Today's News

DENVER — Jared Sloan knows there’s a little bit of pressure. He can feel it. After all, the Front Range Christian golfer is the only returning 3A state qualifier on this year’s squad.
And though he carded a respectable 12-over-par 83 on Aug. 9 at the season-opening Mile High League match at the challenging Wellshire Golf Club, Sloan could’ve shot better, he said.

Community members appeared generally pleased that a property owner wants to rezone a vacant 2-acre property on South Platte Canyon Road for townhomes, condominiums, single-family houses or assisted-living units.

The land is zoned C-1 commercial but has been on the market for 10 years and has failed to attract interest. It is bordered on the north by DePew Street and on the east by South Platte Canyon Road.

The area could appeal to people who want to live close to the Columbine Trail, an asphalt bicycle path that borders the property along Platte Canyon Road.

The Jeffco Board of Adjustment voted unanimously Aug. 8 to uphold the zoning administrator's decision to allow parking of off-duty taxis on the street in a residential subdivision.

The Columbine Knolls North Home Owners Association had appealed to the board to reverse the zoning administrator's decision that the practice was legal according to county rules.

But zoning administrator Mike Chadwick said the rules are evolving under the incumbent Board of Commissioners and becoming more liberal on the subject.

By Laura Bernero

For the Courier

A two-year study in Jeffco has identified 35 rare plants and 11 rare animal species that the county will try to protect in its future conservation efforts and open space plans.

The biodiversity survey, which also identified one rare fungus, was conducted by scientists from the Colorado Natural Heritage Program over the past two growing seasons. County Open Space planners will use the data to help make environmentally conscious choices when planning open space areas, parks and trails.