Bellvue residents gather to oppose Pleasant Valley agri-tourism business

The 40-some Bellvue area residents who met at the Grange in Bellvue on June 4 are of a single mind: They are opposed to any commercial operation in Pleasant Valley.

This was their fourth gathering in order to unite in their opposition to The Barn at Sunny Side Farm, a new business proposed for 5129 W. County Road 50C and County Road 23. More than 50 residents have written letters opposing the project.

The proposal is currently moving through the review process in the Larimer County Planning Department. The project’s applicants are asking for a special uses permit in order to operate several agri-tourism related businesses to include a coffee/tea shop, a market stand to sell products from the farm, a distillery using honey and fruit from the farm to produce liquor to be sold on the premises and an events center. Business hours are planned from 7 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m, seven days a week.

A review of the sketch plan, the first step in the county’s review process was planned for June 5. At the request of the applicants, representatives of the steering committee formed by Bellvue residents were not allowed to attend the review.

Bellvue residents are veterans of confronting a series of proposals for development in their area currently zoned “open.” They stand together in objecting to changes they envision as affecting the peaceful rural character of their community. They worry about increased traffic, noise pollution and the lack of adequate parking. Five events centers already exist in the area.

Although a sign at the meeting read “No Compromise,” several attendees expressed their desire to avoid a controversial stance and their understanding that the young applicants are probably shocked at the degree of opposition they are experiencing as they make plans to earn their living on their recently leased 5-acre plot of land.

Weekly neighborhood meetings are planned at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday nights at the Bellvue Grange.