In the span of three unanimous votes, Fort Lupton City Council added four parcels and 24 acres of land near Weld County roads 22 and 19 and agreed to amend the use of the land – the western parcel — for a self-storage facility. 

Cameron Knapp, a civil engineer with Drexel, Barrell and Co., said the applicants, Lee and Mandi Hagler, proposed 521 self-storage pods, with a secured fence, to be developed in three phases. The site will be open during daylight hours. 

Councilman Carlos Barron asked about security cameras. 

“The units are metal, and there are five points where someone is able to lock the door,” Lee Hagler said. “We haven’t suggested security cameras. But if you prefer, we can do that.”

“It was more of a security concern,” Barron said.“I don’t foresee anything connected with a break-in,” Hagler said. “They are hard to get into.” 

Knapp said there will be an on-site retention pond. The existing water tap from Central Weld County will be used for an on-site, two-stall restroom facility. 

Vista Meadows sketch plan gets first OK 

Council also gave its OK to a sketch plan for the Vista Meadows development. It’s south of Weld County Road 12 and east of WCR 29 ½. When built out, it will include 20 residential estate lots, 320 single-family

lots and 45 single-family residential attached lots, according to city staff. 

The plans also call for a community trail along Fulton Ditch, a neighborhood park and several areas of open space. 

Resident Gin Stoneback expressed her concerns about the overpopulation of prairie dogs and about a retention area on the southeast corner of the property. 

“It’s an active retention area,” she told councilors. “We want to make sure we didn’t take on any extra water.” 

“Whatever comes up, we will be in contact with them,” said applicant JR Osborne. “We hope we can continue to grow your fine town.” 

Planner Alyssa Knutson said the next step will be the preliminary plat and preliminary plan that will go before the planning commission and City Council.