Opinions about Land Use? Cortez Is Open to Feedback

The City of Cortez is modifying its land use code and is open to public feedback. Community Connections is going through an organization transition to accommodate new regulations. Cortez Tours is leading free, once-a-month art tours. And Mesa Verde Country is conducting partnership meetings for local business owners. You're watching the "Local NEWS Roundup," brought to you by Big O Tires and Blondies Trophy Room. I'm Connor Shreve. The City of Cortez is updating its land use code and is inviting members of the community to learn more and share their input. The Cortez Planning Commission and Cortez City Council are holding a joint work session to discuss the new draft chapters of the land use code on Tuesday, June 25th. The public is welcome to attend, but comments will not be taken at that time. For feedback and questions regarding the draft chapters, community members are invited to a drop-in open house on Wednesday, June 26th, from noon to 2:00 at the Cortez Chamber of Commerce, and from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Cortez City Hall. The land use code has not been revised since 2001. The current changes seek to update outdated language, as well as improve the development review process. The draft changes are available for public review on the City of Cortez website. The local nonprofit Community Connections announced that it will be separating into two entities to accommodate regulatory changes and organizational growth. Since 1985, Community Connections has functioned as both a case management agency and direct service provider for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwest Colorado. Starting this July, all of its direct services programs would be transitioned to a new organization called Our Own Lives. Meanwhile, Community Connections will continue to provide early intervention services for children and family support for those living at home. Cortez Tours is leading free guided art tours on the first Friday of each month through October. The next tour is coming up on Friday, July 5th, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, beginning at the Zoo Gallery. Tours will highlight 16 street murals, explore locally-owned galleries, and include a free wine or treat taster. Tours are accessible and open to everybody. You can reserve your spot on the Cortez Tours website. As summer tourism continues, Mesa Verde Country's Tourism Director, Brian Bartlett, says there's a lot for both tourists and local business owners to look forward to. The Cortez Cultural Center has brought back Native American dances. Sand Canyon trails have undergone improvements, and a new coffee shop has opened in Downtown Cortez called Mesa Cafe. In addition to activities for locals and tourists, Mesa Verde Country also conducts monthly partners meetings for businesses on the last Thursday of every month. Business owners are encouraged to come network, share ideas, and discuss opportunities for cross-promotion with other local businesses. The next meeting will be held on June 27th and July 25th at 2:30 at the Welcome Center in Cortez. Learn more about these and other stories online at montezumalocal.news. Thanks for watching this edition of the "Local NEWS Roundup." I'm Connor Shreve.