A controversial proposal to place a Dollar General store between Cortez and Dolores got a second chance before the Montezuma County commissioners Tuesday. However, after a three-hour hearing, the board delayed making a decision. The commissioners voted 2 to 1 last year to deny a high-impact permit for the store, which would be at Highway 145 and N Road. But the Georgia-based corporation that owns Dollar General sued, and District Court Judge Todd Plewe ruled that another hearing should be held. On Tuesday, the board heard lengthy arguments from applicant Douglas Kinsey, who said opposition is based mainly on dislike of dollar stores rather than anything in the county’s land-use regulations. He said, “Retail is retail.” He presented evidence on issues raised at previous hearings, including fire safety and lower property values, saying those would not be concerns. Thirteen local residents spoke, most expressing worries about safety at the intersection of N and 145. They voiced skepticism about an engineering firm’s findings that the intersection could handle the increased traffic. Pete Montaño of N Road said if the number of vehicles there is tripled, the intersection will be much more dangerous, adding that it is already a challenge. The commissioners voted to continue the matter until July 8 so they have time to review the new evidence presented.
Gail Binkly is a career journalist who has worked for the Colorado Springs Gazette and Cortez Journal, and was the editor of the Four Corners Free Press, based in Cortez.