Firestone – Town officials exercised their “nuclear option” Thursday night and annexed St. Vrain State Park, forever spoiling plans by Weld County to bisect the park with a four-lane road.
The annexation, passed unanimously, effectively ends a long dispute between Firestone and the county over the road plan, though the burgeoning feud between the county and fast- growing cities of southwestern Weld is expected to continue, officials said.
“We just don’t understand where the commissioners stand on these growth issues in the county,” said Firestone Mayor Mike Simone.
The annexation shows how much at odds southwestern Weld cities and the county government remain over development. Leaders in Firestone, Frederick and Mead say Weld County’s growth plans are haphazard at best, citing the county’s plan to build a road through a park known as a haven for wildlife.
Weld County approved various developments near the state park before creating a plan to accommodate the expected increase in traffic.
Now, county leaders will have to find another way to handle the traffic generated by a 2,000-home development and a new high school.
“It will now be up to future generations of elected officials to fight that out,” Commissioner Mike Geile said.
The county sought to extend a mile-long stretch of Weld County Road 7 through the park, ushering in an estimated 15,000 cars a day.
But Weld’s plan – unveiled almost two years ago – infuriated several southwestern Weld communities. Local leaders said the park is a valued local landmark that annually brings in about 90,000 people and $7.5 million into local businesses.
The State Parks Board threatened to rescind $14 million in funding to expand the park from 143 acres to 640 acres.
Weld backed off of its plans last fall, saying local opposition made the expansion not feasible. But Firestone proceeded with its annexation, something no other community has done in Colorado – the “nuclear option,” as Simone put it.
“This is a giant step for the state of Colorado because it will help us preserve the unique values of this park,” said Lyle Laverty, Colorado State Parks director.
“At the rate of growth in the county, this is the few areas our kids and grandkids will get to see any type of wild environment,” Town Trustee Butch Walb said before casting his vote for the annexation.
Meanwhile, the rancor between the communities and Weld County continues. At a recent summit, town leaders complained that county commissioners approve large subdivisions that drain them of resources.
The commissioners countered that local municipalities need to recognize the right of farmers and ranchers to develop their land.
The dialogue was good, even if common ground was scarce, Commissioner Geile said.
