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Brady Trucking Expansion At Odds With Las Colonias Vision

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Mar 2, 2013 at 11:26 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 3, 2013 at 12:25 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. On Saturday an open house was hosted by Brady Trucking Inc., inviting the community to learn more about Referendum A, which deals with a zoning dispute.

Back in 2006, Brady Trucking purchased land along the Colorado River with hopes to expand their business. In order to do so, Referendum A will need to be be passed by Grand Junction voters on April 2.

Chuck Johnson, vice president and general manager of Brady Trucking Inc., said, "A vote 'yes' on Referendum A will mean Brady Trucking gets to keep their zoning area and go forward with their development and growth of their business."''

At the open house, the company informed the public that their plans to grow co-exist with the future of the Riverfront Trail, which runs through their property.

"We think we've solved that by proposing the 50-foot easement that we're willing to give to the city to allow for the landscape buffering and the trail continuation," said Johnson.

However, opposition to Referendum A says co-existing with the Riverfront Trail is not the only issue.

Harry Griff, who is opposed to Referendum A, said, "The property upon which Brady wants to expand and needs to be zoned is located immediately adjacent to Las Colonias Park."

Las Colonias park has been a vision for over a decade, and now has a master plan. Griff is a proponent of the development of Las Colonias Park. He became involved with the zoning dispute due to his involvement with development of the park.

"Central features of the plan will be an outdoor musical amphitheater that will be able to accommodate concerts anywhere from 1,000 to 12,000 people, and an outdoor water kayak park. Who really in their right mind would put in industrial development?" Griff said.

Both sides argue their plans would bring growth and jobs to the region.

Johnson said, "We could service more customers in differing markets and we could grow the business and offer more jobs."

"We're not anti-business, to the contrary. We believe if the park is developed it is going to generate growth all up and down the river, but that growth needs to be compatible with the park," said Griff.

The land's future is now in the hands of residents, who will settle the zoning debate on April 2. Residents will receive their ballots in the mail later this month. Monday is the last day to register to vote for this city election.

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Disgusted said on Sunday, Mar 3 at 1:25 AM

I will vote not only yes, but HELL YES! That land belongs to Brady Trucking and they should be able to use it any way they see fit. Sorry if that doesn't fit in with the Agenda 21 plans that have been drafted for The Peoples Republic of Mesa County but that is too bad! As an added bonus it tees off the local globalists which is icing on the cake.

Floyd said on Sunday, Mar 3 at 8:14 AM

Las Colonias park will only be a benefit to the developers, any benefit of jobs will at best, be temporary. Brady trucking will be a permanant job producer. Brady trucking is willing to work with the city on the river front trail, the developers want to take what doesn't belong to them, make a profit, then run with the money. Pretty simple to see who has the welfare of the people in their plans more than the developers.

sick & tired said on Sunday, Mar 3 at 8:36 AM

It's a free country. Griff and his cohorts have every right to purchase from Brady the property in order to block the un wanted use. Otherwise Brady should be allowed to go ahead with their plans.

Fugg said on Sunday, Mar 3 at 9:04 AM

Brady Trucking purchased and improved the property thinking it could force (buy) the necessary zoning changes. I think the necessary road and infrastructure improvements that will cost the taxpayers needs to be considered. All parties need to work out a land exchange to solve this problem. The constant noise of deisel trucks is not conducive with the plan for a riverfront park.

Anonymous said on Sunday, Mar 3 at 9:23 AM

Vote NO No company has any business being that close to the river. Not only do we have to worry about the air p[pollution from trucks, what about accidental spills that will seep into the river and pollute it as well. Anybody remember the old jarvis property?

The Colorado River said on Sunday, Mar 3 at 11:27 AM

Brady Trucking should have purchased land along the interstate. It's high time to grow up and think Earth First! All Industrial zoning should be moved away from all rivers, all waters. I'm all for commerce and making money, but no Sir "Disgusted", you cannot be so selfish to do whatever you want with your land. The land and water belongs to the Earth. You are a temporary occupant and need to take care of it...stewardship of the land for future generations, not for short-term profit. It's a pretty simple concept!

Anonymous said on Sunday, Mar 3 at 11:40 AM

"The land and water belongs to the Earth. You are a temporary occupant and need to take care of it..." This is exactly the type of Agenda 21 idiocy I am talking about! Of course if the land and the water belong to beloved Mother Earth and I am just a "temporary occupant" then there is no problem with turning all private property over to the collective as the collective knows better than a mere "temporary occupant" what is best for the beloved mother earth, correct? That is the basis of Marxism. Even in The Peoples Republic of Mesa County we still have that quaint concept of ownership. Again, if you don't like what the trucking company is doing with their land, make them a reasonable offer for it. Otherwise, mind your own business.

The Colorado River said on Sunday, Mar 3 at 12:03 PM

Sorry Sir, but you need to learn up. How is caring about land and water Marxism or socialistic. Go ahead then, rape the earth, pollute the water, do whatever you want....guess what? It's not yours. Ever hear of eminent domain?

Disgusted said on Sunday, Mar 3 at 3:01 PM

Ah, there we go. The big Marxist bully of eminent domain, or the "you have no rights" law is your trump card. Classy, not Marxist or Socialist at all, just like the high school bully who steals lunch from the kindegardeners. I wondered how long it would take for the true colors to shine through. If it was my land, (it is not) I would have four words for the punk bullies who cower behind eminent domain........COME AND TAKE IT! Look up your Texas history if you don't understand that reference.

cubby said on Sunday, Mar 3 at 6:45 PM

If Brady Trucking does follow all guidelines for zoning, where is the problem? Can Harry Griff's group produce the park they want without thecutting of trees and water endangermnt? No, they can't. Brady owns the property and Griff's group just wants to take it from them to appease their own palette. Let Griff's group take walk, the park will most propably bring prostitution and drugs ito the area along with traffic gridlock. So, Brady Trucking , I say, build your terminal and Griff, take a walk.

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