Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — James "Bear" Ackerman is hoping to create the Bearview Subdivision out of a property off Manitou Avenue on which he originally built almost 10 years ago. Three issues involving the subdivision will go before the Planning Commis-sion tonight.
In 1995, the city developed a Future Land Use Map to determine which parcels of land would be left to open space and which would be open to development. It included Ackerman's property, which had already been approved for a development permit in 1991, in the section that was to be reserved for open space.
"No mention is given to any future use of this property as open lands, conservation or recreation," wrote planner Tracey Hughes.
Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Wilson confirmed the property had never been considered as a spot for future open space.
Hughes wrote that when the city initially drew up the Future Land Use Map, it neglected to make the appropriate divisions on the map. This mistake was probably caused by the property's close proximity to Howelsen Hill and Emerald Mountain, both of which are designated as open space, she wrote.
The Planning Commission will vote on whether or not to recommend that the Future Land Use Map be amended to take into account the former development permit issued to Ackerman.
Ackerman called the designation of his property as open space an "error" and is confident it will be amended.
One of the three, 14-acre parcels will be up to be rezone from agriculture and recreational use to residential use. Ackerman and Donald Fifield, who owns another of the lots, also want to create subdivisions on two of the lots on the property, for which they need minor development permits.

To reach Avi Salzman call 871-4203
or e-mail asalzman@amigo.net