometimes, but I think you’ve done an admirable job.”
