WEEK OF JANUARY 16, 2025
VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 6
FREE
Why Parker chose to approve its new zoning map ‘We’re trying to make it easier to maintain what we are,’ mayor says BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
With the support of 71 signatures on a petition, Vogel asked the town council to consider four initiatives. The first is the installation of automatic traffic enforcement cameras for speeding and drivers that run red lights placed at the highest volume intersections on north and southbound Parker Road. Vogel suggested the intersections of Parker Road and Pine Lane, Parker Road and Lincoln Avenue, and Parker Road and Mainstreet.
Zoning districts within the Town of Parker will be changed, and some deleted, as the town council approved a new zoning map. But what does this mean for the public? “We’re trying to make it easier to maintain what we are,” said Mayor Joshua Rivero during the Jan. 6 meeting. He added that updating the map will help “defend” what Parker is for the future. The new zoning map is part of the Land Development Ordinance Modernization Project. The Land Development Ordinance, also known as the LDO, contains standards and regulations that govern the land use, development and growth within the town. However, there are sections of the LDO that have not been changed for nearly 40 years, while others have been amended over time in response to Parker’s growth and changing market conditions, thus creating gaps and inconsistencies in the development and zoning regulations. “This has created challenges using the document, and has occasional inconsistent outcomes for the public,” said Mary Munekata, community development senior planner. The LDO Modernization Project team has worked for six years on the rezoning map, conducting community outreach opportunities and working with several properties. Improvements to the new zoning includes improved ordinance organization, definitions and development quality standards, and aims to streamline the development review procedures to make the zoning more predictable. Based on public outreach, Stacy Nerger, who is also a senior palnner, said the first change to the zoning districts is the creation of the new C3 Regional Commercial Zoning District. This will be used for more of the “heavier intensity commercial uses,” such as large-scale commercial uses that have a regional draw. The second change is adding Use Specific Standards to mixed use
SEE TRAFFIC, P12
SEE ZONING, P12
Terri Vogel holds up a banner in front of Parker town staff that includes dozens of signatures and messages from individuals who have been affected PHOTO BY HALEY LENA by traffic crashes.
Parker residents want traffic action Citizens call on officials to work toward safety BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
With hundreds of crashes throughout Parker occurring each year, Parker residents are calling for the town to take action to help prevent traffic deaths and serious injuries. “We are hopeful to see some legislative action take place this session to address the laws for careless driving causing death and penalties,” Parker resident Terri Vogel told the Parker Chronicle. “I’ve waited five years for this to be addressed and am very invested in seeing it happen.” Vogel lost her husband in 2019 after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bicycle. Since his death, Vogel has been committed to becoming an ad-
vocate for traffic violence and roadway safety. While standing in front of the town council on Jan. 6, Vogel reflected on the late November night in 2024 when a crowd gathered at the gazebo in O’Brien Park for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, during which attendees remembered and honored those who have lost their lives in a traffic crash. “It was an emotional and impactful night,” Vogel said, adding that more than 80 candles lined the walkway leading up to the gazebo. Each candle represented the injuries and the one fatality that had occurred throughout the year. In collaboration with Families for Safe Streets, It Could be Me, Road to Zero Coalition, Vision Zero Network and Bicycle Colorado, the event aimed to advocate for commonsense road safety solutions. Other community voices joined Vogel in front of the council as she displayed a ban-
VOICES: 10 | LIFE: 14 | SPORTS: 16 | CALENDAR: 17 | PUZZLES: 18
ner signed on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims that included dozens of messages from individuals who have also been affected by traffic injuries and death. “Simple, proven tools and technology are available to stop these deaths,” said Vogel. “There’s data to support these initiatives.” The call for initiatives
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