We are coming up on five years since the approval of the District Plan, a joint plan adopted in 2016 by Adams County and the City of Brighton focused on the south Brighton agricultural area, now called Historic Splendid Valley. This award-winning plan was put together in response to ongoing public support for preserving valuable farmland and heritage, building on policies laid out in previous land use, and open space plans spanning more than 20 years.
The many action items in the District Plan fall under one of three overarching goals:
- Preserve agricultural land
- Encourage local food production and consumption
- Promote agritourism
As we approach the five-year mark of working on the plan, here is an update on progress made on the first goal, preserving farmland. Historic Splendid Valley is home to acres of land designated by the United States Department of Agriculture as prime farmland. This is land that has been farmed for decades and continues to produce vegetables, fruits, nursery crops, and other products for local consumption and distribution regionally and nationally. While farmland is being lost at alarming rates across the country, Adams County and the City of Brighton have recognized the benefits of preserving these lands locally. These benefits include access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, realizing our vision of a standalone city surrounded by open space and farmland, and tourism related to visiting some of our local farms.
Since the adoption of the District Plan, approximately 264 acres of land have been preserved with the associated water rights. That brings the total farmland preserved in Historic Splendid Valley to about 445 acres. This is made up of both acquired lands that the county or city lease to local farmers and privately owned properties protected through conservation easements. Competitive grants, including the Adams County Open Space Sales Tax program, and key partnerships have made these successes possible and have helped to ensure that our heritage and community values are reflected into the future.
To learn more about Historic Splendid Valley and the implementation of the District Plan, you can visit brightonco.gov/SplendidValley
Board of Commissioners Support Gov. Polis Statewide Mask Order
On behalf of the Adams County Board of Commissioners, I want to extend our support to Governor Polis for the statewide mandatory mask order. Incidents have increased 109% in Adams County over the past month, as well as across the state. It’s important to support this initiative to keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy and our businesses open. This is a necessary step to halt the spread of this virus that has already disrupted so much of our lives.
Adams County Reopens Mini-Grant Applications to Benefit Small Businesses
As part of its COVID-19 emergency response and recovery strategy, Adams County is again accepting applications for its mini-grant program to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 situation. Businesses can apply for mini-grants at adamscountycovid19.org/minigrants starting today at noon.
Tri-County Health Department Issues Public Health Order Requiring Face Coverings
July 10, 2020 - Today, Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) issued the Public Health Order Requiring Facial Coverings in Public Where Social Distancing Cannot be Maintained that was approved by its Board of Health on July 8.
Adams County Will Soon Be Under Mandatory Face Covering Order
Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) recently put in place a mandatory face covering order at an online board meeting, citing concerns over the steady increase of coronavirus cases over the past few weeks in the tri-county area, and the effectiveness of face coverings to help prevent the spread. The order will be put in place soon for Adams County for 90 days, with the option to amend, rescind, or extend.
County Updates Small Business Stabilization Program to Expand Pool of Applicants
As part of its COVID-19 emergency response and recovery strategy, Adams County, through its Community & Economic Development Department, established the Small Business Stabilization Program in May to provide local businesses with grants up to $35,000 to retain jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suncor to Conduct Fire Extinguisher Training
Suncor’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) will conduct fire extinguisher training Wednesday, July 8, 2020, from approximately 1-3 p.m. The fire extinguisher training will take place at the Plant 1 fire training grounds on the western edge of the Commerce City refinery property. During the training there will likely be flames and smoke produced. Local stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and local government officials have been notified.
RTD set to open N Line for passenger service on Sept. 21
DENVER (June 23, 2020) – The Regional Transportation District (RTD) today announced that it will open its newest commuter rail corridor, the N Line, on Sept. 21. The rail line will serve Denver, Commerce City, Northglenn and Thornton and include a stop at the National Western Complex.
The N Line includes six new stations, with a total of 2,480 new parking spaces. As part of a promotional pilot program, RTD will offer a local fare for travel on the entirety of the line during its first six months of operation.
Adams County wins Judgement for Violations of an Intergovernmental Agreement with City and County of Denver
A Jefferson County judge ordered the City and County of Denver to pay Adams County more than $33 million for violations of an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) regarding noise levels at Denver International Airport (DIA) during the years of 2014, 2015, and 2016. DIA was found in violation of 67 Class II noise exposure performance standards (NEPS) during the aforementioned years.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Extended
Typically, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) ends on April 30 each year. This year, it’s being extended through July 31 due to COVID-19. Residents can apply for LEAP through Colorado PEAK or over the phone through the Health Helpline: 1.866.432.8435. Paper applications are also available in front of the Human Services Center, 11860 Pecos St., Westminster, and completed applications can be placed in the HSC drop-box located in front of the building.
Building Safety Division Transitions to New Schedule
NEW! Beginning Tuesday, June 23, 2020, Adams County Building Safety Division will transition to a 4-10 schedule for building inspections. Building inspection scheduling will be available Tuesday-Friday, and inspection hours will be 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Electrical inspections will continue to be offered Monday-Friday and inspections will be performed between 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
