Archuleta Board of County Commissioners
398 Lewis Street P.O. Box 1507 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Dear Archuleta County Development Services and Archuleta Board of County Commissioners,
We, the signed online petitioners, are asking the Archuleta County Planning Commission and County Commissioners to reject the permitting and location of D’Aumeries Private Heliport, Board Conditional Use Permit, which will adversely affect the area around Echo Creek Valley, Echo Canyon, and surrounding communities.
We are asking the Archuleta County Planning Commission and Commissioners to support a detailed Environmental Impact Study, to address the zoning regulations 3.1.5.1.8c, and to respect the concerns and 100% objections of the heliport from the community.
All of the permanent residents on Upper Terry Robinson Road and Divide View Place are in opposition. The heliport permit is a direct violation of the Archuleta County Zoning Regulations of 3.1.5.1.8c which states:
“No residential dwelling units shall be located within one half mile of either end of any runway”.
In addition, it would be a violation of County Ordinance 22-2019, AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING NOISE LEVELS IN UNINCORPORATED ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO.
The local community has provided an abundance of non-biased, scientific and independent research, which demonstrates the adverse effects of the proposed heliport to the Planning Commission Staff.
Again, we must point out the following:
The Echo Creek Valley and surround area will experience losses in property value. That will result in lower property taxes for the county.
Loss of quiet enjoyment of their property; potential health problems; loss of livelihood from hunting leases for deer and elk. The property owners surrounding Terry Robinson Road purchased their property for private use and a quiet, rural, agricultural lifestyle. The heliport will change the dynamics of the pristine valley and hillsides.
The sound of a helicopter taking off and landing will be heard for miles.
Disruption of wildlife — grazing wildlife: Elk, mule deer, etc.; bears, eagles, falcons, birds, endangered species — will be affected and disrupted by the heliport because of the noise pollution factors and position of the Heliport in the valley. The heliport will disrupt the ecosystem in the surrounding area.
In event of a fuel spill in the Echo Valley Watershed 2 – The Echo Ditch Company have expressed opposition. Echo Creek would be in danger; thus, Echo Canyon Reservoir will be affected. This is a lot of risk because of one property owner.
Stevens Field Airport is where the helicopter must reside because of the above points. There is no reason for construction and operation of a heliport to be allowed in the area, because of the concrete points referenced above. Stevens Field Airport is where D’Aumeries should continue to keep his helicopter in a hanger. Stevens Field Airport is set up for any disastrous events. This protects the environment, and the quality of life for area residents and wildlife. Stevens Field Airport is the logical solution for all.
We are asking the Archuleta County Planning Commission and County Commissioners to reject D’Aumeries permitting request, and to stop the heliport and all building structures that support the heliport from being installed on the D’Aumeries property. This should be a simple decision, with the above clarity, with a logical solution.
Conclusion:
If this proposed Heliport is permitted by the Archuleta County Commissioners, you can expect other property owners in the future to make this approval an example. We will see more heliports within Archuleta County start to pop up and buzzing our sky, affecting residents, wildlife and visitors in the county.
Archuleta County zoning regulations will not be respected. It is obvious what 3.1.5.1.8c clearly states — and to ignore the half-mile radius that already exists would set a shameful precedent.
The value of Stevens Field Airport to the community will be tainted. You would be dismissing the investment of the Archuleta County tax dollars to keep the aviation airways under a central control in order to serve the best interest of the community.
This will be creating a carnival of disruption of noise pollution throughout Archuleta County. The sound of helicopters will disturb all within our community, as more are implemented. A vote to approve D’Aumeries heliport opens up Pandora’s box to our beautiful sky.
A blatant disregard of the Colorado environment and ecosystem would set an precedent; that this decision will become the new normal. Wildlife will be threatened and pushed further away from our beautiful rural areas.
Most importantly – your approval would show disrespect to the Archuleta county community: the Archuleta County voters.
[Citizens can help stop the heliport, at this website. Or, email stoptheheliport@yahoo.com for additional comments to be presented to the Archuleta County Planning Commission and County Commissioners.]