Well, we missed April Fools’ Day by just a few days. It’s probably a good thing, considering we got in trouble years ago when we announced that Colorado College was opening an extension in our area. Lots of people called them!
If you live in Colorado, the weather is its own April Fool’s joke. Although climate change has become a factor nationwide, Colorado weather has always been unpredictable and impulsive. Newcomers to Colorado quickly catch on to the mantra: “If you don’t like the weather, wait 24 hours, and it will change.” Spring is here, though, and there are signs that winter is behind us, but snow is always in the cards.
I remember snow in June. We do need more snow. Our editor’s stepson lives and works in Aspen and is an avid skier (who isn’t in Aspen?). The other day, he told Marylou that although snow was OK at higher levels of the mountain, when skiers get to the bottom, they have to slosh through slush to get to the gondolas. If you want to hit spring skiing, you have about two weeks left.
Changing the subject, in Colorado, people who live with their parents, or parents who live with their children or friends needing a place to stay, will be happy to know that
Colorado’s House Bill 26-1308 was approved last December. The bill aims to streamline the process of lot splitting in residential areas, providing homeowners with greater flexibility in property development.
The legislation allows property owners to divide their lots into smaller parcels, facilitating the creation of additional housing units in response to the state’s ongoing housing crisis. Under the new law, local governments are required to establish clear guidelines for the lot-splitting process, ensuring that it remains accessible and efficient. Proponents argue that this measure will enhance housing availability and affordability, particularly in urban areas where demand has outstripped supply. Critics, however, express concerns about potential overdevelopment and its impact on community character.
As cities grapple with increasing populations and housing shortages, HB26-1308 represents a significant shift in policy designed to empower homeowners while addressing the pressing need for more diverse housing options across Colorado.
My first thought: What? The original lot must be 2,000 square feet before it can be divided. The new, smaller lot must be at least 1,200 square feet. If the new lots are not
equal, the smaller lot must be at least 30% of the original lot’s total area. So, you couldn’t build another home on a 2,000 square-foot lot. Really! One bright spot for one industry: the tiny house!
Earth Day is April 22, and in this issue, we have placed Earth Day quizzes throughout the paper. They aren’t easy! Human activities have significantly impacted the planet, leading to environmental changes and challenges. Deforestation, industrialization, and urbanization contribute to habitat loss and more.
The burning of fossil fuels has increased greenhouse gas emissions, driving climate change and global warming. Pollution affects air, water and soil quality, harming ecosystems and human health. Overfishing and unsustainable agricultural practices deplete natural resources and disrupt food chains. There is an urgent need for sustainable practices! There are those who do not believe that global warming is a thing! But there are a couple of things that humans have done to the planet that should not be arguable: litter and plastics. It’s real!
Finally, April 17 is Easter Sunday. Happy Easter to my Christian family members and friends. Happy spring to my non-Christian friends. Have a great April!
See you in May! – Michelle
Michelle
