I was disappointed this morning when I read in the Sentinel that Western Towing will be allowed to store vehicles at their property at 2381 ½ River Road. Clearly the Grand Junction Planning Commission considered the fact that this might be an eyesore along the riverfront, because they imposed some conditions to the approval:

·         They have to plant trees as a visual buffer;

·         They have to build an eight foot fence;

·         They have to move the actual wrecked vehicles as far from the river as they possibly can, while staying on the property.

According to the Sentinel, this project fits into the City of Grand Junction’s Comprehensive Plan. And the company employs 177 people, which makes them pretty important in the jobs story in Grand Junction.

I’m trying to be reasonable here, but when I imagine a Great City along the Colorado River, I don’t imagine a bunch of totaled cars along the walking/bike path that takes people through the city along the riverfront.  I imagine something like the development along the river in San Antonio, TX, or Pueblo, CO, or Denver, CO. I imagine open spaces, parks, open amphitheatres for concerts, restaurants (serving Colorado trout and Mesa County wine), bike rental shops, in-line-skate rental shops, Kayak stores, River rafters…  I don’t imagine a junk yard even if it has trees blocking the view of the junk.

People opposed to this project have 10 days to object. I object. I want your help in imagining a great city. Please send your objections to the City of Grand Junction Planning Commission (link below.)

Homework

Sentinel Story About Vehicle Storage Near Riverfront

City of Grand Junction Comprehensive Plan

City of Grand Junction Planning Commission

San Antonio River Walk

Historic Arkansas River Walk, Pueblo, CO

Platte River Trail Denver