DRBOP

The historic flood of September 2013 devastated the Lyons community. More than 200 homes were damaged or destroyed in Lyons, many never to be rebuilt. As a result, the Town of Lyons acquired 27 former residential properties with federal funding. Funds were also used to remove flood damaged structures and mitigate the impact of future floods. These ‘buy-out’ properties are earmarked as open space or recreational lands in perpetuity.

This plan outlines site concepts and a strategic approach to the future of buy-out properties. It is a shared vision, a way forward that may foster a sense of closure for the community in the wake of disaster. The DRBOP plan is intended to serve as a reference for residents and decision makers for years to come.

The Deed-Restricted Buy-Out Property (DRBOP) Land Use & Management Plan is a blueprint for the future of the buy-out sites, nearly 20 acres of undeveloped public land located in the St. Vrain River confluence, the heart of Lyons. This plan conceptualizes these lands as natural open space areas and wildlife habitat with opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and social interaction.

A final version of the Lyons Flood Recovery Land Use and Management Plan for Acquired Properties is available here. The Plan includes:

Small Lot Neighborhood Development Guidelines, including site specifications, design elements, resident’s use and maintenance licensing and user information for preferred residential neighborhood site concepts
Open Spaces Network Conceptual Design, including a rendering, illustrations and imagery for the preferred concept
Management Plan, including fiscal-impact analysis, operations and maintenance discussion, and estimate of probable costs

Deed-Restricted Buy-Out Properties (Dr. BOP) Final Plan >>

Project Approach

This project developed a plan for the ‘Deed Restricted Buy-Out Properties’ (nicknamed Dr. BOP) in the St. Vrain River confluence. The following elements have been identified as critical project success factors:

1. Improved connectivity
2. Safe access to the St. Vrain River corridor
3. Resiliency to future flood events
4. Universal access for all abilities
5. An appropriate mix of passive and active recreational uses
6. Ecologically sustainable, low-impact planning solutions

This process sought the community's vision, and developed a plan to reach it. Input from stakeholders included neighborhood residents, community members at-large, local business owners, event organizers, Town policy makers, advisors, and/or Town staff. Based on input, the plan was developed to improve livability, strengthen sense of place and community identity, allow for individual expression, ensure safety for residents and visitors, and is dependably maintainable.

The project was led by community planning firm Design Concepts, founded 1981 and based in Lafayette, CO. The intent of their designs are to bring people together, promote a connection with nature, encourage healthy living and learning, and prioritize sustainability.

The final version of the Dr. BOP Plan includes:
1. Small Lot Neighborhood Development Guidelines including site specifications, approved design elements, use and maintenance expectations, and general information for the licensing of the ‘checkerboard’ buy-out lots adjacent to Town residents
2. Large Lot Community Site Concept Plan including a rendered plan, illustration and/or imagery for the preferred concept along with an estimate of probable costs
3. Management Plan including discussion of fiscal-impact, potential funding sources, and operations and maintenance implications of the recommended improvements