The Hogan/Pancost property could be used as part of the South Boulder Creek flood mitigation and floodplain management efforts. We feel that the only rational approach to deciding whether this property should be used for this purpose is to wait until the Flood Mitigation Planning Study is complete. We believe that all options should be left open and be able to be considered during this study. Development plans for this parcel in the interim would be premature and would take this option off the table.

While some have voiced their opinion that this parcel would not be needed for mitigation efforts due to the topography of the site the following images show that the topography of the site does not at all preclude mitigation structures.

Current 100 Year Flood Map

Aerial View

Elevation Transect

The upper images show the 100 year flood map and an aerial view of the property. The lower image shows the elevation profile of the transect lines in the upper images. As can be seen there is a 4 foot drop from the southwestern corner of the property to the property boundary line, where the drop is even steeper to the lakes near the dog park. Furthermore, this drop is, for the most part, all downhill with a few slight rises. Routing Dry Creek Ditch flood waters and the other flood waters on the property could easily be accomplished and would greatly reduce flood impacts on Manhattan Middle School and the downstream neighborhoods.

Now, should this property be used for mitigation? Would this be the best mitigation option for the area? We don't pretend to know. These are questions best left up to the mitigation study process.