by Frank Smith, WCC Director of Organizing

Mesa County residents could see a greener, cleaner Colorado Riverbank through Grand Junction. 

As a result of a recent court ruling, the Grand Junction City Council will hold a public hearing to reconsider the Brady Trucking zoning ordinance on Wed., Sept. 5 at 7:00 pm at City Hall, 250 N. 5th St., Grand Junction.  WCC is encouraging members and other residents to come to the hearing and voice their concerns.

In early August 2012, a Colorado District Court ruled that a 2008 petition drive organized by WCC of Mesa County members was valid.   The petition questioned the City’s industrial zoning of a 13-acre parcel located in the river’s flood plain, which is owned by Brady Trucking.  It is located adjacent to three parks, an amphitheater, a historic trail, and within 500 feet of homes.  The trucking firm from Vernal, Utah, specializes in hauling materials and chemicals for the oil & gas industry. 

The Grand Valley’s community worked for 30 years and spent over $100 million to clean up the Riverfront.  Industrial-1 zoning allows activities that we believe are not compatible with the surrounding area and the river. If this zoning were allowed to stand, heavy trucks and trailers carrying freight for Halliburton, Exxon and others, could routinely park and store equipment along the Colorado River.

WCC looks forward to seeing the City and its citizens move forward with its vision for a riverfront that includes green space, parks, bike trails and mixed-use businesses.

“The court’s decision opens the door to more compatible mixed-use zoning along the river,” said Penny Heuscher, WCC Vice President and former Orchard Mesa resident.  “Such zoning not only benefits the Grand Junction community and our visitors, but it benefits wildlife and birds that rely on riparian habitat.”