County Commissioners Approve Controversial Subdivision Amendment

The Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners convened on June 17, 2024, to discuss a proposed amendment to the Ireland subdivision, submitted by Braden Jones. The public hearing is scheduled for July 9, 2024, at 9 AM in the commissioner's hearing room, located at 109 West Colorado, Mancos, Colorado. The amendment involves a 20.41-acre property situated east of Highway 160 North Road 8.

Jones aims to create a new four-acre lot within the subdivision, addressing previous concerns regarding water supply issues that had led to the initial denial of the application. He has since acquired a water tap, which is expected to resolve these concerns. During the meeting, Jones emphasized that the project would have a low environmental impact, as he plans to sell farmland to a local farmer for vegetable cultivation.

Public comment was invited, with Eric Ireland, a nearby landowner, expressing strong support for the amendment. He highlighted the importance of increasing biodiversity and food security in the community. Following the public input, the commissioners unanimously approved the proposed amendment, marking a significant step forward for the subdivision.

The meeting also noted the cancellation of the upcoming Planning and Zoning session due to a lack of timely applications from applicants. The commissioners are set to continue their discussions with other agenda items in the near future.