Hayden, Colorado-It Could Be So Much More

On December 12, 2010, Kum & Go LC of Iowa submitted a Land Use Application, requesting a text change amendment to Section 16.03.040(G) to authorize "relocation of existing motor vehicle fueling stations" in the Historic Downtown District of Hayden. This application will be reviewed by the Hayden Town Council in a public meeting on March 17, 2011 at the Hayden Town Hall. On January 27, 2011 the Hayden Planning Commission denied this amendment in a 4-1 vote. The Hayden Town Planner has also recommended a denial of this amendment.

As architects that live and work in Hayden, we at Axial Arts feel that allowing this text amendment to the Town of Hayden's current zoning requirements, and thus allowing Kum & Go to move and build a new gas and convenience store into the heart of Hayden's Historic District, will have a long lasting negative impact on our community. Kum & Go is no doubt a valuable asset to our town. However, placing it in the middle of the Historic Downtown Business District does not in any way align with the future vision and growth potential of our community, nor would it conform to the city's current zoning requirements in that location.

This lot, 112 W. Jefferson Ave, is ideal for a vast array of businesses that are suited for the Historic District- businesses that would truly grow a diverse community. There is tremendous value to that lot as a community center that could include retail businesses, apartments, a restaurant with outdoor dining space, meeting space, public restrooms, coffee shop and cyber café; all surrounding an outdoor plaza. In contrast to a gas station and convenience store, these are the type of businesses amenities that will establish a strong town identity and promote a diversified and strengthened economy.

With the understanding that at times it can be hard to envision the possibilities of a site and the surrounding community when nothing is present, Axial Arts did a preliminary site analysis of the lot at 112 W. Jefferson Avenue. A conceptual drawing is seen above. The purpose of this drawing is not to show an architectural style, but rather to help illustrate and visualize the intent of the zoning code for the historic code -creating a mixture of public spaces and business diversity. The written intent is here in verbatim:

Hayden Land Use Code Section 16.03.040.G
Intent: It is the intent of this district to encourage the redevelopment and expansion of the existing downtown commercial district; provide a concentration and mixture of civic, office, retail, restaurant, housing and cultural land uses; maintain and enhance the historic character of the original downtown; create a
pedestrian oriented district; develop and promote small scale businesses; and promote shared or cooperative parking within or adjacent to the district. It is the
intent of this district to allow retail uses on the first floor and businesses and residences or services on upper floors of buildings where appropriate.

The Town of Hayden and many of its residents went through the exercise, and expense, of defining the Historic District because it is an important aspect to the growth of our town. Kum & Go's current location has been grand-fathered into the Historic District. Should Hayden allow a gas station and convenience in the Historic Downtown Business District, the future of our town will be greatly devalued by the resulting lack of cohesive identity in the center of one of the most vital areas of our community.

As a result, we ask the members of the Hayden Town Council to please stand up for what this town is, and could become, by denying this text amendment application.

Kevin & Wendy Lind
Axial Arts Architecture
po box 1041, hayden, co 81639 | P: 970.276.7295

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			Hayden, Colorado: 112 W. Jefferson Avenue could be so much more...

		112 W. Jefferson Avenue Hayden, Colorado On December 12, 2010, Kum & Go LC of Iowa submitted a Land Use Application, requesting a text change amendment to Section 16.03.040(G) to authorize "relocation of existing motor vehicle fueling stations" in the Historic Downtown District of Hayden. This application will be reviewed by the Hayden Town Council in a public meeting on March 17, 2011 at the Hayden Town Hall. On January 27, 2011 the Hayden Planning Commission denied this amendment in a 4-1 vote. The Hayden Town Planner has also recommended a denial of this amendment. As architects that live and work in Hayden, we at Axial Arts feel that allowing this text amendment to the Town of Hayden's current zoning requirements, and thus allowing Kum & Go to move and build a new gas and convenience store into the heart of Hayden's Historic District, will have a long lasting negative impact on our community. Kum & Go is no doubt a valuable asset to our town. However, placing it in the middle of the Historic Downtown Business District does not in any way align with the future vision and growth potential of our community, nor would it conform to the city's current zoning requirements in that location. This lot, 112 W. Jefferson Ave, is ideal for a vast array of businesses that are suited for the Historic District- businesses that would truly grow a diverse community. There is tremendous value to that lot as a community center that could include retail businesses, apartments, a restaurant with outdoor dining space, meeting space, public restrooms, coffee shop and cyber café; all surrounding an outdoor plaza. In contrast to a gas station and convenience store, these are the type of businesses amenities that will establish a strong town identity and promote a diversified and strengthened economy. With the understanding that at times it can be hard to envision the possibilities of a site and the surrounding community when nothing is present, Axial Arts did a preliminary site analysis of the lot at 112 W. Jefferson Avenue. A conceptual drawing is seen above. The purpose of this drawing is not to show an architectural style, but rather to help illustrate and visualize the intent of the zoning code for the historic code -creating a mixture of public spaces and business diversity. The written intent is here in verbatim: Hayden Land Use Code Section 16.03.040.G Intent: It is the intent of this district to encourage the redevelopment and expansion of the existing downtown commercial district; provide a concentration and mixture of civic, office, retail, restaurant, housing and cultural land uses; maintain and enhance the historic character of the original downtown; create a pedestrian oriented district; develop and promote small scale businesses; and promote shared or cooperative parking within or adjacent to the district. It is the intent of this district to allow retail uses on the first floor and businesses and residences or services on upper floors of buildings where appropriate. [ If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything ] The Town of Hayden and many of its residents went through the exercise, and expense, of defining the Historic District because it is an important aspect to the growth of our town. Kum & Go's current location has been grand-fathered into the Historic District. Should Hayden allow a gas station and convenience in the Historic Downtown Business District, the future of our town will be greatly devalued by the resulting lack of cohesive identity in the center of one of the most vital areas of our community. As a result, we ask the members of the Hayden Town Council to please stand up for what this town is, and could become, by denying this text amendment application. Sincerely, Kevin & Wendy Lind Axial Arts Architecture po box 1041, hayden, co 81639 \| P: 970.276.7295 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________