Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2021 03 10

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February 10, 2021 Minutes Continued: Citizen Comments Re: Redtail Ridge From: Chris Sent: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 2:25 PM To: Ember Brignull Subject: Redtail Ridge To the Open Space Advisory Board: It has been more than a decade since the last building at the Old Storage Tek site was dismantled. During the past years. we have witnessed the miracle of nature reclaiming the lands. Raptors fly overhead. Native plants rise from the soil and flower in the spring and summer. Prairie dogs scurry across the landscape while coyotes, bobcats and other predators roam the land. The former Phillips 66 landscape is no doubt scarred by the hands of man. But what we see there now is a graphic reminder to never underestimate the power of Mother Nature. Rocky Mountain Arsenal and even Rocky Flats are prime examples of nature rising above the destructive hand of man. Now, we are witnessing the healing power of nature in action at the Old Phillips 66 site. Today, the City of Louisville has the opportunity to let nature continue its work. I think there is a solution that can benefit Brue Baukol and the citizens of Louisville. I urge OASB to require Brue Baukol to cluster their development on the eastern end of the property, around the footprint of the Storage Tek campus. The western section could then be maintained as Open Space, with the possibility of purchase by the City of Louisville. In the end, Brue Baukol can get their development. The City of Louisville can gain additional tax revenue. And the citizens of Louisville and beyond can enjoy the benefits of the kind of open space that is becoming a rare commodity along the fast developing Front Range. Last summer, I had the opportunity to take photos of the western section of the Phillips 66 property. Its beauty was stunning. The photos below will give you a view of the Phillips 66 lands that cannot be seen from surrounding roads. Keeping it as open space can also provide a valuable buffer for Monarch Schools. I think it is important to preserve these lands for future generations - not just for plants and animals, but for humans, too. Since the 1970s, government officials with the City of Louisville have fought to acquire and preserve open space. Today, we enjoy the fruits of their labor. The open spaces that encircle our community are a key component to the quality of life that the people of Louisville so value. As Louisvillians, "Open Space" is part of our DNA. Today, the City of Louisville has an opportunity to continue the commitment not just to the natural world, but to the well-being of its citizens. I urge the OASB to help find a solution that will not just satisfy Brue Baukol, but all in our community that treasure our open spaces. Thank you. Chris Wheeler 525 La Farge Ave. 13 of 77