RIDGWAY – The Town of Ridgway is expected to benefit from a private effort to preserve 15 acres of private land that serves as an important link for mule deer and elk that migrate from higher elevations through town to the Uncompahgre River.

The town council passed a resolution at its June 11 meeting that paves the way for permanent protection of the parcel; the resolution declared that a proposed conservation easement, on land located at the southwest corner of town where County Road 5 (Elk Meadows Road) joins Amelia Street, is consistent with town policies and goals. The easement would be joined with 13 acres of previously protected property, “enhancing the conservation values of both tracts,” according to the resolution.

The first stage of the preservation effort involved the dedication of 13 acres for conservation when the Town Planning Commission approved a lot split in 2001. In May 2008, the Black Canyon Land Trust and the landowner, who requested anonymity, sought a letter of support from the town for the remaining land.

“The project for which we sought a resolution from the Town of Ridgway encompasses approximately 28 acres and is an entirely private, voluntary transaction in which the landowner would donate the full value of the conservation easement,” said Barbara Hawke, executive director of the Black Canyon Land Trust.

Hawke said the project benefits include the retention of “scenic, open and rural character” at the intersection and will act as a buffer at the town perimeter.

Once the easement is created and recorded, any development would be limited in perpetuity.

Revised Parking Regulations Need More Tweaking

At its June meeting the Ridgway Town Council aired a proposed amendment to the Ridgway Municipal Code that would regulate parking on streets within the historic business district.

The council has been evaluating a draft parking ordinance pertaining to marked spaces, alleys and parking lots. They are taking into consideration how parking regulations could impact residents who do not have garages or parking spots on their property; tourists parking for unspecified time periods; employees of retail businesses who are competing with tourists for parking spaces; drivers of large commercial vehicles who need to park in the business district, if only for several minutes; and overnight parking by locals and visitors alike.

Council agreed to set a two-hour time limit on Sherman Avenue from Laura Street to Railroad Street during the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. After comments from local business owners and residents were heard, they also recommended increasing parking for unattended vehicles from the suggested 24 to 72 hours before citations or towing would occur.

Council members left open for further discussion setting time limits for parking in other sections of the town’s business core. “Really, it’s a discussion of where the time restrictions are going to occur,” said Town Manager Greg Clifton, who analyzed the draft ordinance with the council during the hearing.

“I think the permit system makes more sense,” suggested Councilmember John Clark.

A new draft of the parking regulations will be aired at the July 9 town council meeting.

Other News

Council adopted an emergency ordinance providing for revised regulations applicable to an alternative sewage disposal system being applied for by the Ridgway Community Garden. They reappointed former town Councilmember Rodney Fitzhugh to represent the town on the Joint Area Planning Board. Finally, Assistant Town Planner Jen Coates made a presentation about the Ridgway Streetscape Plan and invited comments from local merchants about particular aspects of that plan.