Lafayette backs Ionex expansion, reflects on MLK Jr. celebrations

Lafayette City Council convened at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 20 for a brief meeting that centered on a proposed expansion by hazardous materials company Ionex and reflections on the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations.

During public comment, a resident thanked the council for its recent federal petition to the Federal Aviation Administration challenging changes to flight routes out of Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield. Another resident spoke in support of the planned expansion of the Ionex complex on 120th Avenue, urging council to approve the project.

Chelsea Pennington Hahn of the Lafayette History Museum introduced herself to council and invited members to tour the museum at 103 E. Simpson St. She reminded council that the museum is partially funded by an excise tax on Lafayette storage units and that the city owns the historic Lewis House, which serves as the museum’s headquarters. Pennington also noted the museum recently received a grant from the State Historical Fund.

She was followed by Mike Pascoe, president of the Lafayette Historical Society, who announced a new exhibit titled New Views of Lafayette. An open house is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m. to noon and will include a family-friendly time capsule project.

Another resident raised safety concerns about the west side of the Coal Creek Trail, describing it as too narrow for mixed use by pedestrians and bicyclists. That section of the trail dates back to 1992 and is the oldest portion of the system.

Council unanimously approved minutes from its previous meeting and issued a proclamation recognizing Great Kindness Challenge Week. Mayor Pro-Tem Tim Barnes noted the proclamation was fitting coming the day after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Lafayette’s Peak to Peak Charter School has participated in the challenge since 2022.

The main item of regular business was a resolution to approve a Site Plan and Architectural Review for Ionex, a Lafayette-based company founded in 1978 that develops processes for handling hazardous materials. Ionex moved to Lafayette in 1982 and currently operates an office building and technical research center at the site.

The company plans to construct an additional 23,000-square-foot building, partially funded by a government grant. The proposal also included a request to reduce required parking from 155 spaces to 120, a 22.5 percent reduction that triggered City Council review. Ionex currently employs about 90 people and expects to grow to 120 employees.

Planning Manager Jake Nitchals told council the Planning Commission had unanimously approved the site plan. He highlighted the project’s preservation of existing trees and its water conservation features. The new design would replace the parking lot along 120th Avenue with a centrally located lot to allow trucks to load and unload from the new building, according to Catherine Wilkinson of the architectural firm Holland Basham.

Councilor Annmarie Jensen asked about lighting and potential light pollution. Nitchals said the plan emphasizes downward-facing fixtures to minimize impact. Jensen also asked whether Ionex handles hazardous waste at its Lafayette location. CEO Doug Porrey said it does not, and Nitchals added that the fire marshal identified compressed gas as the most dangerous material on site.

CEO Doug Porrey Speaking

Councilor Adam Gianola, attending remotely, questioned the parking reduction and future bicycle parking. Nitchals said parking was not heavily debated by the Planning Commission but confirmed interest in adding interior bicycle storage for employees. Wilkinson said bicycle parking had been discussed but not formally included, though Porrey said encouraging bike commuting was a “great idea.” Wilkinson also noted an abandoned railroad corridor near the property is expected to become a future bike path.

Several council members praised the landscaping plan, with Jensen calling it “very exciting” and expressing hope it could serve as a model. Council unanimously approved the resolution.

Council then approved a separate resolution extending the city’s ground lease on the Louisville Tower, a 150-foot radio tower in Louisville owned by Lafayette since 2001, through 2031.

In staff reports, City Attorney Mary Lynn updated council on Lafayette’s ongoing lawsuit against the state challenging 2024 laws requiring certain cities to increase housing density and reduce minimum parking requirements. City Manager Kady Doelling recapped the city’s MLK Jr. Day celebration and announced applications are open for Lafayette’s Poet Laureate position, which includes a $2,500 stipend. Applications close Feb. 20.

Council reports focused largely on praise for the MLK Jr. event. Mayor J.D. Tapia Vega called it “incredible,” while Jensen credited Councilor Crystal Gallegos and the Youth Advisory Board for their work organizing the celebration. Gallegos thanked East Simpson Coffee Company and Tacos Ay Ay Ay for their support.

Additional updates included Jensen’s attendance at the opening of a quilting exhibit at the Collective Community Arts Center, Councilor David Fridland’s first meeting with the Colorado Municipal League, and Barnes highlighting grants available through the Downtown Development Authority. Tapia Vega also acknowledged former council member Kenny Nguyen, now serving in the state House representing District 33.

Council adjourned at 6:41 p.m. Members then headed into executive session to discuss annexations at Nine Mile Corner.

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