GJ Council: "Door Not Closed" on Zoo
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - There are new developments in one local group's quest to build a zoo in the Grand Valley -- the City of Grand Junction says it's open to working with them to secure a location.
Grand Valley Zoological Quest has asked the city to lease them 50 acres of land north of I-70 near 29 Road so it can build a zoo over time.
During a Property Committee meeting Wednesday, council members said they weren't too keen on that location because of access issues and the fact that there is no infrastructure in place there.
They said, however, they would be interested in talking to the group about leasing land near the Botanical Gardens and outdoor amphitheater.
"We are not closing the door on this discussion," said Mayor Teresa Coons. "We would like to sit down with the group that wants to start the zoo and see how flexible they are in their plans, then see if we can come to some kind of agreement."
City officials say the next step is to set up a meeting between Grand Valley Zoological Quest and the entire City Council.
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by Terri on Jan 10, 2011 at 08:03 PMPrivate enterprise??? Try non profit. This group is only asking for lease of land not financial support from the city. This is common practice for zoos, museums, and botanical gardens to lease land from city parks.
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by Sandy on Jan 10, 2011 at 07:58 PMNew Study Shows Zoos and Aquariums Generate Jobs: http://www.aza.org/uploadedFiles/About_Us/Government_Affairs/AZA%20Economic%20Impacts%20Update%202010.pdf There are more studies to support having a zoo. Just Google ecomonic impact of zoos!
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by TLC Location: Mesa County on Jan 10, 2011 at 10:45 AMLets see...Private enterprise wants a zoo, but they dont want to risk their capital on it. "Hey GJ. Lease us your land" (that is taxpayer owned) so when we go broke we take everybody else with us. No thanks if you want your zoo YOU pay for it.
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by crystal Location: clifton on Jan 7, 2011 at 12:47 PMDont put a zoo by the botanical gardens it smells like tar yuck
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by Skeptical Location: GJ on Jan 7, 2011 at 10:18 AMAbsolutely not!The initial startup costs of a zoo are very high,but over time ,upkeep and overhead are even higher.Who's gonna pay for this?I hail from an Eastern city that has a large zoo,nationally recognized,that is nothing more than a money pit.People from GJ head to Denver and SLC for concerts,sports and exhibits--let 'em go there for a zoo also.I agree we need things to do here in the Valley...especially for kids...but a zoo?How many times a year do people visit a zoo?With our relatively low population,it'd be no time at all before the place would be knee-deep in red ink. Use your brain,please...oppose this silly idea. How about re-opening the ice rink? Nah...that makes too much sense.
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by Anonymous on Jan 7, 2011 at 08:18 AMYes, bring on the Zoo - don't hinder a good thing - don't implement too many restrictions - there's a lot of great ideas out there that get pushed down - and a zoo is a great idea! Our community needs more of this type of activity. Don't implement too many demands on getting it started. If we can keep the cost down for the zoo, they can keep the cost down for the community. Do it for the kids!!!
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