Lyons' Plan To Bring Back Displaced Residents Is Met With Some Opposition
LYONS, Colo. (CBS4) - During the historic flooding of September 2013, the town of Lyons lost somewhere between 90 and 100 homes, washed away by the overflowing St. Vrain River. People there are now searching for a way to bring displaced residents back to town, and the most prominent plan is facing opposition.
Next month, voters in the town of roughly 2,000 people will decide whether to take a 5-7 acre chunk of Bohn Park, on 2nd Avenue, and sell or lease it to the Boulder County Housing Authority, which would then develop up to 70 affordable replacement housing units on the site. The project would cost approximately $14 million, and if approved by voters, break ground in September.
The town's Broad of Trustees has already voted in favor of the idea, but promised to run it by voters before moving forward.
Jenna Brink, owner of Lyons Mane salon in Lyons says the plan provides the only way for her to move back into town since flood waters destroyed her home at the River Bend mobile home park more than one year ago.
"I'm still not okay," Brink said. "It's like a death, you love your home, I loved my community, I loved my neighbors."
As Lyons rebuilds, Brink says there are fewer and fewer affordable options for people looking to move back into town. She wants to purchase a home, rather than rent, and spent many months after the flood living with family in Boulder.
"It's the only option now, the ship has sailed," Brink says of efforts to find housing options. She plans to vote yes on the measure.
Many people who live in communities adjacent to the 25-acre park oppose the idea.
"The plan to build in the park has really divided the town," Lyons resident Bob Brakenridge said.
Brakenridge moved to Lyons five years ago, and lives in one of the communities that neighbors Bohn Park. He says the park was one of the reasons he chose to move into the neighborhood. Brakenridge plans to vote against the development proposal.
"This is something really special, I think that's motivated us, we don't want to lose that very special asset the town has."
Brakenridge says the opposing position is a tough -- and emotional one -- to take. Some people in town have called those who do not support the idea selfish.
"We've put people who care about their displaced neighbors and friends ... set up against people who are also struggling to preserve the park," Brakenridge said. "That's a bad position for the town to be in."
The mail ballot goes to residents by March 2, and is due back by March 24, town leaders say.
Lauren DiSpirito is CBS4's Northern Newsroom reporter. Follow her on Twitter @CBS4Lauren. Share your story ideas with her here.