Department of Community Development
Reference: Pioneer Cemetery Historic Landmark Designation
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of the City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Emma Lane, Senior Planner - Historic Preservation
Date Prepared: October 18, 2022
PURPOSE
To consider the designation of Pioneer Cemetery as a historic landmark. In order to proceed with the designation of this property as a historic landmark, the City Council shall review the nomination and application for designation as a historic landmark, conduct a public hearing, and approve an ordinance for the designation of the property as a historic landmark.
The Land Use & Development Code (the "LUDC") outlines review criteria upon which the decision should be made. An ordinance to designate the site must be approved by City Council at two readings. City staff collects and analyzes application materials, and after a thorough review, presents their findings to the Historic Preservation Commission and, thereafter, City Council. Requests to nominate a historic landmark are brought before the Historic Preservation Commission for their recommendation prior to review and final determination by the City Council.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
? Recognizable and Well-Planned Community
? Facilities, Amenities, and Open Space
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
The subject property was originally owned by James Blundell, a friend and business partner of Thomas Donelson. At the time of the gold rush, the Blundell and Donelson families made their way to Colorado from the Midwest. In 1860, James Blundell staked claim on the N 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 13 while Thomas Donelson staked claim in the S 1/2 of the NW 1/2 of Section 13 and the SW 1/4 of Section 13. Mary Blundell, who died in 1863 was the first burial in the nearby cemetery. One year later, Laura Donelson died and was buried in the same cemetery. During this time, Mary E. Black owned the cemetery. There is no record of the transition ...
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