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.
