06/08/2015: Lafayette grain elevator, silos land marking delayed with new plan underway

The silos at the former Lafayette Feed & Grain, 816 E. Baseline Rd.

A new plan underway for the grain elevator and silos on East Baseline Road in Lafayette, USA could calm a previously contentious effort to preserve the structures.

City Administrator Gary Klaphake told the council during Tuesday's meeting that resident Cathy Richardson, who owns the majority of the property in question, presented an idea that Mr Klaphake said could be a "win, win" for residents who are lobbying for the preservation, Ms Richardson and the city. 

In light of Mr Klaphake's update and following the request of Ms Richardson, the City Council delayed a vote to landmark the site until September first to allow the city and Ms Richardson to work on the plan that could satisfy everyone. Ms Richardson and Mr Klaphake did not elaborate on what the plan entails. 

"Given some time, sometimes you can move both folks to the middle," Mr Klaphake said. "We need a clever reuse of that property." 

Ms Richardson put the property up for sale in December, according to an online listing, as she looks to retire. The potential sale of the property on the east side of town drove Lafayette resident Anji Redmond in May to submit an application to landmark the buildings, located on 0.6 acres that includes the former Lafayette Feed & Grain store. 

However, questions about the structures' ownership and opposition from one of the property owners to landmark the buildings have drawn out the process. 

A survey is illuminating which portions of the property and structures are owned by the city and which are owned by Ms Richardson. 

However, with many uncertainties remaining around the structures, residents urged City Council members to follow the recommendation of the city's Historic Planning Board and landmark the grain elevator and three silos.

Ms Redmond called the structures "iconic to our community" and said they have "announced you have reached Lafayette, Colorado for years." 

Resident Doug Conarroe said the landmarking was a "good opportunity to save something that's worth saving." 

Officials and residents seemed hopeful that the silos would be preserved without infringing on property rights, which has been a criticism of the landmarking application since it did not have Ms Richardson's approval. 

Mr Klaphake said no demonstration can be done on the property while the city completes the process, in essence freezing the structures until the September.

Resident Karen Norback summed up many of the residents' comments telling council members "we have something special here in Lafayette. Let's not mess it up."

Read more HERE.

 

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