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In a unanimous vote, the Jefferson County Planning Commission voted Sept. 23 to recommend denial of a special use permit for Conifer’s proposed Shadow Mountain Bike Park. In casting their votes, the seven commissioners repeatedly cited concerns about wildlife on the site and the park’s incompatibility with surrounding land uses. the speed bump
The vote was a relief for opponents — who’ve spent four years gathering and organizing evidence against the project — and a setback for the applicants. But it’s not the end of the story.
The Jefferson County Commissioners will make the final decision, likely in November. While both the planning commission and planning staff recommend denial, their opinions do not bind the county commissioners.
Denver residents Phil Bouchard and Jason Evans, mountain biking friends since childhood, proposed the day-use, lift-served bike park on a 230-acre State Land Board property along Shadow Mountain Drive. They say their development will alleviate trail congestion and fill a need in Colorado’s fast-growing mountain biking community. Bouchard said they estimate 60,000 to 70,000 visitors per season.
Planning commissioners considered three nights and more than 16 hours of public testimony from 117 people, in addition to county staff reports and the applicants’ rebuttal. They were united in their opposition, with each first praising the developers for their effort, then saying they could not support it at the Conifer site.
“The high intensity of use just boggles my imagination on that mountain,” said Commissioner Wendy Spencer. “As for wildlife, I don’t think there will be any.”
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Commissioner John Messner also said the developers’ proposed seasonal closure was not enough to ease his mind about the impact to wildlife. Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife recommended the park close annually from January to July to protect wintering and newly born animals. The developers proposed closing two months short of that — from January to April — but said late in the Sept. 23 hearing they could revise their timeline to more closely adhere to CPW’s recommendation. That proposal came too late for planning commissioners.
“Conceptually, I really like this idea,” Messner said. “I do think wildlife is the issue here. This is a high-priority habitat for wildlife. If not for that timing aspect, I could be in favor.”
“I hope to visit your bike park one day,” said Commissioner David Duncan. “You have a fantastic concept. But this piece of property, for this use, is not compatible.”
Commissioners were also concerned about stress on local emergency services providers, added traffic and uncertainty about a long-term water source for Shadow Mountain Bike Park.
Bouchard said he was surprised that wildlife became a central issue, noting they had agreed to the majority of recommendations about wildlife, and were willing to bend on the length of the seasonal closure.
“I do think there’s a perception that wildlife and recreators can’t get along,” he said. “But anybody who has spent any time at Evergreen Lake or the Evergreen Golf Course … I could not think of more interaction between wildlife and people. There are elk everywhere.”
Bouchard and Evans hired a team of experts, including an attorney, a wildland fire mitigation specialist and an outdoor recreation planning design firm, to testify at the hearing.
“I don’t know how to feel,” Bouchard said after the commissioners’ vote. “Jason and I are trying to do something that’s never been done in the state. And we’re first timers. Whether we’re going to win or lose going forward I couldn’t tell you. It’s like trying to rope the wind.”
“My heart … it’s a relief,” said Barbara Moss Murphy, co-chair of Stop the Bike Park. “Just hearing the planning commissioners speak showed they really listened. I don’t think it gets any better than that.”
In a highly organized effort, a total of 82 people from Stop the Bike Park spoke during the planning hearings.
“I am absolutely thrilled,” said Conifer’s Pam Rothman. “I just really hope the county commissioners listen to what went on tonight and understand it’s just not right for this area and this neighborhood.”
Several people also spoke for the park, including Conifer parents who said it would provide a healthy outlet for kids and a state mountain biking group leader who emphasized the need for more trails.
The project is set for a public hearing with the county commissioners on Oct.1, but commissioners are expected then to continue it to Nov. 12. Because the planning commission’s hearings on the issue were extended, Planning Commission Chairman Tim Rogers said county staff will need the extra time to write a new report for the hearing.
Despite the unanimous recommendation for denial, Bouchard said he and Evans are moving forward.
“There’s no other site at this time and we really do feel this is a good site for this,” he said. “I think our time is better spent trying to make that work than pivoting at this time.”
Under questioning from commissioners, Evans and Bouchard disclosed some financial details about the park.
At full buildout, they project the park will generate an annual revenue of $11 to $12 million. Shadow Mountain Bike Park would likely sell day passes for about $70 on weekends, with a reduced weekday rate, as well as season passes.
The bike park they envision would be the only one of its kind in Colorado, with a 300-car, reservation-only parking lot, 16 miles of trails and a lodge.
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