Residents of northern Weld County are now witnessing a new era of construction as a local water district has lifted a three-year hold on developers seeking water services. This decision comes after a series of challenges and evaluations to ensure the district's capacity to meet the growing water demands.

Unleashing Construction in Northern Weld County with Water District's Approval

Background and Challenges

North Weld County Water District took a significant step in 2021 by imposing a moratorium on tap sales and new water requests due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the statewide housing craze. This move halted real estate development and left many projects in limbo. The district had to assess its capacity to serve the increasing population, which was growing at an astonishing rate. Between 2010 and 2020, Weld County's population surged by over 30%, making it the second fastest-growing county in the state. The pandemic only exacerbated the situation, turning a hot market into a wild one. Town storage tanks couldn't keep up with the demand as people used more water for their lawns and cars, and agricultural operations also drew on supplies. The master meter dial was constantly spinning, indicating the strain on the system. At the same time, changing regulations in Fort Collins and Larimer County cast uncertainty on a large water project, the NEWT 3 Pipeline.

Impact on Developers

Local real estate agent and developer Aaron Everitt bought a farm in 2020 with plans to turn it into a nine-lot subdivision. He had a buyer and a will-serve letter from the water district but was hit by the moratorium. His project was put on hold, and he lost more than $300,000. Other developers had millions of dollars at stake as well. Everitt needed to complete the months-long review process by around July to avoid losing an additional $500,000. The delay meant that he would have to sell the lots in 2025 instead of 2022, which could impact sales timings.

District's Response and Improvements

The water district lifted its moratorium on tap sales in February 2022 and started working on a new master plan. They asked towns in the service area to estimate their water needs over the next few decades and mapped their system to identify inefficiencies. Upgrades at the Soldier Canyon Treatment Plant increased its capacity from 45 million gallons per day in 2018 to 68 million gallons by 2024. The NEWT 3 project, which is nearing completion, will boost capacity by an additional 10 million gallons per day. These improvements have given the district confidence that it can meet future growth needs until around 2035, with more improvements in the works to meet projected demand through 2045. Concerns about the NEWT 3 pipeline's timeline were also alleviated when Fort Collins narrowed the scope of its new regulations.

Relief and Future Outlook

North Weld lifted its development moratorium in early November, and developers like Everitt are relieved. New construction is seen as a relief valve for the market, and more housing stock could help with affordability. Tad Stout, the board president, believes that the moratorium was necessary based on the information available at the time. He is confident that these improvements will benefit the customers and the community in the long run.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is set to undertake a significant project - the reconstruction of a section of Illinois Route 29. This endeavor comes with the necessity of removing eight homes in the area and relocating a Peoria Park District landmark. The proposed reconstruction would transform Galena Road, stretching from just north of the McClugage Bridge (U.S. 150) in Peoria Heights to north of Gardner Lane in Peoria.

Project Highlights and Exhibits

At the open house public hearing scheduled for Wednesday Dec. 4, from 4-6 p.m. at the Peoria Heights Grade School gymnasium at 500 East Glen Avenue, IDOT staffers will display aerial photographs, reports, and other project exhibits. These exhibits will vividly showcase the proposed relocation of the Grand View Drive Pavillion and its impacts on Grand View Drive Park and Bielfeldt Park. The state's plans include improvements to a 2.6-mile stretch of Route 29, adding a bi-directional turn lane and ample space for pedestrians and bicycle riders.

Impact on Park District Property

IDOT has stated that it would convert about one acre of park district property to highway use. This decision has significant implications for the Grand View Drive Pavillion, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The pavilion is set to be relocated about 40 to 60 feet from its current site. Such a move is a delicate balance between fulfilling the need for road improvements and preserving historical and recreational assets.

Displacement of Homes

In addition to the impact on the park district, the road improvements also require the state to acquire right-of-way and displace eight homes. This is a challenging aspect of the project, as it directly affects the lives of the residents. IDOT staffers will be available at the open house to receive input, provide information, and answer questions regarding this significant displacement.

Public Input and Communication

IDOT is actively seeking public comment about these plans. Comments can be submitted at the meeting itself or emailed to DOT.IL29GalenaRdProject@Illinois.gov. There is also the option to mail comments to Karen Dvorsky, IDOT Program Development Engineer at 401 Main St., Peoria, IL 61602. Phone: (309) 671-3491 and TTY (866) 273-3681. This open communication channel is crucial for ensuring that the public's voice is heard and considered in the decision-making process.You can watch 25News – any newscast, anywhere – streaming LIVE on 25NewsNow.com, our 25News mobile app, and on our WEEK 25News SmartTV streaming app. Learn more about how you can get connected to 25News streaming live news here.Copyright 2024 WEEK. All rights reserved.