Milliken board approves 'agriburbia' plan

A wine-glass-shaped water tower could be the landmark for a proposed 618-acre slab of agriburbia in Milliken, which developers hope will house a vineyard and possibly a winery.

That was only one idea loosely considered among other issues before the Milliken Town Board unanimously approved a preliminary plan for Platte River Village. The development would use nearly half the acreage for agricultural and open space and could bring nearly 1,000 new units -- both single-family homes and duplexes or townhomes. It would be located at the southeast corner of Weld County roads 19 and 42.

There also is a plan to have the center of project function as a town square with commercial space, possibly housing a winery. The "agriburbia" moniker was applied because the developer, the TSR Group, plans to grow crops -- namely grapes -- and is looking into a winery.

That ties to one of the concerns, which was whether there should be a ground-level or elevated water tank. The water would come from ditch water treated at the town's own plant and from Central Weld Water.

The developers want a more eye-pleasing, ground-level tank, but Mayor Linda Measner disagreed. Some Trustees suggested something to reflect the division's unique character as a destination, such as a wine-glass design. Town staff also have recommended an elevated tower because it would be easier to maintain.

"I'm probably in the minority, but I happen to like elevated water tanks," Measner said. "I find them to be a landmark. There are some really amazing designs in water tanks, and that might be worth exploring."

There were also concerns that Weld 21 wouldn't be paved in time to accommodate increasing traffic. The developer plans to pave a section of Weld 21, which is currently gravel, after the 175th building permit is approved.

"I can see a scenario there where 174 homes are completed and that road isn't paved," said Trustee Milt Tokunaga. "I don't think everyone is going to go on 19."