Legacy Park is set to embark on an extensive build-out starting in 2026, with the first phase consisting of 439 single-family homes. This decade-long project holds significant potential for the town of Berthoud. (Will Cornelius/The Surveyor)

Unveiling Legacy Park's Residential Masterplan

Overview of Legacy Park's Development

The Legacy Park development team is awaiting approval from the Town of Berthoud to commence construction at Ludlow Farm in 2026. In 2010, the 306-acre farm was approved for both residential and commercial development. However, in 2023, a new plan increased residential zoning at the expense of commercial. The town board approved rezoning and a neighborhood master plan for Legacy Park at Ludlow Farm with a 6-1 vote.This current plan for Legacy Park includes 1,500 to 1,800 residential units, featuring a mix of single-family and multi-family housing. Commercial zoning is planned along Mountain Avenue and at a future traffic light intersection of Spartan Avenue and U.S. Highway 287. Given its scale, the entire project is likely to be completed by the 2030s.

The First Phase: Single-Family Homes on the Eastern Side

The first phase of Legacy Park will see 439 single-family homes constructed on the eastern side of the property. These homes will line Berthoud Parkway and be accessible via new roads within the property, with plans to extend Spartan Avenue. A roundabout will be installed at the intersection of Berthoud Parkway and Spartan Avenue.Mission Homes, a Berthoud-based company specializing in small affordable homes, will be the first builder. Gary Maggi, a realtor with over three decades of experience, emphasized the demand for such smaller, obtainable products. He pointed out the shortage of lower-priced affordable starter homes in Berthoud.David Gregg, who founded Mission Homes with his wife, echoed Maggi's comments. He highlighted that Mission Homes built 88 homes in Prairie Star and noted that since then, there have been no obtainable, modest homes built. Mission Homes plans to build houses in Legacy Park ranging from 900 to 1,200 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Gregg confirmed that they aim to bring these homes to the market starting in the low 300s.

Addressing Concerns: Traffic and Housing Density

Traffic and housing density were major concerns expressed by the two dozen attendees at the meeting. The development team explained that they are guided by the town's master plan and regulations. Adding feeder roads designed to connect to major roads, including an intersection on U.S. 287, will help ease the traffic burden.They also emphasized that the town's ordinances and codes require large developments to include a mix of housing options, not just single-family housing. This ensures a more balanced and sustainable community.

The USDA's final Crop Progress report for the season, released on November 25th, marks the end of an eventful and record-setting harvest for many states. Let's take a detailed look at where the corn harvest stands in the nation's top three corn-growing states - Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois.

Unveiling the Corn Harvest Status in Key States

Iowa - A Bountiful Harvest Amid Challenges

In Iowa, the corn harvest for grain is "virtually complete," as reported in the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition report. Despite only having 4.3 suitable days for fieldwork, the harvest reached 98% by the week ending November 24th. This is 2 points ahead of the five-year average of 96%. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig expressed gratitude for another bountiful harvest, despite facing a wet spring, a dry fall, and some challenging severe weather. Record or near-record yields and production for both corn and soybeans, combined with commodity prices not keeping up with costs, highlight the need to expand markets locally, domestically, and internationally. As Iowans gather around the table this Thanksgiving, they should remember the hard work of farmers who make it all possible.The farmers in Iowa have shown remarkable resilience in overcoming various obstacles to achieve such a high harvest percentage. Their dedication and expertise have played a crucial role in ensuring a successful harvest.

Nebraska - The Longest Stretch for the Last 5%

In Nebraska, as noted by Travis Gustafson, a Syngenta agronomist covering central and western Nebraska, the last 5% of corn harvest takes the longest. Some growers leave the corn in the field and harvest it as needed for livestock feed. Others may have faced operational challenges during harvest that prevented them from completing the job. The USDA reported that Nebraska farmers had 5.3 suitable days for fieldwork in the week ending November 24th and 5.7 suitable days the week before. The last reported percentage for corn harvested in Nebraska was 97% by the week ending November 17th, ahead of the five-year average of 93%. Overall, Gustafson anticipates calling it a wrap on corn harvest around December 1st as they are ahead of prior years at this point in November.The unique challenges faced by Nebraska farmers during the harvest season add to the complexity of the agricultural landscape. Their ability to adapt and make the most of the available conditions is truly remarkable.

Illinois - Almost Wrapped Up with Post-Harvest Activities

In Illinois, the last reported percentage for corn harvest progress was 97% for the week ending November 10th. Comparing this to last year's final report for the week ending November 26th, 2023, when the USDA said Illinois' corn harvest progress had reached 99%, it's a fair estimate that Illinois' corn harvest is essentially wrapped up. Wyffels Agronomy Manager Ryan Gentle in Marietta, Illinois, mentioned that post-harvest activities like tillage and anhydrous application are in full swing in the state.Illinois farmers have efficiently managed their harvest operations, and now they are focused on the next steps in the agricultural cycle. Their attention to detail and timely actions contribute to the overall success of the farming industry.